Portrait of a Brewer: Jovan Gonzalez, Societe Brewing
He's a lot of things all rolled up into one, but more than anything, he's grateful for the opportunities he's been afforded
There are hundreds of talented brewing professionals giving their all to help maintain the San Diego beer industry’s storied reputation. While these industrious practitioners share numerous similarities, each is their own unique person with individual likes, dislikes, methodologies, techniques, inspirations, interests and philosophies. The goal of San Diego Beer News’ Portrait of a Brewer series is to not only introduce readers to local brewers, but dig in to help them gain a deeper appreciation for the people making their beer and how they have contributed to the county’s standout craft-brewing culture, all while presenting them in the finest visual light care of exceptional local lifestyle photographer Matt Furman.
Today’s featured brewer is…
Jovan Gonzalez
of Societe Brewing
What is your current title?
Brewery Manager
Where did you grow up?
The South Bay – Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and Tijuana
What was the first beer and/or alcoholic beverage you ever had?
Probably some macro beer, sneaking in sips from what my dad was drinking.
What turned you on to craft beer?
Probably the infinite learning and creativity that comes with it. Using new ingredients, trying out new brewing methods, brewing new beers styles, brewing classics styles with new brewing methods.
What led you to consider a career in brewing?
It started with me thinking it was a cool job, once I began learning more about brewing and all of that stuff I answered in the previous question.
What was your first brewing/brewery position?
Assistant Brewer at Border X Brewing
What breweries have you worked for over your career and in what roles?
Border X Brewing, Assistant Brewer, Head Brewer; Societe Brewing, Assistant Brewer, Brewer, Lead Brewer, Cellar Manager, Brewery Manager
Who have been the individuals that have helped you the most to learn and advance in your career, and how?
The folks over at Border X – Joaquin Basauri, Marcel and Martin Favela – gave me a chance. Some of the previous brewers here at Societe like Schmaltzy (Kevin Schmaltz) and Adrian Lau taught me great attention to detail in all aspects of brewing. All of our lovely beer community helped me with sourcing ingredients when needed and answering any questions I had. Lastly, T-BIRD (Teddy Gowan)! He has helped me develop as a brewer and a better person, in general, and has been a great mentor the last five years.
What singular piece of advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a professional brewer?
Be patient and be willing to do lots of cleaning, all while keeping a good attitude. Your time will come!
What ultimate career goal would you like to achieve?
I’m not sure yet. I go back and forth about wanting my own brewery or a beer bar with great food.
What is your favorite beer you’ve ever brewed, be it on a professional or amateur level?
This is a hard one. We recently brewed an IPA with 34/70 (Riwaka, Azacca and Strata hops) called El Personaje. I really liked how this came out. As one of our old brewers would say , it had some “snap!”
What is your least-favorite beer you’ve ever brewed on any level?
I remember brewing a black saison at Border X. No bueno!
What are your favorite and least-favorite hop varietals at present?
I really like Azacca right now. I get lots of delicate citrus notes from it and it works great with other hops. I’m not a big fan of Sabro. Although I love coconut, I don’t like it in my hops or how it transfers over to the finished product.
What are some of your favorite brewing ingredients that aren’t hops?
Although we don’t really use it here at Societe, I have always liked golden naked oats.
If you weren’t a brewer, what do you think you would do for a living?
I really love cooking and grilling, so probably working in the kitchen at a nice restaurant.
In your opinion, what non-brewing position is of great importance at a craft-beer company but often gets overlooked or less credit than those making the beer?
Maintenance! You have to be able to fix equipment quickly to keep the brewing operations rolling. Warehouse, as well. Keeping up with distro orders, deliveries, shipments; all that fun stuff is not easy.
What is your favorite beer style?
I don’t have any all-time faves, but if i had to pick, I’d say Mexican lagers.
If you could wipe one style of beer off the face of the earth, what would it be?
Nothing personal, but probably those slushy sours. I prefer beer-flavored beer.
What single brewing company’s beers and/or ethos/style has been most influential on your style?
I am not too sure about this one. I always looked up to Societe’s take on beer before I worked here. To this day, I feel the same way and strive to keep it the same now that I’m part of the team.
What is your favorite San Diego County brewing company?
Probably North Park Beer Co.
What is your favorite brewing company outside of San Diego?
I’ve always been a fan of Beachwood Brewing and love some Bierstadt Lagerhaus, as well.
What three breweries that you haven’t yet visited—local or elsewhere—are on your current must-see bucket list?
I would like to make it out to Russian River Brewing, Allagash Brewing and, believe it or not, I have not been to Stone Brewing in Escondido.
What are your favorite local beer events?
I have not been to one in a while, but probably Guild Fest or Collabapalooza.
If you were to leave San Diego, where would be the next-best place you’d want to brew?
Probably somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, Mexico City or Baja.
Which musical genre or artists are on your brew-day soundtrack/playlist?
The playlist varies depending on the mood, but one thing is for sure, it’s Cumbia on friday!
What motto rules the way you brew and approach brewing in a professional brewhouse?
“Creativity through the process,” and “data-driven decisions”.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments?
As a brewer, probably getting to play kickball with Ken Grossman at Sierra Nevada Brewing during the Hop Harvest Festival.
What are you proud of having achieved in your personal life?
Getting engaged this last year!
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do for fun?
Spend time with my dogs, play disc golf, play pick-up soccer, cook and grill with friends, and go to Padre games.
Where do you like to drink off-the-clock?
I don’t go out as much nowadays. I prefer having friends over and drinking at my house or going over to friends’ houses.
What is your favorite beer-and-food pairing of all time?
Mexican lagers and seafood. Aguachile, ceviche, clams, oysters…you name it!
If you could somehow plan your last beer dinner before dying, what would you drink and eat, and who would you invite to join you?
I would probably grill some carne asada with all the seafood mentioned above and enjoy it with my family, closest friends and, of course, my dogs, Susie and Thor.
Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question)?
Hmm…I would say an optimistic, charismatic, snack-loving, limousine-riding, wheelin’ ‘n’ dealin’ son of a gun!
If you’re a brewer at a San Diego brewing company and would like to be featured in our Portrait of a Brewer series, drop us a line at [email protected].
