Adam Avery
President/BrewmasterMy love of beer began as an infant. My aunt would put a few drops of the precious liquid on my pacifier to ease the pain of teething. My passion grew through the years as my parents had a ‘European attitude’ towards alcoholic beverages. As I grew into adulthood, I found it difficult to find brands that challenged me. My tastebuds required more flavor than breweries at that time were creating. I was forced to homebrew. All kinds of strange concoctions poured from my kitchen. The cases stacked up…..my friends and I couldn’t quaff as fast as I brewed. The creations, I was told, were great. ‘Start a brewery!’ they said. So with the aid of Dad and his friend, Steve Wagner, I turned my hobby into a profession. Now my singular goal is to challenge your taste buds while taking brewing to another level of flavor, quality, and consistency. I am……a beer junkie!
Larry Avery
First Retiree
Dad grew up during the oppressive days of ‘American Lager’. His tastes have certainly shifted, as it is nearly impossible to get him to drink beer with less than 8% alcohol. He’s turned into a hophead too! A research chemist for nearly 30 years, he chucked it all away and threw everything he had into the brewery. After retiring in August of 2009 after over 16 years with the company, he now serves proudly as our first retiree, occasionally stopping by to sip a brew and to remind all of us working folk just how nice retirement actually is. With more time on his hands, he can devote even more effort to running, his favorite sport over the last 28 years, having logged more than 62,000 miles during that time span.
The Brew Crew Talks…
Steve Breezley Director of Operations Getting paid in beer since December 2001
Steve “Wad” Wadzinski Plant Engineer Getting paid in beer since April 2002
First concert? Blue Oyster Cult/Cheap Trick – I GOTTA have more COWBELL!
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Andechs beer garden, liters of Dopplebock with crackling deep friedSchweine Haxen and Dirndls.
Your happy place is _____________. Reclined in my lazyboy spinning Sister Ray at earsplitting volume on the turntable.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? My Dad
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Hypermiling, picking guitar, proving people wrong on the interweb, vinyl hunting, cruising and wrenching on my Plum Crazy Challenger convertible.
Andy “Hollywood” Parker Special Projects Manager and Barrel Herder Getting paid in beer since August 2002
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Hog Heaven. We call it Pink Bad Decision for a reason. That reason usually happens around the fourth pint.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Ram’s piss. I’m in training.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Archeologist.
First concert? With the parents – Billy Joel. Without – either Living Colour or Dead Milkmen.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Same as Breezley. We flew some 5-gallon kegs to Canada for a week-long backcountry ski trip. Drinking Maharaja and Hog Heaven in the middle of a snowy mountain range after hiking and skiing bottomless powder all day is ridiculously satisfying.
Your happy place is _____________. Back in the Barrel Aging Cellars on a solo tasting day. Music cranked up, usually singing along, pint of Joe’s for a palate cleanser between samples.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Frank Zappa and Andre the Giant.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Going outside and playing wherever I can. With a beer.
Matt “Handtruck” Thrall (Truck) Head Brewer Getting paid in beer since August 2003
What is your favorite Avery beer and why?
Hog Heaven. That sh*t gets my d*ck hard!
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking?
Water. Juice. Coffee.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Lounge singer.
First concert? Kingston Trio.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer?
At my WW2 vet grandfather’s funeral with all of his Pearl Harbor and Pacific Theater buddies.
Your happy place is _____________.
Three hours into a run.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now?
My dad
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing?
Stupidly
Rob Christiansen QA/QC Manager Getting paid in beer since June 2006
What is your favorite Avery beer and why?
Hog Heaven. It has always been Hog and that beer is why I work here.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Usually water.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Superman.
First concert? The Moody Blues.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? I have had a beer at the top of most of the 14′ers I’ve been able to summit. There is nothing better than that kind of view with a beer.
Your happy place is _____________. With my son.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Nolan Ryan.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Hanging out with my family.
Fred Rizzo Brew House Manager Getting paid in beer since October 2006
Ted “Voltron” Whitney National Sales Ninja Getting paid in beer since June 2007
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? My favorite Avery beer is the one I’m drinking right now. That answer always works.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Water, mostly.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? A beer salesman! Seriously. Look it up.
First concert? Jethro Tull with Procol Harum, I didn’t even know how cool that was until years later.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? In my mouth, for sure.
Your happy place is _____________. With my family, anywhere.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? The gang in the Tap Room, they’re awesome.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? You’re kidding, right? Avery is everywhere! We’re on your favorite run, ride or hike, at your favorite bar and at your friend’s house. If I’m away from Avery I really messed up.Jesse “The Boss” Brookstein Packaging Manager Getting paid in beer since October 2007
Ross “Ugh” Meinert Warehouse Manager Getting paid in beer since May 2008
Dan “Danimal” Strevey Brewer/Cellar Getting paid in beer since January 2009
Phil Vaughn Tap Room General Manager Getting paid in beer since February 2009
Contact: phil@averybrewing.com
Jon Moldenhauer Chief Financial Officer Getting paid in beer since July 2009
Holly Pearson H.R. Director Getting paid in beer since November 2009
What is your favorite Avery beer and why?
Karma because I’m drinking it right now
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking?
Mimosas….made with Avery White Rascal… Doh!
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mom
First concert? Tom Petty
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Tour bus or Noddinghead Pub in Philly – my first Berliner weisse!
Your happy place is? Outside with live music
Who do you want to have a beer with right now?
My brother, but he’s Mormon, so Truck
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Yard work, running, cooking, yoga, and being a music junkie
Matt “Matty” Lambuth Tap Room Assistant Manager Getting paid in beer since January 2010
John “Jesus” Stringi Brewer Getting paid in beer since May 2010
Jon “The Intern” Cross Brewer Getting paid in beer since June 2010
Six million dollar insurance claims on his first two fingers. Pink panties and a stranger’s late model Honda Civic. Crusher of Mormon hearts. Oh, you must be talking about The Intern.
Riley “Riles” Finnigan Brewer Getting paid in beer since August 2010
Jonelle Luther Cellar Assistant Getting paid in beer since April 2010
Contact: jonelle@averybrewing.com
Joe Osborne Marketing Director Getting paid in beer since 2011
Dustin LeMoine Colorado Sales Manager Getting paid in beer since March 2010
Contact: dustin@averybrewing.com
Seth Talmon Colorado Beer Evangelist Getting paid in beer since August 2010
Contact: seth@averybrewing.com
Jess Steinitz Marketing and Events Specialist Getting paid in beer since November 2010
What is your favorite Avery beer and why?
Mephistopheles is one of the tastiest beers I have ever had, with the added bonuses of being a cool legend and a damn near unpronounceable word. It’s also especially devilish with coffee added.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking?
Vodka.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A gymnast astronaut, so I could do flips in space. (Then I learned about zero gravity.)
First concert?
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland. It made me want to be named Judy and have blue eyes.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer?
Aside from the Avery Tap Room, I’ve had beers in some pretty rad places – from 13,000 ft. above sea level in La Paz to the Kaikoura peninsula of New Zealand to a World Cup game in Frankfurt to floating down the Gunpowder River in Maryland.
Your happy place is _____________.
Inti Wara Yassi Animal Refuge outside of Villa Tunari, Bolivia.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now?
Joe Cooper, my friend in the Peace Corps who is in Cameroon drinking crappy beer.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing?
Growing food, cooking food, reading about vegan food, and working on my master’s thesis in Environmental Writing & Communication.
Greg Miller Shipping and Logistics Manager Getting paid in beer permanently since April 2011 (but brewing whenever he felt like it since 2001)
What is your favorite Avery beer and why?
Hog Heaven. It tastes awesome and makes me feel funny.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking?
Mountain DewIn elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Taller. Some things never change.
First concert? It was either Journey or Foreigner. I’m equally embarrassed by both.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? In my hand.
Your happy place is _____________. Latitude 40.017053
Longitude -105.218922
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Anyone in my happy place.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Anxiously awaiting my return to Avery Brewing.
John Young Packaging Assistant Getting paid in beer since July 2011
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? IPA. it has everything I want in a traditional IPA, and I take great pride in packaging it.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Water to rehydrate for the next round.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Astronaut (Duh)
First concert? MC Hammer. Can’t touch this.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer?
An Avery IPA in a snow storm on top of a 14,000ft mountain. Ice Cold.
Your happy place is in bed.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? My 5 year sober best friend.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Exploring. I have an insatiable curiosity for whatever is around the corner.
Rachael Burrell Events Coordinator Getting paid in beer since July 2011
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Maharaja! I don’t think I really need to explain myself here. Although our IPA was the first Avery beer I ever had, and thus began my long and torrid love affair with this brewery. I stalked them until they actually hired me. When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Whiskey mostly. Although Modus Hoperandi from Ska Brewing is always in my beer fridge. In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Madonna. But before she went crazy. First concert? Shania Twain. There, I said it. Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? I shotgunned a beer on top of a bridge outside Whistler, BC. Right before I bungeed off into a deep canyon. That was pretty cool. Your happy place is _____________. Anywhere in the mountains of Colorado. Who do you want to have a beer with right now? My dad! He’s the reason I love beer so much. Thanks Dad! How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? People take time away from this place? Weird.
Taylor Gunter Packaging Getting paid in beer since April 2011
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Shotgun= Joes’s. Long Pour= White Rascal. What I think of when I’m not shotgunning or long pouring= IPA because it’s The King of Beers, I think. When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? I drink more coffee than beer, but only because it goes better with donuts and sometimes hotdogs. In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? My dad is an everyday normal guy. I’m an everyday normal guy. I went to elementary school too. First concert? The Boss. I had no choice. My mom was still full of all my food. I hate The Boss. Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Shower Your happy place is? N/A Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Jesus. He might turn beer into more beer. How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Books. Donuts. Hot Dogs. Family. America.
Melissa Antone Microbiologist Getting paid in beer since August 2011 What is your favorite Avery beer and why? New World Porter. It is roasty and warming yet hoppy as hell, an awesome showing of how we add a twist to a classic style to create something unique and delicious. When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Mountain Sun In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Marine Biologist First concert? Weezer and No Doubt Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? The Dead Sea Your happy place is the beach at Iroquois St on Long Beach Island, NJ. Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Danny Williams How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Gardening, Cooking, Hiking with my pup
Cary Clemente Packaging Assistant Getting paid in beer since August 2011 What is your favorite Avery beer and why? The one I’m packaging that day. When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? I like trying any beer I haven’t had before, no matter what the brewery. In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Indiana Jones or Han Solo. I didn’t realize yet they were the same person in real life. First concert? American Hi-Fi and VAST opened for Eve 6. We didn’t stay for Eve 6. Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? You ever been to Wisconsin in the winter? Your happy place is a beer crushing/movie watching session. Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Dr. Andrew Kenneday Scott. How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? I spend most of my time occupying various administration buildings… smoking a lot of thai stick… breaking into the ROTC… and bowling.
Joel Irby Brewer Getting paid in beer since September 2011
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? That’s hard to decide, but probably Maharaja. I love the overwhelming amount of hops. But if it is morning or winter, Out of Sight is definitely my go to.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Coffee, original Fresca, water. In that order.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? A paleontologist.
First concert? I really can’t remember. It was probably so embarrassing that I permanently blocked it out of my childhood memories.
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Either on top of the Titan in the Fisher Towers or in the Ruth Gorge in Alaska.
Your happy place is _____________. On top of any sandstone tower in Utah.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Cormac McCarthy. We would talk about Mexican adventures and knife fights. If he was busy probably Brad Pitt, because that is one handsome man.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Sleeping mainly. But sometimes I like to go outside and do things. And I like to make corn dogs and eat bacon, preferably simultaneously.
Jordan Urban Tap Room Getting paid in beer since March 2012
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Ross’s Mom–wild and tangy with just a touch of sweetness. So tasty!
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Chocolate milk, mostly. Oh…beer? I’m a big fan of Left Hand (Sawtooth (still wondering if the plural is Sawteeth or Sawtooths; Milk Stout..etc)
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? A cheesemonger. Beermonger suits me just fine though.
First concert? BSB’s (don’t make me spell it out).
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer?
Home brewed beer in a homemade igloo.
Your happy place is–the hot springs, any and all of them.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Jon (Fish) Fishman.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Cooking, climbing, hammocking, guitaring, hanging with my Avery family, and drinking beers on the Avery patio (seriously, I spend a large portion of my days off here…)
Conner Helton Assistant Controller Getting paid in beer since March 2012 What is your favorite Avery beer and why? On a hot summers day, there is nothing like a cool refreshing Joe’s… In the dead winter… Tweak When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? An entire bottle of Barefoot, Sweet Red wine.. it turns SNL funny again. In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an Astronaut Dinosaur Hunter! First concert? 4th grade… hand-bells… Coolest you’ve ever had a beer? Winter Park, on the mountain, below freezing temps My happy place is either at a lake house in the mountains or with me ruling the world… one of the two… Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Truck How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? With my family.
Josh Roach Packaging Getting paid in beer since March 2012
What is your favorite Avery beer and why?
Without a doubt Hog Heaven. The layers and complexity of the Barleywine, complimented by the beautiful hoppy nose makes it a splendid treat anytime of year!
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking?
When I’m not drinking Avery I stick with water.
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up I wanted to be an Architect.First concert? Sadly enough, the first concert my parents didn’t take me to was Third Eye Blind. Yikes! Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Oktoberfest would probably be the coolest place I have enjoyed the worlds finest beverage; beer.
My happy place is next to my wife, anywhere.
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Truck How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? When I’m away from Avery I have been known to remodel train stations, making them more efficient in the area of heat retention. On Wednesdays, after work, I repair electrical appliances free of charge. I enjoy urban hang gliding. Critics worldwide swoon over my original line of corduroy evening wear. My deft floral arrangements have earned me fame in international botany circles. I participate in full-contact origami. I breed prizewinning clams and I cook Thirty Minute Brownies in twenty minutes. I once caught a 900 lb Blue Marlin with a cane pole. I typically finish triathlons in 1/3 the normal time by completing the run, swim, and bike portions simultaneously. When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, I was there waiting with my video camera. 60 minutes tried to do a feature on me, but there was not enough time Life does not give me lemons; it gives me whatever I ask for.
Travis Rupp Packaging Getting paid in beer since April 2012 What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Maharaja. When it hits your lips, it’s just so good! When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? My home brew. I also enjoy trying new beers and breweries any chance I get. I’m on a mission to visit every brewery in Colorado and procure a pint glass. So far, I’ve hit about 55 of them. In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Indiana Jones or a Running Back for the San Francisco 49ers. First concert? Smashing Pumpkins quickly followed by Nine Inch Nails in 1993. My parents weren’t exactly pleased that their 13 year old attended the latter. Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? There are several from my time in Rome, but probably drinking a Tuborg outside the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome next to the Mausoleum of Augustus while looking out over the Tiber River. Or sampling Telluride Brewing Co. beers in the mountains of Telluride last March with Sara; it was literally cool. Your happy place is _____________. Sitting on my porch or in my library with my lady, Sara, and my dog, Kona, enjoying some tasty brewed beverages. Who do you want to have a beer with right now? William Shatner How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? I’m an instructor of Classics at CU-Boulder, specializing in Greek and Roman art, architecture, archaeology, and history. I teach two courses there a semester. Home brewing. I read and write a lot, primarily on the topics pertinent to my academic field and beer! Huge sports fan, especially football and baseball. Spend as much time with Sara and Kona as I can hiking, chilling, etc
Kyle Howard Tap Room Getting paid in beer since April 2012
What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Bourbon barrel Mephistopheles. Because it is a dark sea of pleasure.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking? Deschuttes or Odell
In elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Some sort of astronaut
First concert? Zz Top
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer? Joan Jett’s tour bus
Your happy place is _____________. Vegas
Who do you want to have a beer with right now? Steve Nash, or steve buscemi, or any interesting Steve
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing? Brewing, gambling, and cooking food that is either awesome or horrible
Seth Rosati Tap Room Getting paid in beer since April 2012 What is your favorite Avery beer and why? Hog Heaven because I love hops and I love the malty sweetness that balances it out.
When you’re not drinking Avery, what are you drinking?
Makers Mark Manhattan on the rocks. mmmmmmmm…
In elementary school what did you want to be when you grew up?
A fireman, what else?
First concert?
Garth Brooks and I don’t want to talk about it
Coolest place you’ve ever had a beer?
Laying against a log on a beach in Vancouver
Your happy place is? At home with my beautiful wife and son
Who do you want to have a beer with right now?
The Beatles. They’d probably like totally different beers from me, but it’d be fun nonetheless.
How do you spend your time away from Avery Brewing?
Catching up on sleep, gardening, camping, and playing with my son
Katie Barnes Southern California Sales Getting paid in beer since 2012
