Meet the Team

Dan Mueller

What do you do at Rhinegeist?

I'm the Warehouse Manager which means I coordinate all of our shipping off the dock and make sure it's going out fresh and in the proper amounts. We work as a team to so that anything leaving the brewery goes as fluidly as possible. The first floor is my domain and when it’s packaged beer (cans or kegs) I’m a part of it.

Is that where you started?

I actually started in distribution driving a van. I drove for 6 months and absolutely loved it. I still wish I could do it! So much of the great appreciation I have for our beer comes from the people I delivered to. Everyday I would see how much people are embracing what’s going on at Rhinegeist and the local brewing scene in general. It was really cool— and there I am, greeting them back with high fives and that positive energy. Most breweries don’t distribute their beer and for us the distribution team is the freaking muscle!

What’s your relationship with facial hair?

Although I grow a beard out when it starts to get cold I like to mix it up; my favorite is the D’Artagnan. A little chin and mustache combo always feels right.

What are some of the challenges that get thrown your way?

It’s definitely the growth and development of a department that wasn’t in formal existence when I started. We're always working hard to hone our particular skills and create a positive working vibe.

Spirit animal?

I was thinking about this a couple days ago...for the longest time it was a monkey—I really love them. Monkeys change and adapt very well. However I also love the giraffe for how tall it is. It can see everything and has great perspective. I think my spirit animal is a monkey riding a giraffe.

What’s your favorite Rhinegeist beer?

Despite Mushhushshu (dark ale barrel aged blend) having been my favorite, you can’t drink a lot of a beer that high in alcohol. I love Zen, and also Truth too. Ultimately the time of year dictates what I’m drinking.

Where does the beauty of the brewery lie for you?

It's people. The building is only as beautiful as the people that make it this way. The spirit, the sounds and voices and smiles of this place, there’s a lot of cool history in here. I truly love the sounds. I’ve been in here at 5am when there’s not a single person in the brewery and I can hear the bottles rattling—this place is alive.

Nickname?

The Danimal.

What’s the best part of your personality?

I don’t know. I always try to bring a light-hearted positivity so I’d say I’ve got that going for me.

If you were a Rhinegeist beer what would you be?

That’s a good one, I’m going with Panther. It’s a Robust Porter that’s dark and deep—not the evil dark obviously, but that kinda tall and dark.

Do you have a famous look alike?

I’ve had a few throughout my years. When I’m rocking the D’Artagnan I’ll get Orlando Bloom from the Pirates of the Caribbean. More often than not it’s Matthew McConaughey, especially from Dazed and Confused. I wouldn’t say I have his physique but our mannerisms are very similar.

What’s your favorite sandwich?

A Geotta Reuben on a pretzel bun.

What’s your slogan/catch phrase?

I always say, “It is what it is.” It’s my go-to because it’s the truth!

What’s something about you most people don’t know?

Most people probably don’t know that I’m adopted. I’ve been blessed with amazing parents and the coolest part is that I always feel grateful to get another day. That’s certainly where a lot of my positivity stems from.

On average how many times do you sing in the shower per week?

I haven’t sung in the shower in quite some time. Back when I did though my favorite was Dave Matthews Band Live at Luther College. You know, I think I’m gonna get back into the shower singing. I’m gonna start doing that again.