Brendan J. Moylan was born and raised in San Francisco. Brendan is an alumnus of the Fighting Irish of Sacred Heart where the Christian Brothers taught all the kids a love of beer and how to drink. Now his name and his beers are known throughout the world. His two brewpubs in Marin County continue to produce award-winning microbrews of the highest quality year after year. Brendan is happily married to his wife, Jessica, and has been living in Marin since 1989. Brendan has two children, Sean and Chelsea. His brewpubs are a hot spot on the northern California brewpub tour circuit, and ale lovers from all over enjoy the fruits of his labor. Brendan invites you to stop by and do the same.
Education & Industry Experience
Brendan graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga with a B.S. in accounting, but his interest in craft beer started much earlier. This interest was inspired by his position as beer manager at Jug Shop Liquors, one of San Francisco’s largest beer assortments, from 1978-1983. His appreciation for quality beer led to his five-year employment with Wolfgang Morandell Imports, one of the largest specialty beer importers and distributors in the United States. As sales manager, Brendan had the opportunity to work closely with pubs and restaurants in quality beer selection and marketability. Brendan worked with Spaten West Inc. in 1988 as their draft technician and merchandising director, which only furthered his knowledge of the craft beer industry. All of his commitment and experience in the industry eventually led him to U.C. Davis where he took classes including “Intensive Brewing Science,” “Microbiology and Sanitation for the Practical Brewer” and “Microbreweries in the United States.”
Brewing Experience
Brendan has been a longtime homebrewer and was a member of San Francisco’s homebrew club, The San Andreas Malts, for six years before his enthusiasm for the club’s events and the art of brewing beer led to him become the president of the club in 1986. His experiences have translated into an in-depth knowledge of brewing and the beer business. In 1989 Brendan and his late partner, Craig Tasley, opened Marin Brewing Company, a small brewpub on the edge of Larkspur in Marin County, CA, which is now a landmark brewery loved by both San Francisco Bay Area natives and beer drinkers everywhere. In 1995 Brendan cut the ribbon on his namesake pub, Moylan’s Brewery & Restaurant, which currently sells freshly made, quality beer in over 35 states, 2 U.S. territories and 4 foreign countries. Ever the one to push boundaries, Brendan opened Stillwater Spirits/Moylan’s Distilling opened in 2004, one of the first micro distilleries in Northern California.
He has communicated extensively with industry professionals; including brew masters, brewing professors and brewing organizations. Trade journals and market publication have also been used to further his awareness of market trends and the state of the industry at large