What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I’m an owner as well as the operating manager at Del Norte Brewing Company in Denver, Colo. Ever since graduating from Arizona State University with a Chemical Engineering degree, I’ve wanted to be involved with a brewery. After a long career in environmental consulting, I decided to jump into the craft brewing industry with both feet. Del Norte Brewing Company was born in 2006 with the idea for creating a brewery specializing in fresh, craft lagers made in a Mexican style. To date, we are the only U.S. brewery that specializes in authentic Mexican-style lagers.

What’s new at Del Norte? 

A Bohemian-style lager—think “Mexican-style pale lager (MPL).” It is our hoppiest beer so far. We’ve received some excellent feedback from customers who sampled it at our brewery. We are still perfecting our recipe and developing a name for this new brew.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

The camaraderie within the industry. It’s been very refreshing. I’ve met some incredible people from other breweries who have been very helpful in sharing their knowledge and ideas. There seems to be a lot of supporting one another in this industry which really helps the craft brewing industry as a whole remain strong.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

What time away from the brewery? (Ha ha.)  When I do get some time away, I enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and all of the outdoor activities that the beautiful state of Colorado has to offer. I also love traveling around the world. Additionally, I am a part-time instrument flight instructor.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

Mañana (our GABF gold-medal winning Mexican-style amber lager) with an award-winning BBQ brisket….or pizza.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Passing the FAA practical exam for my certified flight instructor rating.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

Murphy’s Irish Stout, Hottenroth Berliner Weisse from The Bruery, and Hefeweizen from Dry Dock Brewing Co.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer? 

Peru. After an exhilarating taxi ride from the airport to where I was staying in Lima, I got a chance to have a Cristal…or two…or three. While in Trujillo, I made friends with a dance team that was in town from New York for the national contest of Marinera Norteña. I got to see the national dance of Peru while enjoying a Cusqueña lager. While I was in Puno, I got to experience the Virgen de La Candelaria Festival. I was also able to partake in the chicha de jora (fermented corn) made in the traditional way. It was interesting. I think the better choice was the chicha morada, a purple corn drink.