Stamford, CT - Half Full Brewery possesses a passion for brewing steeped in family tradition and fostered through education and real world experience.
“Brewing runs in my family,” said Jennifer Muckerman, Half Full Brewery’s Chief Beer Artist. “My grandfather retired from Falstaff Brewing in Saint Louis, MO. My biggest influences are my father and grandfather.”
Muckerman dabbled in distilling while still in high school and later learned the craft of brewing over the course of a decade on the job at the Trailhead Brewing Co. in St. Charles, MO, where she worked her way up to the position of Head Brewer in 2007.
With a wealth of hands-on experience, Muckerman graduated from the prestigious Siebel Institute in Chicago, IL, where she honed her already formidable brewing skills. After serving as the Brew Master for the former Marble City Brewing Co, Muckerman came to Connecticut and joined the Half Full Brewery team.
“Jenn blew me away with her technical knowledge, meticulousness, passion, and experience,” said Conor Horrigan, Half Full Brewery’s founder and self-proclaimed Chief Beer Philosopher. “She was more impressive than the other two finalists, who had both come from top 50 craft breweries.”
Those qualifications will come in handy this year as Muckerman develops a number of new beers for 2013, including a black IPA, Amber Ale, and a Peanut Butter Heffiweizen.
“She absolutely loves writing new recipes,” said Horrigan. “So I knew she had creativity to match her brewing skills. She is the absolute perfect fit for Half Full.”
Muckerman’s goals include brewing great beer, contributing to the community, and teaching others what she has learned. With knowledge sharing in mind, she advises those who desire a career in craft brewing to learn and understand the science behind brewing.
As the state’s only female Brewmaster, Muckerman may be considered a role model to aspiring female brewers. She advises those who would follow in her steps to become and stay active to succeed.
“Find other women brewers and try to make a connection,” suggests Muckerman. “Find or create a venue for all of the women in the brewing communities near you and use that venue to encourage and help each other succeed.”
Following her own advice, Muckerman intends on creating a local chapter of the Pink Boots Society, a national organization created to empower female beer professionals to advance their careers through education.
“I think it's a great organization and I would love to continue their traditions by creating a chapter for the Connecticut and New England regions,” says Muckerman. “Hopefully I can encourage other women who are considering a career in the industry but are maybe afraid of the gender stereotypes that have been assumed for so many years.”
While she certainly has the potential to serve as a role model, Muckerman is ultimately known for the passion she has for her craft and the quality of her beer.
“I work hard but I love what I do,” says Muckerman. “I am proud to be the Head Brewer for Half Full Brewery.”
Interested in visiting Jennifer Muckerman and the good folks from Half Full Brewery? Why not take part in our upcoming brewery bus tour? Tickets are limited so sign up today!
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