Daniel

I’ve always been a builder and creator - whether it’s websites showcasing my photography or custom-made t-shirts, recipes, beer, or LEGO sets. Creating things is when I feel most fulfilled. That passion has taken me down a lot of paths: I’ve gone to culinary school, worked in a butcher shop, started a smoked-meats catering business, and even taught myself basic coding to get websites off the ground. In 2018, my DIY spirit led me to homebrewing, and I was hooked, I quickly falling in love with the process and creativity of craft beer.

In 2020, I enrolled in the University of Richmond’s Craft Beer Brewing Certificate Program — and I loved it so much that I convinced the university to let me run the program. For the past 2.5 years (and counting), I’ve worked hard to grow and improve it, driven by a desire to support aspiring brewers and strengthen the local beer community. That experience inspired me to officially launch Small Batch Brewing, where I produce ultra-small, custom batches of beer for events and get my brews featured in local bars and restaurants.

Right now I’m in Phase 1: building the brand and getting the beer out there. Phase 2 is the big dream; a full brewery and taproom with a restaurant in an area underserved by craft beer. I want to hire locally, offer hands-on training in brewing and culinary arts, use all-Virginia ingredients, and turn spent grain into cookies, granola, and bread. And as a self-taught drummer and bassist, there’s no way I’m not including live music!

This project brings together everything I love - food, beer, education, creativity, and building community - into one meaningful venture I can’t wait to bring to life.