On a Monday morning in 2025, we stood in front of Chico, California’s Sierra Nevada Brewing, anxiously awaiting the biggest interview of our lives. We had arrived early—probably too early—and I figured a receptionist would prop open a door at some point so we could start setting up our makeshift collection of cameras and microphones.
Then, without warning, a familiar voice cut through the nervous silence.
“Good morning, guys.”
Ken Grossman, co-founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing and arguably—or inarguably—the godfather of craft beer, stood in front of us, holding open an entrance into the hallowed brewery. As soon as the initial shock wore off and the duller, more manageable panic set in, we shook Ken’s hand and followed him inside.
Tails, Ales & Trails—and why Ken was first
Nearly a year ago this month, Ken Grossman was the first guest on the inaugural episode of the Tails, Ales & Trails podcast, a platform my co-host Kyle and I founded to connect with inspiring people and organizations who share a passion for exploring the great outdoors and immersing themselves in the culture and community that define craft beverages.
Living in Chico, you’re bound to hear countless stories of how, well, normal Ken is. Everyone in town has some sort of story or memory of running into him at a local watering hole downtown or catching him at a farmer’s market. And every time, it’s the same review: the Sierra Nevada legend is humble, kind, and as personable as it gets.
Now that we’ve been fortunate enough to sit down with him, every word rings true.
Forty-five minutes on the brewery—and the industry
For nearly 45 minutes, we talked shop with Ken about all things Sierra Nevada, ranging from the early days of the brewery to his penchant for innovation and love of the great outdoors. We talked about what it means to consistently show up for the communities that Sierra Nevada has become such an integral part of. And we talked about the impact he and his brewery have had on the craft beer industry.
At every turn, Ken was kind, easygoing, and more than happy to indulge us and our newborn podcast. More than anything, I was struck by how intentional he spoke in response to our questions. He was abundantly thoughtful, and his passion for craft beer, the brewery, and the family and community that helped him build it were on full display.
Two moments that stuck
Of the many genuine, insightful moments we had during that initial episode, two stick out to me.
We asked Ken about an accomplishment or achievement that’s meant the most to him over the years. Rather than point to the historic success of Pale Ale, the mountain of awards Sierra Nevada’s beers have received, or the legacy he and his brewery have built, Ken talked about the exhibit Sierra Nevada now has in the Smithsonian, and how meaningful it was to take his family on a trip to see it.
The second moment was, admittedly, a selfish one. I’ve looked up to Ken for as long as I’ve known Sierra Nevada existed, and consciously or not, I was looking for the smallest window of opportunity to connect with him on a human level at any point in the chat. When the conversation turned to the outdoors, I saw my chance and seized it.
“I gotta ask, because the only thing that annoys my wife more than the size of my beer fridge is how many bikes I’ve got in the garage,” I said, leaning into Ken and I’s shared passion for cycling. “Do you have a favorite bike right now? Are you still wrenching around?”
As soon as the smile cracked across his face, I knew it had landed.
“I’ve got a lot of bikes, too,” he said, chuckling, noting that he has the same conversations with his wife about his own personal collection.
A year later
One year later, I’m still incredibly proud of this episode and grateful to Ken for taking the time to chat with us about Sierra Nevada and craft beer. But 50 years from now, I’ll still remember having a laugh about bikes with Ken Grossman.