Though Dr. Bill was ahead of the curve on great beer, he didn’t earn his nickname through his near doctorate level of real-life beer scholarship. He earned it as a combat medic in the military. Somehow the moniker stuck and Bill remained Dr. Bill long after he left the military to pursue a career in the medical field. So ingrained was his nickname that even actual Doctors referred to him as “Dr. Bill.”

Dr. Bill was exposed to great beer earlier than most, thanks to some well-guided mentoring from his father. Every other Friday, Bill and his father would sample a dozen new beers. This education taught Bill about the variety of styles and complex flavor profiles available in the world of great beer.

Bill’s passion for beer continued to grow throughout his 25 years in the medical field, inspiring him to travel the world and visit over 1000 breweries. During one decidedly prolific three-year stint in Germany, Dr. Bill visited Belgium 30 times and stepped foot in roughly 120 breweries.

After his time in Europe, Bill moved to Seattle to immerse himself in the craft beer scene. He then moved back to his birthplace, Orange County, California, where he has spent the last eighteen years amassing one of the most extensive privately held collections of rare beer in the US and has hosted some of the most extravagant beer-tasting events in the world.

In 2009 he joined Stone Brewing Company, as the Beverage Supervisor for Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. He has since become the “Craft Beer Ambassador” for Stone. He puts on unparalleled beer & food pairing events, creates amazing festivals such as Sour Fest and Oakquinox and travels around the country for Stone Brewing Co. spreading the gospel of craft beer. He has become one of the most knowledgeable craft beer experts in the industry.

Dr. Bill’s expert knowledge does not stop with beer alone; He is also an expert when it comes to pairing fine wines, spirits and cigars.

Dr. Bill has been featured in such publications as; NY Times, Draft Magazine, Imbibe, LA Times, and Food & Wine.

He can also be found on the popular internet podcasts, “New Brew Thursday” where he does a “Master Pairings” segment each week and “Expert Drinking” where he educates his fans on the best of craft beers, fine wines, & spirits.

You can follow Bill on twitter @Bistrobeer or @Masterpairings or join his Facebook fan page: Master Pairings with Dr. Bill