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

I’m the assistant brewer at Pedernales Brewing Company [in Fredericksburg, Texas]. I’m responsible for various day-to-day operations including brewing, lab work, research and development, maintenance, waste, fresh water treatment, and my favorite part, quality control!

What’s new at Pedernales Brewing?

We have recently expanded our operations. We installed a new glycol system, a five-head cask canning line, five new 80 bbl uni tanks, an 80 bbl horizontal lager tank, and an 80 bbl bright tank. We have three more tanks being built. Also, we are nearing completion on a major tap room expansion.

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

The best part of the craft brewing community is the community itself, especially the love and passion of people who want to experience new things, and the willingness of others to help out with any aspect, whether knowledge or materials. The community always has your back and takes care of its own. I also love meeting new people and going to new places.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

To me it’s all about the BBQ. I love smoked jalape o poppers wrapped in bacon with cream cheese and a hoppy, floral IPA.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

My beautiful daughters, Nevaeh and Layla. They are my heart and soul. Life would not be complete without them.

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

I have a big list of beers that I want to mention, but I will narrow it down to one: North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout.

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

When I have time to escape from the brewery, which is a rare occasion, I love catching up on sleep, camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with my girls.

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

Having been born and raised in Texas, I am blessed with a vast array of breweries that have been steadily growing in the last couple of years. I enjoy sampling the diversity of all the great beers Texas has to offer by traveling to various events, breweries, and pubs across the state.