Brian Sawyer

rI monitor everything in distillery from start to finish. Starting with grain quality, fermentation health, distillation quality, and finally bottling quality.

• Grain: A visual inspection, along with moisture analysis and aflatoxin testing to ensure the distillery is using optimal grain for product.
• Fermentation: Conduct daily tests on every fermentation, including pH and brix (sugar) testing. Also do daily yeast cell counts to ensure yeast levels are optimal. Conduct HPLC testing on site.
• Distillation: Inspect every lot as it goes into barrel. I do a visual inspection, along with sensory testing as well. We do DMA analysis to ensure TTB compliance on the proof of the alcohol prior to barreling and bottling. Conduct GC testing on site.
• Conducted quality audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and identify improvement areas.
• Designed and implemented quality control procedures for distillation processes, enhancing product consistency.
• Trained staff on best practices for quality assurance in production.
• Collaborated with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues.
• Reviewed product specifications to maintain consistency and quality standards.
• Coordinated with suppliers to ensure materials met quality requirements.
• Investigated customer complaints regarding product defects or malfunctions.
• Monitored production processes for adherence to specifications using visual inspection methods.
• Trained personnel in proper use of test equipment, inspection techniques and record keeping requirements.
• Investigated non-conformance events and developed solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Collaborated with other departments to develop quality assurance plans that meet customer requirements.
• Maintained comprehensive reports on quality management system, including corrective action plans to support continuous improvement.

• Collaborated with distillation and plant operations staff to enhance spirit quality for consumers.
• Tasted spirits, conducted evaluations and recommended treatments and blending changes to improve quality.
• Assisted in refining distillation processes and procedures to promote continuous improvement.
• Wrote work orders and directed plant operations to receive raw materials and produce branded spirits.
• Supervised processes and operations involved to deliver spirits from raw material to bottle.
• Completed frequent inspections to identify and resolve problems affecting performance.
• Kept operations in compliance with company, safety and legal requirements.
• Worked independently on tasks with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively with team members.
• Took initiative to complete tasks without external prompts while maintaining accountability for results.
• Adapted quickly to new processes and concepts, demonstrating flexibility in work environment.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Recorded production data accurately for compliance and analysis.
• Implemented safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Assisted in barrel management for aging spirits effectively.
• Used handheld tools to make specific checks and calculations for each batch.
• Operated valves, pumps, compressors, and motors to control distillation systems.
• Created new processes to streamline efficiency in the distilling operations.
• Monitored liquid levels in tanks and adjusted accordingly.

• Certified in SMAW welding, Class 1 A air brake test/inspection, Fork Lift Operation, Class B CDL, Oxy Fuel Torch Cutting.
• Conducted preventive maintenance procedures and basic repairs on equipment.
• Controlled track switches in rail yard to move between tracks and guide trains in right direction.
• Signaled locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns or radio communication.
• Optimized communication between trains and dispatchers to prevent accidents.
• Inspected and securely fastened air hoses, journal boxes and handbrakes.
• Operated and drove locomotives, diesel switch engines and dinkey engines in train yards and at industrial sites.
• Completed upkeep on rail yard and performed maintenance tasks on railcars.
• Conducted detailed inspections of locomotives to identify malfunctions or damages.
• Monitored trains in operation to detect problems such as smoking and dragging.
• Monitored equipment, gauges and mechanical aspects of locomotives.
• Performed major and minor maintenance on freight cars and locomotives in rail yard and line-of-road.
• Inspected rail cars for mechanical and structural integrity.
• Repaired and replaced defective components in freight cars.
• Maintained accurate records of repairs and inspections.