Bayern Brewing - Bios of Jurgen Knoller

Jürgen Knöller was born and raised in Bavaria, Germany about 25 miles away from the Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen, (you know, the famous one that was copied for Disneyland). Germans call Bavaria "Bayern" and that is where the name of the brewery comes from. Jürgen discovered his passion for beer in his early teens, which is legal in Germany. He started brewing as an apprentice in Kaufbeuren in 1978, graduated as a professional brewer in 1981, and spent four years as a journeyman brewer before going to Doemens' Masterschool for Brewing and Soft Drink Technology in Munich. Jürgen graduated in 1987 as a Masterbrewer and was hired as the brewmaster for Bayern Brewing in Missoula, MT. In 1991, he bought Bayern from the original owner and has been in charge of Bayern Brewing ever since. In his spare time Jürgen enjoys motorcycling, traveling, reading and beer.

Thorsten Geuer, Diploma Masterbrewer, B.Sc.Thorsten served his apprenticeship as brewer and maltster between 1996- 1999 at the "Hofbräu Früh" brewery in Cologne, Germany (actually called "Köln " in the German language).This brewery is arguably the worlds first and most prestigious brewery to have brewed the famous "Kölsch " beer, the beer of Cologne. After graduating as a journeyman brewer he interned with Bayern Brewing the summer months of 1999 before starting his studies in Berlin, Germany, at the famous brewing college VLB Berlin. He graduated in summer of 2002 with a degree as Diploma Masterbrewer and a bachelors of science. We stayed in contact throughout his time at college and he always wanted to come back to Montana. We offered him the position as brewmaster, he accepted and the rest is history...

Tim Peterson has been a brewer for Bayern since March of 2002. With over 13 years of production experience, including Plant Foreman for Glacier Mountain Cheese Company in Gallatin Gateway, and 5 1/2 years as a Production Manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises in both Missoula and Great Falls, Montana. Tim brings a wealth of food grade product production knowledge to the Brewer's position. An avid home brewer during his college years at Montana State University, this Bozeman native has carried the desire and enthusiasm for producing top award winning beers to Bayern Brewing. A lifelong downhill skier, Tim also enjoys river rafting and canoeing, fishing, golf and various other outdoor activities with his wife of 13 years (Dionne) and 3 dogs, Barley, Hops, and Porter. Beer of Choice - Bayern Pilsner.

Justin Lee is Bayern Brewing's Apprentice Brewer. After moving to Missoula in 1993, he has been a musician, web developer, photographer, business manager, public relations specialist and earned a degree in Microcomputer Technology from the University of Montana. With stiff competition in many of these fields, and limited opportunities in this area, he began thinking of making another career change and asked to join the team at Bayern. When an opening came available in early 2008, he jumped at the opportunity to work alongside these highly-skilled professionals. He is enjoying the challenges his new vocation presents and is proud to be contributing toward the production of what he feels are the finest beers in the Northwest (and perhaps the entire US). Beer of Choice - the current Seasonal Specialty.