Check out our Vermont guide, John, we’re positive you’re going to like what he has to say!
Before you worked at City Brew Tours, what was the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
I worked for a biotech company, in a lab, that made cytokines. Think of them as the chemical signals your cells use to talk to each other. It was a really rewarding job knowing your work helped research labs all over the world!
What interested you in City Brew Tours, how has the company changed since you started?
I was sitting at Switchback trying some of their newer beers I haven’t yet had. A City Brew Tours bus rolled in and a guide was talking about all their beers and everyone was having a great time. It hit me like a ton of bricks that I should definitely be doing this.
Hands down, best tour you’ve ever done?
Tough question, there have been a lot of good ones. I would say any tour where some one remarks, “I can’t believe how much science goes into making beer!” or any tour where people learn something new about the beer they are enjoying.
If you could have a beer with anybody in history, who? What would the beer be?
George Washington penned a famous beer recipe with molasses. I would love to brew that recipe with him and talk.
What words of wisdom do you have for anybody taking a tour?
Come with an open mind to try new things! I love when people branch out to different styles way out of their comfort zone and learn that they love them. Also, bring/keep a cooler in your car’s trunk so you can easily stash all the awesome six packs may want to buy at the breweries we go to. Take care of your beer for the ride home!
Last book you read?
A book about my favorite video game franchise, Mass Effect. It was a prequel to what’s going on in the games.
Are you a home brewer? If so, what’s your favorite recipe? Do you have one of your own you’d like to share?
I am! My favorite recipe so far is a Kolsch style ale. Such a great beer for summer and such an easy beer for beginners who want to make the jump to all grain. But a ton of great recipes online through the home brewer’s association. I highly recommend a membership.
What beer is in your fridge/cellar right now?
My wife always says I have too much beer, haha. I have a homemade Vienna Lager in the keg and in the fridge (deep breath)…a Helles from Von Trapp, English IPA from Queen City, different IPAs from Foam Brewers, an amazing Proper Mild from Goodwater, and several beers from Hill Farmstead.
It’s your day off, what are you doing?
On a perfect day off I’m taking the train to the Mets game. But these days I’m going to all my local breweries to keep up on the latest, and when I’m home I’m usually playing video games or watching movies.