Certified Cicerone® Level 2 • Published Author • Craft Beer Tourism Pioneer
Guiding American brewery adventures since 2010 with unbiased, firsthand expertise from 400+ personal visits
I've spent the last 15 years doing what many only dream of: visiting every corner of America's craft beer landscape, from the historic limestone caves at Yuengling in Pennsylvania to the innovative barrel rooms at Russian River in Sonoma County.
With over 400 brewery visits across all 50 U.S. states logged in my notebooks, I've learned what makes a brewery tour truly memorable—and what travelers should avoid. I've toured the giants like Samuel Adams and Sierra Nevada, and discovered hidden gems in places like New Glarus, Wisconsin.
As a Certified Cicerone® Level 2 and graduate of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas program, I combine rigorous technical knowledge of brewing science, beer styles, and tasting methodology with real-world travel wisdom. This unique perspective helps you plan safer, richer, and more rewarding brewery adventures.
Years of Experience
Breweries Visited
States Explored
Books Published
What started as a weekend trip to Pennsylvania's beer trail turned into a life-changing passion. After my first tour at Tröegs Independent Brewing, I knew I had found my calling: helping others discover the stories, craftsmanship, and community behind American craft beer.
Earned my Certified Cicerone® Level 2 credential after intensive study and tasting exams. This certification represents mastery of beer styles, brewing processes, draft systems, beer storage, and service—ensuring every recommendation I make is backed by professional expertise, not just personal preference.
Completed a six-month research journey covering the Pacific Northwest, California, Rocky Mountains, and beyond. This expedition formed the foundation of my first book and revealed the incredible diversity of American brewing culture.
Published three books on American craft beer tourism. Featured in USA Today, Beer Advocate, Craft Beer & Brewing, and Travel + Leisure as a trusted voice in brewery travel planning and beer education.
Launched this comprehensive online resource to make brewery tourism accessible to everyone. Continuously updating guides based on new visits, seasonal changes, and feedback from thousands of travelers who've used these recommendations to plan their perfect brewery trips.
One of fewer than 3,000 people worldwide to hold this advanced beer certification. Demonstrates expertise in beer evaluation, service, styles, brewing processes, and beer-food pairing.
Learn more about this certification →Three comprehensive books on American craft beer culture and tourism, including detailed regional guides and brewery etiquette.
Books available at major retailers nationwide
Firsthand experience across urban taprooms, rural farmhouse breweries, and historic production facilities in all 50 states—from East Coast to Midwest to West Coast.
Explore featured breweries →Every brewery featured has been personally visited and evaluated. No paid placements, no sponsored content—just honest recommendations based on visitor experience quality.
Detailed information on responsible drinking, wheelchair accessibility, family-friendly options, and transportation planning.
Beyond beer reviews—packing tips, booking strategies, seasonal considerations from summer to winter, and real transportation solutions.
Whether you're seeking free tours, premium experiences, or group adventures—complete guidance for every budget and interest level.
Trusted by leading publications for expert insights on American craft beer tourism and brewery travel planning
After 15 years and hundreds of brewery visits, I've learned that the best brewery experiences go far beyond the beer itself. They're about understanding the story behind each pour, the craftsmanship that goes into every batch, and the community that gathers around the tap handles.
I don't feature a brewery on this site unless I've walked through their doors, spoken with their staff, and experienced their tour firsthand. From the moment you arrive at Brooklyn Brewery to the farewell at Revolution Brewing in Chicago, I evaluate every touchpoint of the visitor experience.
My Certified Cicerone® certification ensures I can explain the technical aspects of brewing, beer styles, and flavor profiles with accuracy. But more importantly, I combine this knowledge with practical travel advice: How do you plan an efficient route? What time of year is best for visiting specific regions? Which breweries offer the most educational tours?
The craft beer industry changes rapidly. Breweries expand, tours change schedules, and new experiences emerge. I continuously revisit featured breweries and update information to ensure you have the most current, accurate guidance possible.
To make American craft beer tourism accessible, safe, and enriching for everyone—from first-time brewery visitors exploring their local taproom to seasoned beer travelers planning multi-state road trips.
I believe every American deserves to experience the craftsmanship, community, and stories behind our nation's thriving brewery culture. Whether you're interested in fall harvest festivals, self-guided brewery trails, or simply finding a great pet-friendly spot to enjoy a pint, this guide is for you.
🍺 100% Independent & Unbiased
All content is independently researched and based on personal visits. No paid placements. No sponsored listings. Just honest recommendations you can trust.
A Certified Cicerone® is a professional beer certification demonstrating advanced knowledge in beer styles, brewing processes, beer service, flavor evaluation, and food pairing. The Level 2 certification (which I hold) requires passing a rigorous tasting exam covering off-flavor identification, style recognition, and beer evaluation, plus a comprehensive written test covering beer history, styles, ingredients, brewing science, draft systems, and proper service techniques.
It's the beer equivalent of a sommelier certification for wine—fewer than 3,000 people worldwide have achieved this level.
I've personally visited over 400 craft breweries across all 50 U.S. states during my 15+ years of brewery tourism experience. This includes major operations like Samuel Adams in Boston and Sierra Nevada in California, historic breweries like Yuengling in Pennsylvania, and smaller craft operations across every American region.
Each visit involves touring the facility, tasting their beers, evaluating their visitor experience, and assessing factors like accessibility, tour quality, and overall hospitality.
Absolutely not. All brewery recommendations are independently researched and based on personal visits. I do not accept payment for brewery listings, sponsored content, or preferential reviews. The site maintains complete editorial independence.
I only recommend breweries that provide exceptional visitor experiences, regardless of their size or marketing budget. Your trust is more valuable than any payment, and that's reflected in every honest recommendation I make.
Breweries are selected based on multiple factors: quality of the visitor experience, tour educational value, beer quality, hospitality, accessibility, facility cleanliness, and overall atmosphere. I prioritize breweries that offer something unique—whether it's historic significance, innovative brewing techniques, architectural interest, or exceptional guest services.
Every featured brewery has been personally visited, and I continually update recommendations based on revisits and changing conditions.
Yes! I offer custom brewery trip planning, group tour consulting, and educational beer tasting sessions. Whether you're planning a bachelor party brewery tour, corporate team-building event, or personal brewery road trip, I can help design the perfect itinerary.
Contact me for rates and availability.
Explore comprehensive guides, regional recommendations, and expert tips to plan your perfect American brewery experience