Tate, What do you do at Rhinegeist?

I am in the distribution department, so I deliver beer to the good people of Cincinnati and Dayton.

What did you have for breakfast?

Nature Valley granola blueberry breakfast biscuit — yeah, I’ve got those stocked up in the house. It’s the breakfast go-to.

Talk about a mouthful. So what’s the team dynamic of the Distro-squad?

Although we don’t see each other a lot throughout the day, everyone morning and at the end of the day, we’re together. We’ve got good bonds and are all close.

What’s the best part of your personality?

I don’t know you’d have to ask someone else.

In comes Kevin Graef (Packaging Team) sitting at the same table!

The best part about Tate is that he's always smiling! He’s got an awesome attitude. (Kevin was saluted with an affirming fist bump thereafter)

So Tate, what’s a crazy thing that’s happened to you on the road?

The other day I saw a tiny little car with a man driving and a woman in the front seat, and the lady in the front seat was holding a car seat with a baby in it! Very unsafe…

If you were a Rhinegeist beer which one would you be?

Zen…perfectly balanced (as he cracks a big smile).

Is there a piece of apparel you wear the most?

The 5-panel hop hat for sure. I’m always wearing a hat — and I just made myself a bucket hat this spring (see: pictures).

What’s your favorite thing about being out and about?

I am on my own time. It’s really nice. I can go as fast or as slow as I want and get the job done at my desired pace. The big perk about being on the road doing your thing.

What do you look forward to doing most every day?

I love my job and I love being here, but what I look forward to most everyday is going home and seeing my family. That’s as true of an answer as I could give.

Do you have a spirit animal?

A dolphin. I’m not sure that the whole reason is appropriate, but sharks are afraid of them and they like a vivacious lifestyle.

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

I am a certified chef by the American Culinary Association.

Wow, so what’s your best dish in the kitchen?

My best dish is Pad Thai. I just made that last night and it’s so freaking good. I used to go to restaurants to get it and then just decided to make it myself one day. I haven’t gone back.

Where does the beauty of the brewery lie for you?

For me, it’s on the dock. It’s where everything comes in and goes out. So much stuff goes through the dock and out to the world, Cincinnati, all of Ohio, Kentucky, Boston. It's nuts. That’s also where I am most of the time when I’m here. It’s crazy to think about how all of that beer goes through those small garage doors…

What’s it like being on the distribution team?

It’s wonderful. Get here early before everyone else and do our thing. We rock out in the morning and hit the road.

Do you have a van that you drive?

My van is Pepe, the all black van. I guess, I just kinda landed with it. I’ve also been driving the brand new Streaker van which is super slick, and I’ll be taking over the box truck soon.

Do you have a favorite sandwich?

Any form of an Italian meat-stuffed delight.

What do you do when you’re not 'Geisting?

Busy being a dad — in that dad life.

Do you have a famous look alike, Tate?

I’ve gotten Jim from American Pie and Adam Sandler. I don’t really believe either of them, but, oh well…