Carrying Forward a Legacy of Craft, Curiosity, and Community
The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation is proud to announce Daniel Custer of Sound 2 Summit Brewing (Snohomish, WA) as the recipient of the 2026 American Brewers Guild (ABG) Scholarship.
Selected from a deep and highly talented pool of applicants, Daniel exemplifies the values at the heart of the Foundation’s mission: dedication to craft, commitment to learning, and a genuine desire to give back to the brewing community.
From Homebrewer to Head Brewer
Daniel’s brewing journey began where many great brewing stories do: at home.
Starting with extract kits and progressing to all-grain brewing, Daniel immersed himself in the Greater Everett Brewer’s League, where curiosity quickly became a calling.
In his own words, he “was hooked … and decided this is what I wanted to do for a living.”
From there, Daniel built his career step by step, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every aspect of brewing and brewery operations—learning by doing, experimenting, refining, and growing with each role.
Leadership, Craft, and Mentorship
Daniel spent three years as Lead Brewer at Crucible Brewing, where he took ownership of major initiatives including:
- Recipe development
- Equipment maintenance
- Training and mentoring junior brewers
His leadership extended beyond the brewhouse, with a strong focus on community education and engagement.
Today, Daniel serves as Head Brewer at Sound 2 Summit Brewing, overseeing all beer production across two taproom locations while continuing to refine his craft and support those around him.
Why Daniel Was Selected
The Selection Committee cited Daniel’s:
- “Impressive résumé of accomplishment and meaningful impact”
- Creative artistry in recipe development, paired with
- Technical precision in the brewhouse
Much of Daniel’s career has been built through hands-on experience, continual experimentation, and an ongoing commitment to learning. He continues to develop and refine recipes on his home system—an approach that reflects both curiosity and discipline.
With the technical and scientific foundation provided by the ABG program, the Committee sees tremendous potential for Daniel’s continued growth and leadership.
“Daniel is in a great position to carry forward the legacy of excellence that defines the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation.”
Giving Back to the Brewing Community
Throughout his career, Daniel has made mentorship and community engagement a priority. He openly acknowledges the guidance he has received and is motivated to share that knowledge with others pursuing their own brewing paths.
One of Daniel’s primary goals in enrolling in the ABG program is to bring what he learns back to the brewhouse—strengthening his team, supporting fellow brewers, and contributing to the broader craft brewing community.
With Gratitude to Our Selection Committee
Selecting a single recipient from such a talented and accomplished group of applicants is no easy task. We extend our sincere thanks to the 2026 ABG Scholarship Selection Committee for their time, expertise, and thoughtful deliberation:
- Jamie Floyd – Ninkasi Brewing
- Lisa Morrison – Belmont Station Bottle Shop & Biercafé
- Steve Parkes – American Brewers Guild
- Dan Russo – formerly of Oakshire Brewing
- Brett Thomas – Sunriver Brewing
Their collective insight and dedication help ensure that the Foundation continues to support brewers who embody both technical excellence and a spirit of giving back.
About the Scholarship
Daniel will attend the American Brewers Guild’s Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering (IBS&E) program, a 22-week distance education course running from January through June 2026, concluding with a residential session in Middlebury, Vermont.
The IBS&E program provides an in-depth foundation in:
- Brewing science and engineering
- Beer production and quality assurance
- Practical, real-world challenges faced by modern craft brewers
Thank You to Our Partners
The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the American Brewers Guild for its continued partnership and dedication to brewing education.
We also offer special thanks to Yakima Chief Hops, whose Falconer’s Flight® hop blend has not only spread awareness of brewing education, but has also provided long-term financial support for the Foundation’s scholarship program.
Since 2004, the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation has awarded 57 scholarships, honoring the memory and legacy of Glen Hay Falconer by investing in the future of craft brewing.
