Portrait of a Brewer: Shawn Mcilhenney, Mcilhenney Brewing

There are hundreds of hard-working brewing professionals giving their all to help maintain the storied reputation San Diego’s brewing scene has earned over the past several decades. Some have risen to great fame among industry pros and craft-beer enthusiasts. Some ply their trade in obscurity (and are more than happy to do so). Some are Instagram famous, trendsetters with cult followings that would rival social-media influencers. And while they share plenty of similarities, each is their own unique person with their own likes, dislikes, methods, techniques, inspirations, interests and philosophies. The goal of San Diego Beer News‘ Portrait of a Brewer series is to not only introduce you to local brewers, but to have some fun delving into the aforementioned areas so you can get to know them a little better and appreciate them and their contributions to the county’s standout brewing culture. All that plus stellar portraits from brewery lifestyle photographer extraordinaire Matt Furman.

Today’s featured brewer is…

Shawn Mcilhenney

of Mcilhenney Brewing

What is your current title?

Head Brewer, Co-founder/Co-owner, Lead Custodian

Where did you grow up?

Born and raised in Alpine, California

What was the first beer and/or alcoholic beverage you ever had?

Too long ago to remember

What was you’re a-ha moment that turned you on to craft beer?

I stole a bottle—from my parents—of Frank IIPA from Pizza Port Carlsbad, circa early 90’s. Before that beer, everything seemed too bitter. Frank was remarkably aromatic and flavorful without being beaten into submission by IBUs.

What led you to consider a career in brewing?

Necessity, really. Pops was a career firefighter, operating a brewery in what little spare time he had. Shit needed to get done and someone needed to step up. It was me. I stepped up.

Where did you first apply for a brewing job and where did you get your first brewing/brewery position?

Alpine Beer Company. I started from the bottom, now I’m here.

Who have been the individuals that have helped you the most to learn and advance in your career, and how?

My biggest influence will always be my dad, but there is a lengthy list of industry professionals that have inspired me along the way.

What singular piece of advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a professional brewer?

Don’t ever think you’re above any task or project. Get really good at cleaning.

What ultimate career goal would you like to achieve?

Retirement…leaving a successful business in the hands of the family.

What is your favorite beer you’ve ever brewed, be it on a professional or amateur level?

Bad Boy. I brewed it for the 2006 Pizza Port Strong Ale Fest and it was the first beer to kick.

What is your least-favorite beer you’ve ever brewed on any level?

A barrel-aged imperial porter that, unfortunately, went sour. I tried to salvage it, but to no avail. It was not good.

What are your favorite and least-favorite hop varietals at present?

Simcoe, Strata, Nectaron, Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin are all at the top of the list. Never been a big fan of Galena and Summit.

If you weren’t a brewer, what do you think you would be doing for a living?

I’d rather not contemplate such a dreadful existence, but probably working at a ski resort.

In your opinion, what non-brewing position is of great importance at a craft-beer company but often gets overlooked or less credit that those making the beer?

Two-way tie between cellarmen and packaging.

What is your favorite beer style?

IPA will always reign supreme in my mind, however, any well-made beer in my hand will get the vote at the time.

If you could wipe one style of beer off the face of the Earth, what would it be?

Saison, with the exception of Dupont and Sante Adarius Bernice.

What single brewing company’s beers and/or ethos/style has been most influential on your style?

Boneyard in Bend, Oregon. Making amazing beers without the most fancy, high-tech equipment has always been great to see.

What is your favorite San Diego County brewing company (yes, you have to choose one)?

The Lost Abbey/Port Brewing/The Hop Concept

What is your favorite brewing company outside of San Diego?

Faction Brewing in Alameda, California

What three breweries that you haven’t yet visited-local or otherwise- are on your current must-see bucket list?

Liquid Gravity Brewing, TapRoom Beer Co., Chula Vista Brewery

What are your favorite local beer events?

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse’s brewery and food pairing during San Diego Beer Week

If you were to leave San Diego, where would be the next-best place you’d want to brew?

Almost anywhere in Oregon. Second and third would be Montana and Wyoming.

Which musical genre or artists are on your brew-day soundtrack/playlist?

Hip Hop, all day everyday.

What motto rules the way you brew and approach brewing in a professional brewhouse?

The 6 “P’s” of brewing, introduced to me by Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing: Prudent Practices Prevent Piss Poor Performance.

When you’re not at work, what do you like to do for fun?

Hanging with my beautiful wife, Jamie, and my amazing year-and-a-half-old son, Cameron.

Where do you like to drink off-the-clock?

At home because it’s inexpensive and safe.

What is your favorite beer-and-food pairing of all time?

IPA and a Rocky’s Crown Pub burger

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?

Family and Friends, eating and drinking anything good we can get our hands on.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question)?

Still working on that….