Interview Summary: Nathan Rice is the head brewer and co-owner of Fitzhugh brewing. Located in Dripping Springs, Rice and co-owner Kerbey Smith cultivate a family-friendly environment of “cool beers for cool people in a cool place.” Fitzhugh opened in October of 2020 as a collaborative project between Rice, Smith, and Smith’s father. Rice and the other owners envisioned a brewery that included a substantial outdoor space and local farm-to-table cooking. This interview covers the distilling process, changes in technology, beer making as an artisanal craft, and the broader craft brewing scene in Texas. During the interview, Rice discusses his experience as a beekeeper prior to taking on the role of head brewer at Fitzhugh, as well as the foundational values of the brewery. He states that Fitzhugh more so fits into the Hill Country zeitgeist rather than a flashy brewery and they prefer it that way. There is an expressed interest in reintroducing beers of the “old world,” as well as experimenting with different technology within the distilling process. Above all, Rice finds that a quality beer is defined by its environment and Fitzhugh embodies what he finds to be an environment where people can experience good beer and a good time. 

Interviewer: Alex Chastain

Date of Interview: March 12, 2025

Location of Interview: Fitzhugh Brewing, Dripping Springs, Texas

Interview Transcription: Available here