Lionel McCauley began life as an enthusiastic follower of the rock band The Grateful Dead. Growing up in Alaska, he followed the 'Dead' from end to end of the North American continent, printing and selling "Deadhead" T-shirts to finance his habit. When he eventually matured enough to take on a real job, he became a high school literature teacher. Throughout his adventures, Lionel was a home-brewer, nurturing the secret desire to take his skills to a new level. When the chance came to jump ship and join the funkiest new brewery in the land, he gathered a lifetime of brew recipes and leapt enthusiastically.