Back when we first started the Insiders Network, I scoured D-FW for a sampling of the most passionate and knowledgeable local people in the worlds of craft beer and craft cocktails. I have to say, I think I found an awesome bunch. As we geared up for North Texas Beer Week as a team, something became obvious: No one loves beer like these guys do.
Our Craft Beer Insiders have a singular obsession — getting the word out about great brews. Learn what first attracted them to craft beer in the surveys below.
Ben Esely (full bio)
Occupation: co-founder and brewer interviewer for BeerDrinkersSociety.com, and a serial entrepreneur working on a bar project that should be ready by January
What was the first craft beer you ever tried? La Fin Du Monde, Unibroue
How did it change your life? The heavens opened, trumpets sounded and angels floated down to rest, ever so gently, on my tongue. From that point, I nabbed any weird label I could find.
If you were a beer style, what would you be? Most likely a Russian imperial stout — sweet and full of booze.
Craft from the tap, bottle or can? Yes, yes and yes. How many times do I need to say “yes” before you bring me a beer?
What is your motto? Enjoy your craft.
Grant Wood (full bio)
Occupation: brewmaster at Revolver Brewing
What are you drinking right now? Revolver Sangre y Miel — tart!
What was the first craft beer you ever tried? Samuel Adams Octoberfest
Craft from the tap, bottle or can? Drink from the tap … if you trust the bar.
The perfect beer must be: balanced.
What beer trend are you most sick of? India pale ales — the craft version of basic beer.
Kevin Carr (full bio)
Occupation: founder of Community Beer Co.
What are you drinking right now? Talisker Scotch whisky, two ice cubes
If you were a beer style, what would you be? A Belgian strong dark ale — complex, intense, with noticeable sweetness.
The worst beer you ever tasted: Of all time, [it] was one of my early home brews. Commercially, I don’t want to say, but it was fairly recent.
One thing that people don’t know about you and your love of beer: I actually love wine, scotch and whiskey/bourbon just as much (or more). But it’s the love of these things that often opens my palate up to what you can do with beer.
What beer cliché are you most sick of? The phrase “craft beer.” All beer is craft beer.
Best piece of advice you can give a non-craft drinker: Open your mind. Discover the difference between good beer and alcoholic water.
Matt Dixon (full bio)
Occupation: co-founder of Dallas Brew Scene and Dallas Brew Bus
What was the first craft beer you ever tried? Arrogant Bastard, Stone Brewing Co.
How did it change your life? Opened my eyes to what beer can and should be.
If you were a beer style, what would you be? Sour stout (think Bruery Tart of Darkness).
Craft from the tap, bottle or can? Yes, please.
The perfect beer must be: unique.
What beer cliché are you most sick of? “I don’t like dark beers …”
What is your motto? Drink local!
Best piece of advice you can give a non-craft drinker: Try lots of different styles, breweries, etc., and I guarantee you’ll find something you like. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Mae Rock (full bio)
Occupation: homebrewer and craft-beer groupie
What are you drinking right now? Odell Loose Leaf — sessionable.
What was the first craft beer you ever tried? Moose Drool, Big Sky Brewing Co.
Craft from the tap, bottle or can? Cans. How else am I going to shotgun it?
The perfect beer must be: aromatic, and with good head.
The worst beer you ever tasted: Fantôme Hiver. Tasted like Band-Aids.
What beer trend are you most sick of? Bourbon barrel-aging. Nine out of 10 BBA beers I drink are astringent to my palate.
Best piece of advice you can give a non-craft drinker: Ask questions. Experiment with different styles and different brands, and talk about what you smell, taste and feel. Don’t worry about not knowing the correct terms; just sharing your thoughts will help yourself and others home in on what you like and don’t like.
Michael Peticolas (full bio)
Occupation: brewer at Peticolas Brewing Co.
What are you drinking right now? Great Scot! — delicious.
What was the first craft beer you ever tried? Anchor Steam, Anchor Brewing Co.
How did it change your life? It didn’t. It took many years for craft beer to change my life from attorney to brewery operator.
If you were a beer style, what would you be? Imperial red — bold and full of flavor.
Craft from the tap, bottle or can? The tap! Always the tap.
The perfect beer must be: part of an overall experience.
One thing that people don’t know about you and your love of beer: I refuse to shotgun. Ridiculous.
What beer cliché are you most sick of? Triple hops brewed
Best piece of advice you can give a non-craft drinker: Keep an open mind. Don’t form an opinion about a beer on its appearance alone.
A big thanks to all of the above and our other Insiders: Benj Pocta, Eddie “Lucky” Campbell, Joanna Bellomy, Matt Quenette and Neil Lemons. To see more of our content about North Texas Beer Week, click here.