It was April 1st, 1993…. A very young, very earnest homebrewer with a penchant for the Grateful Dead, Phish, and free jazz was hired by Phil Bannatyne, CBC’s Fearless Leader and President For Life. Charged with scrubbing floors, washing kegs, emptying the mash tun, and delivering beer around town in a van that can only be described as “dangerous,” this young man learned the art of brewing American Craft Beer (we called it “Microbrewing” back then) under the tutelage of Phil and then Head Brewer Darryl Goss. In these cowboy days of brewing, the team produced unheard of beers from traditions ‘round the world and dreamed up more than a couple brand new ones.

Inspired by the accomplishments of his mentors, the young man truly felt he had found a home and an interesting place to explore the creative, artistic process as expressed by malted grains, yeast, hops, and other occasionally bizarre (but food safe!) ingredients. Eventually he ascended to the position of Brewmaster at CBC and now leads a team of talented brewers. CBC has become known internationally (amongst beer geeks, at least) as a force in the brewing world, and continues to push the envelope of craft beer with award-winning creations. Who knows what the next 18 years will bring???

Thanks for giving me a job waaay back in 1993, Phil. And thanks for standing by me through the conception and production of some crazy beers and ideas that often sounded pretty hair-brained at the time. Hell, some still do to this day. And thanks for being such a good friend, mentor, and boss. Aw heck, now I’m getting weepy.

Cheers,
~Will