Alex’s dad is the namesake of Gilla, and his family is very involved, including his mom, brother, wife and cousin. He enjoys co-owning the brewery because they are all able to pull enough weight so they are able to balance life outside of the brewery. Alex enjoys the idea of working for himself and doing something he enjoys is something he has always dreamed of. “Plus, it’s a brewery, it’s just cool.” Alex has been brewing for over 15 years and his first love was Abita Amber, but Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout was the beer that really got him in the game. Finances is Alex’s main responsibility, although he does a little of everything, as needed. He is looking forward to Gilla continuing to grow while they consistently put out great products and are able to make positive contributions to their local community.
Favorite Gilla Beer: Gilla State of Mind
Alex Shillings
OwneR
Brad is originally from New Orleans but his love and passion for the craft of making beer, as well as the way art and science come together to give the end result of the way a beer finishes, has brought him to be one of the co-owners of Gilla. He is the brewmaster and brewhouse manager, the guy who creates the recipes to bring us the beer we know and love. Brad has been brewing for about 12 years and his love for West Coast IPAs is what has kept him going since he first fell in love with craft beer, thanks to Red Hook Long Hammer IPA and Sierra Nevada Torpedo. One of the things Brad enjoys most about owning a brewery is being able to contribute his knowledge to create a superior product that their consumers enjoy. Looking forward, Brad would like Gilla to eventually be a part distribution and part taproom model, with a “dope” brewhouse and a nice outdoor space.
Favorite Gilla Beer: Oktoberfest, Neither Confirm Nor Deny or Step Brewers
Brad Andersen
Owner/Brewmaster
Derek has been brewing for over 10 years and enjoyed the process, so he and a couple other brewers decided to open a brewery and tap room to share their passion of beer with the public. His first experience with craft beer that sparked his interest was Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and he hasn’t looked back since. Derek is responsible for managing the taproom and events with Gilla, as well as overseeing the social media for the brewery. Getting input from the other owners and brewers is one of his favorite parts about being a co-owner, he is looking forward to one day opening a bigger facility and being able to distribute to Gilla fans across the state and country.
Favorite Gilla Beer: Lush: Interstate Love Song or No Rest in Sin City.