What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I’m the head brewer at Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling in San Antonio, Texas. I was a homebrewer for eight years and was lucky enough to be close friends with some gents opening a brewery/distillery in need of a brewer!
What’s new at Ranger Creek?
This is year two of production for us, and we are working on expansion mostly, distributing into new areas and growing existing ones. Additionally we will be releasing four small batch barrel-aged creations this year, including a 13-month-old Belgian-style sour ale! This year will see the release of our first two distilled beer products, a whiskey version of our Mesquite Smoked Porter, and an un-aged spirit distilled from one of our other beers.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
Craft beer people—brewers and consumers alike—are easily some of the most communal, friendly, accepting people I have encountered in my life. Having gotten to know my peers and constituents has been incredible. I feel blessed and honored to be a part of such a supportive, tight-knit community. Texas craft beer folk are very supportive of one another.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
If I am not at the brewery, I am spending as much time as possible with my amazing wife and two incredible sons. We ride our bikes, listen to music, and garden together. We’re like a team more than a family.
What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?
Easily one of the toughest questions in the world, but for everyday living you can’t beat a wedge of crusty artisan bread, a hunk of English Cotswold, and a nice hoppy American pale ale or IPA.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
Being a husband and a father are the two most fun, challenging, and rewarding things I have done in my lifetime, hands down.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
JW Lees Harvest Ale has a permanent place in my heart, and I thoroughly enjoy Stash IPA from Independence Brewing in Austin, Texas.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
The Raleigh/Durham, N.C. area is just overflowing with some of the finest beer in the nation, both local and imported. There is a huge selection, something for all tastes, and it’s hard to beat a Duck Rabbit Milk Stout.