1. Where is your brewery?

The Beer'd Brewing Company is located in Stonington, CT. Just about as far Southeast in the state that you can go. We're housed within an old velvet mill that operated until the mid 90's. It's a very unique building that now houses artist studios, a glass blower, a cheese maker, and us!

2. What was the first beer you had that made you realize craft beer was going to be a bigger part of your life?

This is a tough one because it happened back in college, and my memory these days is shot! I'd have to say, at the time I started to venture into the world of "better beer" I was drinking a lot of Long Trail and Saranac. I'd have to call it a tie between both companies' IPA's at the time.

3. What is your favorite style to brew and why?

Based on our offerings, I'd say that the Double IPA is my favorite style to brew. I love the variety of hops available and how they can be so nuanced and different. There's nothing like dumping pounds of pungent hops in to a boiling kettle and just living in the aroma they provide the brewery for the rest of the day.

4. If you were stranded on an island (with a working refrigerator that automatically replenished itself) and you could only have one beer for the rest of your life in that fridge, which would it be?

I'd have to say the Bissel Brothers Baby Genius would fit the bill. I'd assume it's an island based in a warm climate, so I could slug these all day and still handle my business making fire, catching fish, and working on a killer base tan.

5. What is your favorite music to listen to in the brewery?

It changes almost daily! If you asked my staff, they would without a doubt say Modest Mouse is in the highest of rotations. We also like some Rise Against and Thrice once in a while.

6. Which other brewery has inspired you the most? Why?

I hate to be cliche, but Hill Farmstead has definitely had a heavy influence on how we operate here at Beer'd. We have an extremely limited distribution footprint, brew a bunch of highly sought after hoppy beers and don't package for sale anywhere other than the brewery. I admire the business Sean has built for himself up there in VT and I thoroughly enjoy his beers anytime I get my hands on some.

7. Single hop beer - which hops are you using?

If I had been quick to answer this, back when it was originally sent, it would have been Nelson Sauvin. It's such a unique flavor profile and our fans come specifically searching for our Hobbit Juice DIPA. Recently I've been playing with Azacca not only in a single hop fashion but also as a blend with some other infamous players. I really enjoy the super ripe mango character that this hop lends to the big yet clean double IPA malt profile.

8. Where is your favorite place to get a beer after work and why?

One of our best accounts is the Engine Room in Mystic, Ct. I love stopping there because it's on my way home, they always have beers that I've never tried, and everyone knows your name when you walk in.

9. What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone who thinks they want to get into the craft beer industry?

I'd have to say to find some experience and learn as much as you can from someone who's been there and done that before making the leap. It's a fun industry to be a part of and it's consistently changing as flavor preferences, ingredients, and techniques change. Just be ready to roll with the punches and adapt easily.

10. Dogs or cats?

Dogs, no explanation necessary.