meet the team

BEN ESTES

The Thiol Prince of Providence

I took a degree in biochemistry and decided to become a brewer (I don't know why). But now I've been brewing professionally since 2009. I guess it suits me; I do love beer, and beer loves me. Love makes beer taste good. The science is an added bonus. While opening Moniker during the pandemic was a wild adventure, it taught me that I really enjoy my time at home with my wife, my dog, and my couch. When I do get a moment alone with my thoughts, and I'm not thinking about brewing or R&D, I try very hard, every day, to post memes on my @benthebrewer instagram story (all in effort to not let the intrusive thoughts win). I hope that through Moniker I can spread the knowledge and appreciation of quality, local beer by providing amazing beer to my Rhode Island peeps. I'd also love to see the gamification of beer ended. Beer is meant to be enjoyed in the moment with friends and family. It shouldn't be about "badges" or "achievements." or how many "stars" it has. People are complex, beautiful creatures, and we all have different tastes. Much like different beer styles! If you like it, buy another round. If you don't like it, try something else. That should be the end of it. At least that's my opinion. Beer is love, beer is life! Cheers!

Favorite beer: Genny Cream

BRYAN BENEDICT

Man U’s Biggest Fan

In 2012 Bryan left a career in IT to make his obsession with craft beer a full time job. He has worked almost every non production job in the industry. Starting as a stock-boy and beer buyer for a bottle shop in Philadelphia. Bryan went on to work as a sales rep and brand manager for a wholesaler in Rhode Island. Most recently, Bryan was the Director of Marketing and Sales at the Beer’d Brewing Company in Stonington, CT where he oversaw their expansion in CT/MA/RI after opening their new 30bbl brewery in Groton, CT (its sweet you should go visit).

Favorite beer: Yards Pale Ale

MATT HOLTMAN

Assistant Brewer

I started my beverage career in 2020 brewing and canning coffee for small scale roasters nationwide. As a lager lover, I felt called to the craft beer industry and decided to take the leap in 2021. Since then I haven't looked back. I love the science, labor, creativity, and patience involved in the entire process. When I'm not brewing or drinking my favorite lagers, I am an avid traveler, skateboarder, hiker, woodworking hobbyist, and plant dad. I've been to 40 countries (many twice) and am always planning my next adventure abroad; now usually to find good brews around the world. I've had some crazy adventures! From sleeping next to an active volcano in Guatemala, to hiking some of the great walks in New Zealand, to helping build skateboard ramps for a nonprofit in Weimar, Germany where I studied at the Bauhaus Universität. Originally from Newport, I'm super excited to be back in Rhode Island and build my career with a community oriented brewery like Moniker where I’m learning to make incredible beer for every taste.

Favorite Beer: has to be the tried and true perfect example of American Lager, PBR of course (I mean this beer got me through college). But drinking locally, you can't beat a Lukr pour of our very own Lager Drink.. nothing better.

Cheers!

ASH KAHLMEYER

Lager Pouring Extraordinaire

Favorite Beer: State of Flow German Lager

DAVID ROCHA

Liquid Libations Specialist

In the twilight of a bone-chilling New England winter evening, David Rocha entered the human populace, screaming, and he apparently would never really get good at toning it down a bit. It would be several years before he developed the ability to form long-term memories, and officially come online as a sentient being. After an obligatory period of education and self-discovery, which was largely subsidized by his creators, David entered the labor market, with little more than wit and charm in tow.

Through the years, and through many excursions into the varying methods of trading time and effort for local currency, he decided that the food and beverage sector was his preferred labor environment. His adventures ranged from wiener joint to renowned wine destination, live venue to island bar, serving locals to serving tourists from all over the world, quiet intimate settings to raucous affairs.

Upon learning of the creation and existence of a brewery in his neighborhood, with a tongue-in-cheek name, on a property in which he had always seen much potential, he saw a blank slate, still to form a strong identity or a set of protocols to manifest its development.

He then took it upon himself to convince the rulers of this promised-land to cast open the gates, and welcome him into their fray. He has been happily slinging beers, and talking shit, ever since, having made life-long bonds with the folks with whom he has shared the journey of the growth of this institution.

Favorite Beer: Blanche de Chambly

LUKE FRANCO

Beverage Dispensing Technician

Howdy!

I'm Luke. Besides pouring fine Moniker beers, I also work at Civil Skate Shop in downtown Providence and I really like playing with my useless wooden toy. My favorite food is garlic bread and I'm terrified of heights. My wildest adventure was getting deported from Mexico.

Favorite Beer: Debut Single Cream Ale

EMILY FRYE

Photographer; Marketing & Events Coordinator

Hey there! As you probably guessed, I love taking photos. I began my photo career back in 2013 as a sports photographer for my University in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Beer City, USA). After graduating with a degree in Kinesiology, I made the (expensive) realization that photography was what I really wanted to pursue in life. From there, I moved to Louisville, Kentucky to intern under a successful Commercial Portrait & Lifestyle Photographer. I then had the opportunity to become a tour guide and photographer for the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery where I gained an expansive amount of knowledge in the marketing, events, and customer experience side of the alcohol industry. Whether you like bourbon or not, Louisville should be on your bucket-list.

As a Michigander through and through, beer runs in my blood. Now based in the Ocean State, I realized beer runs pretty thick around here as well. I now get the honor to work at Moniker Brewery which is pretty cool.

My wildest adventure: Grabbing a ticket two weeks before jetting off for a solo trip to Spain having never even crossed the Canadian border before.

Favorite Beer: Founders Brewing Dirty Bastard

PUMPKIN

Head of Security

STELLA

Chief Greeter