What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am the head brewer at Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co. [in Lubbock, Texas]. I started apprenticing six years ago by cleaning kegs, and now I am my own assistant.
What’s new at Triple J?
We are working on plans to install a new cold liquor back, as well as a 60-bbl addition to our cold storage.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
A mutual knowledge of and appreciation for our livelihoods, industry expansion, and development.
Name a favorite food and beer pairing.
Open-faced bison-bacon burgers topped with pickled habanero garlic, saut ed Portobello mushrooms, and fresh tomatoes. Paired with Deschutes Mirror Pond or Odell IPA.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
Keeping a clean home with the love of my life.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
Firestone Walker Wookey Jack.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Grill, smoke meats, work in yard, and play with my dog.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer and why?
Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp Across America in Denver. I tried around a hundred beers, all of which were great in their own right. The event was very well run and everyone was extremely professional.