Today is the 49th birthday of Derek Smith, who was the brewmaster at Moylan’s Brewing in Novato, California. When I first met Derek he was brewing at Black Diamond Brewing, but in 2013, he began brewing at Moylan’s, and was making great beer, though I have not had a chance to catch up with since he left in 2019. Join me in wishing Derek a very happy birthday.

Derek at the bar at Moylan’s.

Derek, with Pete Slosberg and Barri Cooper-Altimari in 2017. [photo by Mike Condie.]

Winning a medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival.

Derek, at far right, after the Beef Chef’s Chocolate & Beer Dinner in 2009; with, from left: Arne Johnson (Marin Brewing), Fal Allen (Anderson Valley), Bruce Paton, Alec Moss (Half Moon Bay).