Bill Rittenour, Founder
Bill began making beer in 2006 soon after he earned his master’s degree in forestry from West Virginia University and his PhD in fungal biology from University of Nebraska. His special area of focus was – you guessed it – the American chestnut. He used his academic background in forestry, fungi, biochemistry and microbiology to investigate the complex science of beer brewing. With a home set-up that looked more like a laboratory than a brewery, he gained an in-depth understanding of the beer-making processes. For the next few years, Bill studied barley, wort, hops and yeast. He malted, mashed, boiled and fermented – with delicious results. In 2013, Chestnut Brew Works was born. Ten years later, Bill’s passion and products are still going strong.
Josh Taylor, Brewer
Josh came on board with Chestnut Brew Works in 2015. His love of craft beer, his discerning palette and his out-of-the-box ideas for new flavor profiles make him an invaluable part of the team. Josh handles many of the day-to-day operations at the brewery, and always has the guidance and support of his two beloved Dachshunds.
Amber Huffman, Taproom Manager
Vet tech by day and bartender by night, Amber joined the Chestnut family in 2015. She quickly became our taproom manager with her friendly demeanor, business acumen and stellar work ethic. She has an uncanny ability to commune with animals and bar patrons of all temperaments. Our customers love her and so do we.