Freeport man lives dream of becoming a brewmaster

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Steven Winter, 24, of Freeport often gets asked the question, what is his best beer? His answer is, “It’s the one I’ve never had before.”

Winter is now living a dream. He is now a brewmaster, creating his own brews full-time at the Galena Brewing Company in Galena. This is a man whose hobby at crafting his own beers at home grew into a dream to someday become a brewmaster. Today, even though he spends much of his time crafting new beers at his job, he still takes up the challenge at home.

This University of Illinois graduate has a degree in Industrial Design and Product Development. His first career was as an engineer building CAD models. In his spare time at home, he began crafting beers. Soon, his dreams began to take hold of him. He wanted more than what he had trained to be as an engineer.

“I began working as an assistant brewmaster under Sean Carter at Galena Brewing Company,” Winter said. “I also took online courses to hone in on my craft.

“I decided if I wanted to be in product development, it may as well be with beer,” he said.
Winter is now a member of the Master Brewer Association of America and International Brewing. The beers served at the Galena Brewing Company have won many awards.

Winter has worked hard to get where he is today. Working with Carter helped him learn a business that he hopes will be a big part of his future. Once Carter moved on to another job, Winter moved into the top spot as brewmaster.

“It’s great to be where I’ve always wanted to be,” he said.

Source: Freeport man lives dream of becoming a brewmaster – Freeport, IL – The Journal-Standard

Go to the source if you’d like to read more about Steven and the Galena Brewing Company. GBC is a great addition to Galena and I highly recommend you include a visit in your stay at Teddy Bear Place…