What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
My position is brewery manager and partner [at Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co. in Glenwood Springs, Colo.]. Bill Carver hired me to apprentice at Carver Brewing Co. in Durango, Colo. in 1995. A year later he offered me the top spot at a new brewpub in Glenwood Springs and I have been here ever since.
What’s new at Glenwood Canyon?
Our kitchen staff made a monumental effort to become more competitive this year. In the process of changing food vendors, they negotiated better pricing and quality. They also overhauled our menu and really stepped up food presentation. They put a lot of work into it and it’s paying off. On the brewery side, we upgraded our presentation with new glassware and sampler flights. We also finished a long-term project to replace our Grundys with new pressure-rated serving tanks. The new tanks have more capacity, use less floor space, and are safer to use. We also have a new accounting and payroll system that helps us track everything more quickly.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
It is like we are all members of a special club. It has always been my experience that visiting brewers are treated like royalty and everyone is willing to share information.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
I grew up playing organized ice hockey and at age 55 still play once or twice a week.
Name a favorite food and beer pairing.
My standard pairing is English-style IPA and chicken enchiladas. Nothing fancy.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to brewing?
Getting involved in local civics. I served on the Glenwood Springs Alcohol Board for seven years. In the process I got to know key city officials, learned about licensing and permit procedures, and met some good people. I am currently on a city task force that is planning to build a performing arts center and upgrade our ice rink.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
I first tried Anchor Porter in the 1980s and thought it was magnificent. It still is.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
I was in Portland, Maine for a brewpub conference in 2000 and was impressed by the beers available there, including D.L. Geary, Allagash, Gritty McDuff’s, Sebago, and Shipyard. It is also a very scenic area, which definitely adds to the pleasure of sampling local brews.