Our Staff

We welcome you to the Ithaca Beer Company.  We'd love to meet you at the brewery or at one of our events.  Please let us know how we're doing.  We take pride in what we do, and would like to know that we are reaching our goal of making the best beer in the Finger Lakes region.  Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

The Staff

Dan Mitchell Owner
Hi, my name is Dan Mitchell, and I’m the founder of Ithaca Beer Company. For the past seven years I, and my staff, have been working to create the best brewery in the Finger Lakes region. I've lived in Ithaca for 12 years now. I've been around the Finger Lakes since I was 5, spending every summer on Keuka Lake, living in Penn Yan for two years, and eventually going to and graduating from Cornell. There is no better place to live.

I set out to bring a micro-brewery to the Finger Lakes region that its residents would be proud of. That is my goal. Please help me to reach my goal by letting me know how we're doing.

Thanks, and Cheers!

Jeff O'Neil Executive Brewer

"The Chief" first joined us in 2002 after learning the trade on the West Coast at award-winning Bay Area breweries including Drake's and Gordon Biersch.  An Upstate NY native and admitted "hophead,"  he does most of our brewing and cellar-work.  When he's not mashing in or raking out, he's busy as a father of five(one son, two dogs, two cats), husband and handyman.  Drop him a line. 

Mike Smith Brewer
Mike joined us in early 2007.  Originally from State College, PA, he completed the Craft Brewer's Apprenticeship program through the American Brewer's Guild.  From there he joined the team at Dogfish Head where he brewed for two years.  When he is not brewing, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and family.

Amanda McGonigal Office Manager
Known by some as "Kenya(as in can-ya do this or that)," and "Commander," by others, Amanda is the central artery for Ithaca Beer. Very little transpires at the brewery without passing through Amanda!  In addition to Office Manager, Amanda also serves as the company psychologist and offers a sympathetic ear to all. 

Prior to joining the Ithaca Beer crew in 2006, Amanda worked for 18 years with Purity Ice Creamery.  Amanda loves yogurt and tv or movie comedies.  When she's not working at the brewery, Amanda is busy keeping up with her two pre-teen daughters, husband, and home life in Lodi, NY. 

Mike Benz Tasting Room Manager
"Benz," as he is known around Ithaca Beer is a New York native, who came to Ithaca four years back on a wine tour...and never left.  Mike was summoned to work at Ithaca Beer in February 2008 as he was one of our frequent customers and well-known in these parts as a beer-enthusiast. 

Allison Graffin Marketing Director
Allison grew up out west, in Portland, Oregon and gradually made her journey east with a short layover in Wisconsin for college.  She has a background in advertising and marketing, and has worked for the last couple years as a freelance consultant, which was how she met Dan and Mari Mitchell...and eventually she came to work at Ithaca Beer.  Allison works on all things under the advertising and marketing umbrella from web design to newsletter to special events to you name it! 

In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, pottery, gardening, and collecting shoes.

Danny Garner Production
Danny is a North Carolina transplant who joined our team in June 2006.  He recently married the love of his life, Lin, a native New Yorker.  Together the share 5 grown children and 6 grand children.  Danny brings a wealth of warehousing and forklift experience as well as an extensive collection of vintage tunes that keeps the bottling line hoppin'. 

Chances are that when you purchase Ithaca Beer or Soda, Danny packaged it.  As the self-proclaimed, "old man" of the group he says "the beer kids keep him feeling young at heart, and teach him a thing or two every once in a while."

Eric VanZile Sales Representative
Eric our elusive sales representative, you never know where he'll turn up next.  He travels to all the different territories where Ithaca Beer is available helping to promote our fine selection of brews and spreading the spirit of the Finger Lakes.  Eric is always working to help everyone experience the Ithaca Beer lineup.  On the rare occasion when he isn't out on the road he lives in Newfield, NY with his three pit bulls.

Stop by for a visit!

We are located at the edge of town on Elmira Rd (also called Rt. 13) in Ithaca, NY, just South of Buttermilk Falls.

Summer Store Hours:
Sun. - Thurs.: 11am - 6pm

Fri. and Sat.: 11am - 7pm

Complimentary beer tastings available daily

Free brewery tours available:
Saturdays & Sundays at the top of every hour.