What happens when a Princeton and Yale-trained scientist trades academia for craft beer? In this episode of In The Harbor, hosts Jason Johns and Mackey Daniel sit down with Daniel Gadala-Maria, brewer and scientist at Kills Boro Brewing, to explore one of the most fascinating career pivots yet. Daniel shares how his expertise in yeast and computational biology unexpectedly became the perfect foundation for brewing. He opens up about leaving the traditional academic path, the role of curiosity and mentorship in his journey, and how passion drove his transition into the craft beer world.
The conversation dives deep into the science of brewing, from yeast management to Czech lagers, and explores the trends shaping the craft beer industry. Daniel explains why consistency often outweighs creativity, how breweries are adapting to evolving consumer habits, and why the future of craft beer may be more inclusive and community-focused. They also discuss the rise of non-alcoholic and low-ABV beers, cannabis terpenes, and the underrated art of beer and food pairings.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, entrepreneur, or someone contemplating a major career shift, this episode blends science, creativity, and business into a thoughtful and relatable discussion.