What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am brewmaster at Sunken City Brewing Company in Hardy, Va. I got started in the brewing industry after attending the VLB in Berlin, Germany. My first job was as an assistant brewer at Carver Brewing Company in Durango, Colo. From there I ran brewing operations at Gottberg Brewpub in Columbus, Neb. When the opportunity arose to open a new production brewery from the ground up in Virginia, I jumped at the chance.
What’s new at Sunken City?
We are constantly growing in sales and distribution. We recently opened up the state of West Virginia along with Western Tennessee. We have an award-winning lineup of full-time, seasonal, and limited release beers.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
The best part of the craft brewing community right now is the camaraderie among brewers. Virginia is absolutely exploding with great new breweries and the friendly competition is strong, yet I could call a number of breweries in the area for an emergency bag of specialty grain or a part for my brewhouse. That is not something you can say about a lot of industries right now.
Name a favorite food and beer pairing.
Barleywine and blue cheese.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
My 12-year marriage to my smart, funny, and beautiful wife and helping her raise our two kids. Starting and running a brewery pales in comparison in the grand scheme of things.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
Boulevard Tank 7. Internationally, it is probably Petrus Oud Bruin. It was my first sour beer experience many, many years ago and I have very fond memories of discovering it.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Time away from the brewery is few and far between these days. When I get it, I prefer to spend it with my wife and children.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
My stint in Northern Germany for brewing school allowed me the opportunity to discover just how great a Northern German Pils could be! I tried my hardest to find a bad one while I was there, but they were all very good. It is still one of my favorite styles today.