What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am the head server and janitor and I brew the beer too [at Northern Ales in Kettle Falls, Wash.]. I got started when I decided to quit as a Merchant Mariner and needed to find a job in a town that didn’t have any.
What’s new at Northern Ales?
Everything! We just recently moved from Northport (pop. 300) to Kettle Falls (pop. 1,500). We’re finally getting our draft beer out on the market and expanding our bottle sales.
What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
The camaraderie. I haven’t met a fellow craft brewer who wasn’t willing to share advice and help. I have made a lot of phone calls to fellow brewers to help solve problems at our brewery and was never turned down.
What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Play with the kids, garden, and sample other craft beers.
What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?
Our Smoked NorthPorter with a locally made bratwurst, bun, homemade chili, and cheese.
What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
Managing to find and marry a woman who would work with and support me with the crazy notion of starting a microbrewery.
What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?
I really like the Northern Lights IPA. It’s brewed locally.
What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
Fiji. I was there working on a ship. The Fiji Bitter made for a really great hangover the next day.