1. Where is your brewery?

The Bruery is located in Pacentia, CA, and Bruery Terreux, our new sour and funky spin-off brewery is located in Anaheim, CA. I grew up in Orange County and am proud to be able to make a contribution to the local beer scene.

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

My first craft beer experience was Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Black Butte Porter, I don't remember which one came first but they were within minutes of one another. I was a teenager on a family trip in Sunriver, Oregon. My first sip gave me respect for beer - that there is something distinctive in craft beer, something waiting to be discovered. I'd like to think that paved the way.

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

Our barrel-fermented sour beers are probably where I get the most enjoyment from the process. Each barrel is a microcosm, and if we told you that we understood exactly what was happening internally, we'd be lying. The range of flavors, the impact of time, and the importance of blending make them really exciting for me.

Photo Credit: Cambria Griffith; Courtesy: The Bruery — Photo Credit: Cambria Griffith; Courtesy: The Bruery

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?

Tough question! Victory Prima Pils is a beer that I would have a tough time getting tired of, and of course goes great with hot and humid weather on this island I'm stranded on (if it's not a tropical island, I'd like to change my answer!).

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

Back in the day when I was brewing routinely, I liked it to be quiet. No music.

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

Another tough question! Lost Abbey/Port Brewing has had a huge impact. They were the first local brewery to prove that small, specialty, brewery-only releases can generate a lot of excitement and passion from customers. They had the first membership club (that I can recall), and that inspired our Reserve Society. They make a wide range of delicious beers, from sours, to IPA's, to robust bourbon barrel aged beers. They have a great crew that has always been willing to help us out. Thanks Lost Abbey crew!

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

We aren't very hop-centric, though we do love our hops. The only single hop beer that we make on a routine basis would be Rueuze, which is brewed with aged Willamette hops.

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

My local spot is Amazing Grapes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. I love places where I can get some beer for home and also get a pint while I'm there. The beer guy, Daniel, does a great job. They have a rotating selection, a lot of hoppy beers, so it's tough to go wrong there.

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

This advice applies mostly to those starting their own breweries. Be an expert, find an area where you're able to make a contribution, and work your ass off! This industry doesn't have any room for people who don't know what they're talking about. It doesn't have a lot of room for people who are simply following trends created by others. It certainly doesn't have any room for people who aren't willing to give it their all.

10. Dogs or cats?

Definitely dogs! I have a black English lab, Ollie.