Leaving Texas in 1990, John jumped into the brewpub world, joining a start up company based in Florida. For the next seven years John worked around the southeast, building and operating what would grow to be a collection of nine brewpubs, before settling in Atlanta to operate the largest brewery in the chain, where he practiced his craft before joining Green Man Brewery in 2007. Just prior to relocating to Atlanta, John took some time off to attend the Siebel Institute of Technology, completing coursework in Malting and Brewing Science, and Quality Control. During his beer travels to the Pacific Northwest and the UK, John developed an appreciation for British style ales, and enjoys studying traditional production techniques. John is married to a local chef, and appreciates the culinary arts as well. When not crafting fine Green Man brews, he spends time outdoors, sailing and hiking in summer, and skiing in winter.

Before moving to Asheville in 2007, he was the head distiller at New Orleans Rum Distillery. Mike loves hoppy IPA’s Black Sabbath, Simcoe hops, Motorhead, David Lynch, West Asheville, zombies, and music from the 50’s.

He volunteered for Green Man for a bit while waiting for the Master Brewers Program to start at University of California- Davis. Once graduated he returned to us as an assistant brewer. He loves filling all those growlers!