How This “Beer Thing” Got Started

Ok, if a human could have an FAQ section (can we?) this is my number one. \”How did you even get into beer??\” so it just fits. My very first post is the answer to this question. 

I have enjoyed eating and cooking my whole life but I truly fell in love with the idea of what food could be as the hostess of The Lonesome Dove, Tim Love\’s restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas.

Every week or so the whole staff would get to try the new items on the menu and at nights sometimes the pastry chef would share leftover desserts with us. It was the first time I tried many things, including rattlesnake and kangaroo. It was also the first time I met people fully dedicated to food. Not just the chefs, but the entire staff was totally committed to  providing unforgettable meals and food experiences. Working among them taught me what food could be and inspired me to try everything and attempt to replicate it when I can. 

A true passion for beer came later in my life. I had never been a fan of the light American lagers I was offered at tailgates and I sort of wrote-off beer as a way to get drunk on the cheap (not something I was so interested in.) I can point to three specific beers that changed my view forever. The first is Magic Hat #9. I now think of this beer as totally tame, but the first time I tried it I was home from college and share one with my dad. \”Woa,\” I said, \”this is beer?\” Naturally, he laughed at me inquiring what else it could be. I had never tasted a beer that had fruit and bread flavors. I wanted to try more. 

Back in Texas I tried out my local breweries and random things I spotted at the liquor store. I found these far more enjoyable than those tailgate beers, but still nothing too thrilling. Once again, back in Pennsylvania, I visited Victory Brewing and tried Golden Monkey, a Belgian Tripel style brew. I was floored by the aromas, flavors, carbonation, and even the appearance of the beer. My father and I talked with the waiter for a long time about the beer style and what else to try.

After this brewery tasting…I really went nuts. No beer was too strong, too dark or too hoppy. I would occasionally go out of my way to special stores to find new beers. In 2013, I went to Monks Cafe in Philadelphia and tried the Guez from Drie Fontinien. I can specifically point to this as the moment I went from curious to obsessed. I couldn\’t understand why a beer would taste so sour, and be so \’rare\’?

Well I spent a long time researching, eventually going all the way to Belgium to find the answer. This journey led me to where I am today, making beer, studying for my Cicerone exam, and traveling far and wide to try beers at their freshest and best. I\’m so happy you\’re here with me!

Do you have a specific beer that changed the way you drink – or make beer?! Share in the comments!