About Samuel and COB
1996-2006 Brooklyn Brewery and Craft Brewers Guild.
Samuel assisted on his first batch of home brew at age 11 and earned his first shift beer at 14. After college, walkabout, and a short stint in advertising and TV in New York City, he started selling beer .
In 1996 he answered a two-line want ad in the New York Times and began selling some of the first craft and specialty imports in New York City with Brooklyn Brewery and their distribution arm the Craft Brewer's Guild. His first route as a salesman was Manhattan's West Side, on a bike. The learning curve was steep, and he was hooked.
By 2006, Samuel was a Senior Brand Manager for the Brewery overseeing sales, marketing and promotion throughout the 5 boroughs in NYC and enjoying the honor of launching the brand to new US markets and overseas.
2006 Civilization of Beer
In 2006, after study of beer curricula at the professional and secondary levels and culinary programs across the US, Samuel founded Civilization of Beer education consultancy.
In 2009, Samuel became New York City's first Certified Beer Cicerone beer sommelier and began prepping pros to take the Cicerone Exams, and conduct pro beer training and private beer events for thousands.
2013-2021 Las Vegas with SGWS
In 2013, Sam joined Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits of Nevada full-time Director of Beer Education, Quality Assurance and Trade Developement. While in Vegas Samuel helped launch the acclaimed SGWS Academy and one of the most successful brands in Nevada, the Big Dog's Las Vegas Craft Lager. A beer that supports directly Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas.
In 2021, Samuel moved back East and, after a sabbatical, is relaunching Civilization of Beer. Samuel lives in his ancestral home in Tivoli, NY with his faithful dog Lito.
At your service with..
Warmest regards,
Finest beers,
and deepest thanks!