What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I’m co-owner and brewmaster at Darwin Brewing Co. [in Bradenton, Fla.]. In 1989, I got my first job in Honduras working as a project engineer at the 2.5-million barrel capacity Cerveceria Hondure a. I fell in love with the whole brewing process, which led me to attend brewing school at Doemens World Brewing Academy in Munich, Germany for three years. After I graduated, I moved back to Honduras, where I became the first non-German-born brewmaster at Cerveceria Hondure a until the brewery was bought out.
What’s new at Darwin Brewing?
We’re expanding, in brewing capacity as well as in our canning and bottling production. Through a partnership with Lucky’s Market, we’re bringing new products to market through new bi-monthly bottle releases, as well as a new canned brew available year round.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
Being able to use my creativity to brew new beer. Also, being part of a brotherhood among the local craft beer community. If a local brewer needs help, we help each other. This ultimately helps put the Bradenton craft beer scene on the map.
Name a favorite food and beer pairing.
Pirata Pilsner with Alaskan king crab.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
Being the father of three beautiful, well-educated young women.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
Ashley Gang Outlaw Imperial IPA from Big Top Brewing Co.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Bass fishing with my ladies (my three daughters).
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
Germany. I went to brewing school in Munich, where I survived three Oktoberfests!