Jay Cox
Cornerstone Brewery
Brewer/Virgo
Years at Brewery: 7
Previous experience: None, other
than home brewing in my kitchen
Brewhouse capacity per batch: 15
barrels
Annual output: 495 to 530 barrels
Brewing philosophy: "If at first you don't succeed, well, at least it's beer!"
Gateway craft beer: "My go-to beer is anything produced locally. But the beer that got me brewing was Sierra Nevada Pale Ale."
Favorite beer to brew: "My favorite beer to brew is the next weird concoction that I have never brewed before. There are so many styles and variations that when a new one pops up in my head I can't wait to make it."
Rick Seibt
Willoughby Brewing Company
Brewmaster
Years at Brewery: 2 ½
Previous experience: Home brewer
for 20 years
Brewhouse capacity per batch: 15
barrels
Annual output: 1,560 barrels
Brewing philosophy: "Flavorful, stylistically accurate beers that are well-attenuated and free of defects. Whether I'm making a hop-forward or malt-forward style, I like to be sure the appropriate character stands out."
Gateway craft beer: "I have become a huge fan of lambic-style beers. When I'm at a beer store, I often pick up a bottle of a gueuze to enjoy. The style is so unique and complex that I savor every sip."
Favorite beer to pour at events: "Without a doubt, the most fun I have at beer events is watching the faces of people who drink Peanut Butter Cup Porter for the first time. They're not quite sure what to expect. Some think it's a gimmick, others say there is no way they will like it. But then they drink it and you can see their eyes widen and they enthusiastically run to a friend to give them a taste."