Welcome to our “Meet The Brewer” series! Where we interview brewers in Pennsylvania, from breweries small to large. Let us know if you know anyone who should be featured, email us at [email protected].

Full Pint Beer re-opened under brand new ownership in May of 2021. Aside from the original location on Route 30 in the North Versailles neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the new owners added a new taproom at 16087 Perry Highway, in the North Hills neighborhood of Warrendale. They have overhauled the brewing operations, upgraded parts of their 15 BBL brewhouse, and have been putting out cans since announcing the re-branding, back in May.

Jim Simmons, who regularly goes by “Bobby Nacho” to many beer friends, is the Head Brewer of Full Pint Beer. Read more to find out how his introduction to craft beer, how he got started as a brewer, and more!

What was your introduction to craft beer?

Other than Yuengling? East End Brewing in Pittsburgh, way back in the day, had this warehouse and no signage. Just an empty keg outside. Bring your growler and tell them your name so you could get a free beer later with their rewards program. (I hear Scott still has these index cards!) that felt shady as hell, but Fat Gary was my Jam!

How did you get started as a brewer?

I just returned from a T.R.U.B. (homebrew club) meeting and was enjoying some brews at a friend’s house, and we got a call that a local brewery lost its Brewer and needed help. I didn’t know exactly what they needed but said I’d give them any help I could. Several of us showed up to “help”. When we asked, he said I need you to brew. We started with 6-7 helpers, and after about a month, I was the last man standing. I ended up being there for two years. Learned a lot of what not to do.

What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?

I love to play with hop flavors. IPAs have a lot of room for creativity. Sours too.

What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?

The first beer I ever brewed was a kit. (Caribou Slobber) I learned that kits aren’t good enough. I needed to learn to make my own recipes. I was fortunate to have friends that brewed really good beer, and I took every opportunity to learn from them. Two guys that have been inspirations to me are Justin Goodfellow (the guy that convinced me I should brew beer) and Rich Romanko, who was at that time the president of T.R.U.B.

Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?

That’s a tough question. I want to believe that classic styles will return to the forefront.

Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.

It’s pretty amazing. The Pittsburgh Brewers are all exceptional people, help each other out if you need something. Justin Goodfellow, previously of Fury, and currently at Yellow Bridge, Scott Smith and Brendan Benson from East End, Meg Seastadt from North Country are brewers that I admire. I see how they interact with other brewers as well as the community, they have been a real inspiration. Jay Herman and the team at Levity Brewing are incredible as well.

What is the inspiration behind your beer names?

We haven’t had to name to many beers yet, but we sit down as a group and we discuss it. We try to keep our names on the lighter side, keeping it fun.

What is your favorite beer to drink right now?

Have your cake and Drink it to, Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Sour from Fury Brewing

What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?

A lot of people get triggered when you put breakfast or pastries in beer, but I’ll do it anyway. Seriously, much like food, quality ingredients matter, buy the best you can afford. Don’t compromise.