I don’t like beer. I also don’t feel one bit bad about sharing this secret in an ‘intimate’ setting such as this, an article on a popular website that could potentially be read by droves of people.
On the list of beverages that I like, I would include regular Coke, white wines (a variety of them), iced tea, water, an array of concoctions created by the angels, er, baristas at the local Starbucks…I’m also a juice junkie. And, when will it actually warm up so I can enjoy a margarita on the rocks with salt? OUTSIDE?
The realm of beer is strange and unknown to me…mysterious, alluring, provocative and fun all at once. I have tried a couple over the years, but haven’t been totally convinced beer is for me. However, at this stage in my life, I think I could make room for beer.
For guidance, I turned to four of my friends at PA Eats who are BIG into beer. In a two-part series, From Here to Beer, I will happily share the answers to questions I posed to some of Dish’s biggest beer aficionados. This week, we’ll hear from writer Kerry Watson and photographer Nina Cazille. Both Kerry and Nina offer different and valuable perspectives to this potential beer-drinker.
Kerry, founder of In My ExBEERience, is serious about beer. When I reached out to him and told him about my own minimal ‘exBEERience,’ his response was, “To say you don’t like beer, but you only had the cheap American stuff is like saying you don’t like cheese because Cheez Whiz is gross and Velveeta is nasty.” Point taken, Kerry. Point. Taken.
Maggie Mitchell: What is your first memory of drinking a beer and thinking, “Man, this is GOOD?”
Kerry Watson: When I was about 17 (I mean 21), a good friend’s father used to give us samples of some imported beer and teach us a bit about the style. We would snack on cheeses and meats as well. As a result, I skipped right past that cheap macro-brew guzzling phase that many go through when they turn 21.
Nina Cazille: In my early 20s, I remember having New Castle Brown Ale and loving it, but it was such a hearty, filling beer. Living on my own and going out regularly without a boatload of money, I typically stuck to Miller Lite. My gateway beer that really brought me into craft was an Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewery that I had at Four Dogs Tavern in 2007. It made me fall back in love with beer that had a taste. I’ve been craft-only ever since.
Like other foods, your beer memories might be complemented by a particular location. What is the most memorable place/event you’ve ever enjoyed a beer?
KW: Definitely a Chimay in Belgium. A monk brought us inside to a sitting room, served us a Grand Reserve and sat with us while we enjoyed it. I think he was as happy as we were to see our excitement and enjoyment.
NC: My favorite local hangout is Station Taproom in Downingtown. It’s incredibly comfortable, the food and beer are always on point and it’s kind of my Cheers bar. The best beer event that I have ever been to was the 2014 Brewer’s Plate that I attended a couple weeks ago at the Kimmel Center. So many great beers/breweries and talented chefs creating amazing pairings—it was heavenly.
Why do you think craft beer has become so popular? Do you see its popularity diminishing any time soon?
KW: I think craft beer is popular because people have become more educated. Many people love to try great, new foods so beverages naturally follow. Couple this with craft beer being widely available and there you have it. I don’t see it diminishing anytime soon, but the growth has to slow at some point as the market may get saturated.
NC: I believe its popularity has been built on a few factors. First, I think there is something for everyone. If you know someone who isn’t a beer drinker but has a go-to drink, we can normally steer them toward a type of beer that will suit them, as there are over 180 different styles! Second, it’s a community thing. There are beer-drinking clubs, beer-making clubs and it brings a sense of brother/sisterhood. Women are getting involved in groups because beer has typically always been a man’s thing. These groups take the fear out of it for a lot of ladies. Beer and food pairings have also taken place of the overdone wine and food pairings. It’s new, but with the same complexity and diversity.
I am not a beer drinker. If we were meeting up at a local bar, what would you suggest I get? Would it depend on where we were meeting?
KW: I’d suggest you get a beer! Duh! One that you never tried before. Maybe even a flight of beers. It would depend on where we were meeting but, if you were meeting me, the place would have good beer or I wouldn’t show up.
NC: My suggestion to you would be based on what alcoholic drink you like, not necessarily the location. If you are a dark red wine drinker I may suggest a barleywine or an Imperial IPA; and if you like champagne maybe a pale wheat ale. I would highly suggest that you order a flight, typically four or five 2-oz. sample beers that you get to taste and dissect, especially if you are visiting a brewery or brewpub, though some bars offer this option as well. This gives you the opportunity to taste a broad range to narrow down your likes/dislikes without committing to a large pour that you may not enjoy. Craft beer is typically higher priced, especially when the higher ABV (alcohol by volume) comes into play and you don’t want to order a $6-$8 10-oz. pour if you aren’t positive you will like it. Always ask for samples. I’ve never asked for a sample and been turned down.
What is the biggest myth that you think exists about beer enthusiasts, if there is one?
KW: The biggest myth is that we are all a bunch of hipsters. Yes, we are hipsters, but we are also businessmen, construction workers, athletes, accountants, writers for PA Eats… Beer enthusiasm reaches all walks of life.
NC: I think one of the biggest myths that I keep hearing over and over from non-craft folks is that we are all hipsters. I’m a 37-year-old mother and girlfriend that has found a new hobby that I enjoy with a large group of different, fabulous people. Sure, there are some that really get into it, but that comes with any interest. There are always extremists.
Have you ever drank a beer based on the label art? Because that’s totally something I would do and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
KW: Absolutely! Many times. Not the best way to choose, but why not? It’s fun and beer should be fun. One of the beers on my bucket list that I have yet to try is one that I want simply because of the name. It is a pale lager or helles named after a town in Austria called Fucking. No kidding. The beer is called Fucking Hell!
NC: I have totally done this, as long as it falls in line with a type of beer that I enjoy drinking. Some of the labels are truly beautiful.
Is there room for the non-beer drinkers of the world (like me) to join your club, or are you nearing membership capacity?
KW: The more the merrier!
NC: I am part of the West Chester Beer Ladies and we are always looking for new ladies to join us. We have all types of women (moms, young single ladies, divorcees, etc. ) who are looking for some fun and want to meet other people. Sometimes there are speakers from breweries at our meetings that share information about their products, but mostly we are just looking to have a great time and make new friends. There isn’t a cap on the amount of members and a typical social event can bring anywhere from 5-25, depending upon the night and location.
If you were stranded on a small island in the middle of the Brandywine River and could only enjoy one beer for the rest of time (or until you decided to wade to shore), what would it be?
KW: Tired Hands HandFarm.
NC: This is a tough one for me because I like different beers for different occasions and weather conditions. I think my number one go-to would be La Fin du Monde by Unibroue.
Is there anything else you want Dish readers who might be new to drinking beer to know?
KW: I want them to know that if they see me out and about, they are welcome to buy me a beer!
Thanks so much to Kerry & Nina for taking the time to answer my questions. Stay tuned for next week’s installment of From Here to Beer featuring Jim Breslin and Amy Strauss! Cheers!
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