Brewmaster Resume examples & templates
Copyable Brewmaster Resume examples
Did you know that craft breweries now make up 98% of all U.S. breweries, yet produce only 13% of the beer sold nationwide? It's a fascinating paradox that defines the world of professional brewing today. Behind each of these craft operations stands at least one brewmaster—the creative force and technical genius responsible for transforming water, malt, hops, and yeast into the complex libations we love. The modern brewmaster balances centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge science, often incorporating unconventional ingredients (pickle beer, anyone?) while maintaining exacting quality standards.
The industry has shifted dramatically in recent years, with consumers increasingly gravitating toward small-batch, locally-produced beers with distinct flavor profiles. This trend has created unprecedented demand for skilled brewmasters who can differentiate their products in an increasingly crowded marketplace. As sustainability practices and farm-to-glass movements gain momentum, tomorrow's master brewers will need to combine technical brewing expertise with environmental consciousness and business savvy—making this career path richer and more multifaceted than ever before.
Junior Brewmaster Resume Example
Jake Morrison
Portland, OR | 503-555-8721 | jmorrison.brew@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jakemorrison
Junior Brewmaster with formal brewing education and hands-on experience in small-batch and commercial brewing operations. Skilled in recipe development, fermentation monitoring, and quality control procedures. Quick learner who thrives in fast-paced environments and brings technical knowledge of brewing science alongside practical production experience.
EXPERIENCE
Assistant Brewmaster – Cascade Valley Brewing Co., Portland, OR
January 2023 – Present
- Collaborate with head brewmaster to develop and execute production schedules for 8 core beer varieties and 6 seasonal rotations
- Monitor fermentation processes and collect data points, ensuring optimal yeast performance during primary and secondary fermentation stages
- Implemented improved dry-hopping technique that reduced hop usage by 17% while maintaining flavor profile
- Conduct daily quality checks including gravity readings, pH testing, and sensory evaluations
- Assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and performing preventative maintenance on 15-barrel brewing system
Brewing Intern – Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland, OR
May 2022 – December 2022
- Assisted with all aspects of the brewing process including mashing, lautering, boiling, and fermentation
- Helped maintain brewing logs and production records for regulatory compliance
- Participated in weekly sensory panels to evaluate product quality and consistency
- Supported packaging operations including kegging, bottling, and quality control checks
Taproom Server & Tour Guide – Pine Street Brewing, Eugene, OR
August 2021 – April 2022
- Educated customers on brewing processes and beer styles while conducting brewery tours
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of 14 house beers, including ingredients, brewing methods, and flavor profiles
- Assisted with cellaring duties during high-volume production periods
EDUCATION
Brewing Science Certificate – Siebel Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Completed December 2022
- Specialized coursework in fermentation science, microbiology, and quality assurance
Bachelor of Science, Food Science & Technology – Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Graduated June 2021
- Minor in Chemistry
- Capstone Project: “Flavor Stability in Northwest-Style IPAs”
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Beer Server, Cicerone® Certification Program (2021)
HACCP Food Safety Certification (2022)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Recipe Formulation & Scaling
- Yeast Management
- Fermentation Monitoring
- Quality Control Testing
- Ingredient Selection
- Brewery Sanitation
- BeerSmith Brewing Software
- Basic Equipment Maintenance
- Sensory Analysis
- pH & Gravity Testing
Mid-level Brewmaster Resume Example
JASON MARTINEZ
Portland, OR • (503) 555-9078 • jmartinez.brew@email.com • linkedin.com/in/jasonmartinez
Craft brewmaster with 6+ years of experience developing award-winning ales and lagers. Blend traditional brewing techniques with innovative flavor profiles, resulting in 2 GABF medals and 23% sales growth for signature beers. Skilled in recipe formulation, quality control, and production scheduling with experience managing brewing teams of up to 5 staff.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Head Brewmaster | Cascade Summit Brewing Co. | Portland, OR | Jan 2021 – Present
- Lead all brewing operations for 15-barrel brewhouse producing 3,500 barrels annually across 12 core beers and 8-10 seasonal releases
- Developed “Misty Mountain IPA” that won silver medal at 2022 Oregon Beer Awards and became brewery’s top-selling product (28% of total revenue)
- Implemented new dry-hopping technique that reduced hop usage by 17% while maintaining flavor profile, saving ~$14,000 annually
- Manage brewing team of 5, handling scheduling, training, and quality assurance protocols
- Collaborate with marketing team on product descriptions, tasting notes, and brewery tour talking points
Assistant Brewer | Rogue River Brewing | Medford, OR | Aug 2018 – Dec 2020
- Assisted lead brewer in all aspects of production for 10-barrel system producing 2,200 barrels annually
- Created “Timber Wolf Porter” recipe that won bronze at 2019 Great American Beer Festival in robust porter category
- Maintained detailed production logs and managed yeast propagation program that improved batch consistency by 22%
- Conducted public brewery tours and educational tastings for groups of 5-25 visitors
Brewing Apprentice | Deschutes Brewery | Bend, OR | May 2017 – Jul 2018
- Assisted with wort production, fermentation monitoring, filtering, and packaging operations
- Performed daily lab analysis including gravity readings, pH testing, and VDK measurements
- Helped maintain brewing equipment and assisted with CIP procedures
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Siebel Institute of Technology | Concise Course in Brewing Technology | 2019
Oregon State University | B.S. Fermentation Science | 2017
Certified Cicerone® | Cicerone Certification Program | 2018
HACCP Certification | Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance | 2020
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Recipe Formulation & Scaling
- Quality Assurance Testing
- Yeast Management
- Filtration Techniques
- Barrel Aging & Souring
- BeerSmith 3 Software
- CIP Procedures
- Sensory Analysis
- Production Scheduling
- Equipment Maintenance
- Inventory Management
Senior / Experienced Brewmaster Resume Example
Matthew Thornton
Portland, OR | (503) 782-4519 | mthornton@brewmail.com | linkedin.com/in/matthewthornton
Innovative Brewmaster with 12+ years of hands-on brewing experience specializing in Belgian-style ales and experimental sour programs. Led product development for award-winning craft breweries resulting in 31% revenue growth over 3 years. Proven track record managing brewing operations of 30,000+ BBL annual production while mentoring junior brewers. Known for balancing traditional techniques with creative recipe development to meet changing market demands.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Head Brewmaster | Cascade Valley Brewing Co. | Portland, OR | 2018 – Present
- Direct all brewing operations for 35,000 BBL production facility, managing team of 7 brewers and 4 cellar staff
- Developed signature “Wilderness Series” of mixed-culture sour ales that increased taproom traffic by 47% and became brewery’s highest-margin product line
- Implemented new dry-hopping techniques that reduced hop usage by 22% while maintaining aroma intensity
- Cut fermentation tank turnover time from 21 to 16 days through process optimization while improving quality metrics
- Collaborated with sales team to create seasonal releases that increased wholesale distribution in 4 new states
Senior Brewer | Northcoast Artisan Ales | Seattle, WA | 2014 – 2018
- Promoted from Production Brewer after creating 3 of brewery’s best-selling core beers
- Managed barrel aging program, growing inventory from 12 to 97 barrels and launching premium bottle release program
- Reduced dissolved oxygen levels by 76% through equipment modifications and staff training
- Led brewery’s transition to sustainable brewing practices, cutting water usage by 1.7 BBL/BBL produced
- Collaborated with local farms to create “Farm-to-Kettle” limited releases featuring regional ingredients
Production Brewer | Riverfront Brewing | Eugene, OR | 2011 – 2014
- Managed all aspects of production brewing from milling to packaging for 15,000 BBL regional brewery
- Created brewery’s first quality control program, reducing batch rejections from 4.3% to under 1%
- Formulated 6 new seasonal recipes including “Winter Nightfall,” which won silver at Oregon Beer Awards
- Mentored 3 assistant brewers who went on to head brewing positions at other craft breweries
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Siebel Institute of Technology – Advanced Brewing Theory Program, 2013
Oregon State University – B.S. in Fermentation Science, 2010
Certified Cicerone® – Certification #26781, 2012
MBAA – Brewing and Malting Science Course, 2015
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Recipe Formulation & Scaling
- Microbiology & Yeast Management
- Mixed Fermentation Techniques
- Barrel Aging & Blending
- Process Optimization
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control
- Brewhouse Efficiency Analysis
- Lab Equipment & Testing
- Sensory Analysis
- Brewery Management Software
- Sustainable Brewing Practices
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2022 GABF Bronze Medal – American-Style Sour Ale
- 2020 World Beer Cup Silver Medal – Belgian-Style Flanders
- 2019 Oregon Beer Awards Gold Medal – Experimental Beer
- Featured in “Craft Brewing Business” magazine’s “Brewers to Watch” (2018)
How to Write a Brewmaster Resume
Introduction
Landing that dream Brewmaster job isn't just about your ability to craft the perfect IPA or know when to dry-hop. Your resume is the first taste hiring managers get of your professional profile—and we all know how important first impressions are in the brewing world. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of brewing resumes (and tossed plenty in the rejection pile), I've seen what works and what falls flat. This guide will help you craft a resume that showcases your brewing expertise, technical knowledge, and creative approach to beer production.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and organized, just like your brewing station should be. Most hiring managers at breweries spend about 37 seconds scanning each resume before deciding whether to continue reading.
- Stick to 1-2 pages (one page for those with under 5 years of experience)
- Use clear section headings that stand out (Production Experience, Brewing Education, etc.)
- Choose readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Garamond at 10-12pt size
- Include plenty of white space—crowded resumes are harder to skim
- Save your file as a PDF named "FirstName-LastName-Brewmaster.pdf"
Want to stand out? Consider including a small, professional color accent that matches the brewery's branding. This subtle touch shows attention to detail and research—qualities every good brewmaster needs.
Profile/Summary Section
Your summary should be like a perfect beer description—concise, enticing, and giving just enough information to make someone want more. In 3-4 sentences, highlight your years of experience, brewing philosophy, specialties, and biggest achievement.
Example: "Certified Brewmaster with 8+ years crafting award-winning ales and lagers for production volumes from 5 to 75 barrels. Specialized in Belgian-style fermentation techniques and barrel aging programs. Reduced grain waste by 17% at Riverfront Brewing while developing their signature Imperial Stout, which increased taproom sales by $34K annually."
Professional Experience
This is the heart of your resume—like the fermentation process is to brewing. For each position, include:
- Company name, location, position title, dates employed
- Brief description of the brewery's size and focus
- 4-6 bullet points highlighting specific achievements (not just duties)
- Metrics whenever possible (barrels produced, efficiency improved, awards won)
Focus on brewing-specific accomplishments like recipe development, quality control improvements, production scaling, and team leadership. Did you reduce boil times without affecting quality? Implement a new dry-hopping technique? Those details matter!
Education and Certifications
Formal brewing education carries significant weight in this industry. List relevant degrees, certificates, and training programs:
- Brewing science degrees or diplomas (UC Davis, Siebel Institute, etc.)
- Cicerone certification level
- BJCP judge ranking (if applicable)
- Specialized training (yeast management, barrel aging, etc.)
- Food safety certifications (ServSafe, HACCP)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many larger breweries use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Include these brewing-specific terms naturally throughout your resume:
- Technical processes: mashing, lautering, wort boiling, fermentation, filtration
- Equipment: mash tun, kettle, whirlpool, heat exchanger, brite tanks
- Quality control: specific gravity testing, pH monitoring, sensory analysis
- Regulatory: TTB regulations, excise tax reporting, formula approvals
Industry-specific Terms
Show your brewing knowledge by correctly using industry terminology. Include relevant terms like krausen, diacetyl rest, flocculation, or alpha-amylase—but only if you genuinely understand them! Nothing sinks an interview faster than using terms you can't explain when questioned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing every beer you've ever brewed (focus on significant accomplishments)
- Overemphasizing your home brewing unless you're new to professional brewing
- Including irrelevant hobbies (your love of hiking isn't pertinent)
- Forgetting to mention experience with brewery management software
- Using brewing puns or overly casual language (save your personality for the interview)
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for making beer and overseeing the brewing process."
After: "Developed and standardized 12 core recipes while managing fermentation schedules for 60-barrel production facility, reducing tank turnover time from 21 to 16 days and increasing annual output by 28% without compromising quality."
Your resume should tell the story of your brewing journey and capabilities. Balancing technical expertise with measurable achievements will help you stand out in this competitive field. Now get brewing...your perfect resume, that is!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Brewmaster resume
- Cross-functional collaboration with production teams and sales staff (especially during seasonal recipe development)
- Problem-solving under pressure during equipment failures or unexpected fermentation issues
- Sensory evaluation communication — ability to articulate flavor profiles using accessible language for non-brewers
- Team leadership during high-volume production periods while maintaining quality standards
- Recipe adaptation flexibility based on ingredient availability and market trends
- Time management across multiple brews at different production stages
Hard skills for your Brewmaster resume
- Yeast propagation and management in production-scale fermentation
- Recipe formulation using BeerSmith and ProBrew software
- Quality assurance testing (pH, gravity, IBU, color analysis)
- Cellar operations including CIP/SIP sanitization protocols
- Grain selection and malt analysis (Lovibond scale proficiency)
- Cicerone Certification Program – Level 2 or higher
- Experience with 15-30 BBL brewing systems
- Filtration techniques (DE, plate and frame, centrifuge)
- Water chemistry adjustment for various beer styles