What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I’m head brewer at Front Royal Brewing Co. in Front Royal, Va. Brewing was my passion for more than eight years as a homebrewer. I made it my mission to learn everything I could about the artisan craft of brewing beer, and I helped create a local homebrew club, The Shenandoah Valley Homebrewers Guild.

What’s new at Front Royal?

Despite being open for less than six months, Front Royal Brewing Co. has a lot going on. We have eight mainstay beers and three to four seasonals at all times. We have a 1-bbl pilot system for our Trail Series experimental batches, including a recently tapped Orange Ginger Saison.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

Craft brewing is collaborative. Most brewers are always willing to share information and help out where needed. The best part is the sheer love and passion for our fellow brewers and breweries to all thrive and do well, not to mention brew great beer.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

A double IPA with a ton of citrus and grapefruit paired with spicy Thai food. The flavors are amazing.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

That’s easy: my family has to be my biggest accomplishment in my entire life.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

Three Floyds Zombie Dust. Biting, juicy Citra awesomeness! So well brewed.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

Without a doubt, Asheville, N.C. The craft beer scene in Asheville is amazing with more breweries coming in seemingly by the day. There’s a vast array of flavors to choose from! Burial Beer Co. is my favorite brewery there.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

Watch the Cubs and spend time with my wife and family.