Travis Smith had an interest in craft beer for years, but that interest only grew as he started brewing his first batches of beer in his kitchen in 2002 after his girlfriend Lorah (now wife) bought him his first home brewing kit. His interest grew to the point that he abandoned the career he set out for in order to brew beer professionally.
In 2004, Travis began an apprenticeship at Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa, CA. By February 2005, Travis was hired as a full time brewer. Travis became responsible for the vast majority of beers brewed at the brewpub, brewing award winning beers such as Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig IPA, Damnation, Temptation, and Supplication (just to name a few), and continuing to grow in his knowledge of brewing and the craft brew industry as a whole under the guidance of Brewer/Owner Vinnie Cilurzo. This included working in the (at the time) joint hopyard of Russian River Brewing Co, and Moonlight Brewing Co. The hopyard was located on the grounds of Moonlight Brewing Co. where Travis met Brain Hunt who became one of the biggest influences on Travis’s philosophy of beer. Travis spent many days pulling weeds, eating hop shoots, and drinking Death and Taxes in that hopyard, and eventually started his own micro hop yard in Santa Rosa.
In 2009, Travis, his wife, and his two children moved back to Southern CA to be closer to family, and to join The Bruery in Placentia, CA as their Lead Brewer. Travis spent his time there brewing unique and award winning beers including Hottenroth Berliner Weisse, Black Tuesday, Saison De Lente, and Oude Tart.
It was there at The Bruery where Travis first met Doug Constantiner. The two became friends in addition to coworkers. They shared their dreams and goals of eventually opening a brewery of their own. Little did they know a few short years later circumstances would present themselves as the perfect opportunity to do just that, together.
As a Brewer, Travis strives to make great beer. Travis likes brewing beers that he likes to drink. He believes that if he likes the beers, other people will too. He enjoys passing his knowledge and love of beer on to others whether that be chatting with customers, discussing a new style with co-workers, or just sitting in his backyard with family and friends. Beer is a large part of Travis’ life; he hopes to make it a part of yours.