AJ, Tour Operations Coordinator
Tell us about yourself!
I’m a Philly-area Homebrewer, Beer Guide, hockey fan, and weather nerd.
Favorite beer(s)?
Plan Bee Pickle, Triple Bottom Pilsadelphia, Frost Beer Works Lush, Mistress Brewing Mistress Daisy.
What’s your favorite story from a City Brew Tour?
I once had the same couple on my tour in Boston and in Philly, two weeks apart!
What do you love the most about your city’s beer scene?
Philly is such a collaborative scene. Everyone here knows everyone else and helped each other through the worst of the pandemic.
Why do you love being a Beer Guide?
As a former classroom teacher, I love getting to teach people about beer.
What do you wish your city was more well-known for?
Philly is actually a really chill place. As long as you aren’t bothering other people, people won’t bother you.
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jim Cantore, Wayne Gretzky, and Hans Zimmer, because they’re all experts in things I find fascinating.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I taught high school band and elementary school general music for 11 years before leaving the classroom.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’ve homebrewed over 210 batches of beer.
Sam – Beer Guide
Tell us about yourself!
I’d say I’m your classic nerd in all senses of the word. If I’m interested in something I need to know EVERYTHING about it, and as a result I tend to take things to the extreme. Case in point, I have been in college since 2011 with no end in sight. When I’m not in the lab, or buried behind my computer screen attempting to write coherently, you can usually find me either at the gym, out in the woods somewhere, or spending time with friends sharing a few beers over some board games.
Favorite beer(s)?
Tough to say what my favorite beer is – but two of my favorite breweries are Human Robot and Trillium.
What’s your favorite story from a City Brew Tour?
Since I have been giving tours for so long, I have had my fair share of repeat customers. One of my favorite stories, however, is that I have had one couple take my tour for a birthday every year for the past 3 years. I have been to this person’s 47th, 48th, and 49th birthday celebrations. I told them that if I’m not actually invited to the 50th birthday party I’ll be bummed.
What do you love the most about your city’s beer scene?
I really love how much of a community it is – there are so many collaborations between the breweries in the city and it’s really great to experience. Also, I truly believe that Philly has one of the richest beer scenes in the country in terms of variety and quality of beer that is both made in the city but also that is available in the city from all over the country and the world.
Why do you love being a Beer Guide?
City Brew Tours was actually my very first job out of college and, aside from a brief hiatus during peak COVID, I have been working here ever since. As a result, being a Beer Guide has been a huge part of my life for the better part of a decade. I have made a lot of great friends in the beer scene in this city that I really cherish. If it weren’t for CBT I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I really love everything about it.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I really love to be active so whether that’s hiking, running, biking, or playing sports I’m all about it. And of course… checking out new breweries!
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to have a beer with William Osler. He was a pioneer in the field of medicine and he also was known to be a prolific storyteller and is thus one of the most often quoted physicians. So I think it would be an interesting conversation, especially after a few beers.
Scott – Beer Guide
Tell us about yourself!
I was born just outside of Philly and have lived in PA for my entire life. I attended Penn State University (We Are…) and now teach physics for my “day job.” I still live in the Philly suburbs with my wife, 3 dogs, and cat.
Favorite beer(s)?
Always a tough one to answer, I usually say Unibroue La Fin du Monde, but in reality my 5 desert island beers would be: La Fin du Monde, Maine Lunch, Firestone Walker Parabola, Augustiner Brau Helles, and Saison du Pont.
What’s your favorite story from a City Brew Tour?
I don’t know if I have anything too crazy yet, but I’ve had a few tours when the brewers are actually in the process of brewing when we go behind the scenes and that’s always cool to see.
What do you love the most about your city’s beer scene?
Philly has always loved beer. While they may not always get the recognition that other cities do, we have a long beer history, some of the best beer bars in the country, and an ever growing list of breweries. It’s the biggest city in the state with the 2nd most craft breweries in the country!
Why do you love being a Beer Guide?
I could talk about craft beer all day long and now I have a job that lets me do that. I especially love hearing about that “one beer” that made people fall in love with craft beer.
What do you wish your city was more well-known for?
More well known for our great beer and food scene…and less for throwing snowballs at Santa.
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Either the physicist Richard Feynman, or Jeff Alworth, the beer writer.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I’ve been a vegetarian for over 25 years.
Allie – Beer Guide
Tell us about yourself!
I’m a Midwesterner at heart but have lived all across the US and abroad in Ireland and Australia. I love to travel and explore new places. I enjoy learning about pop culture history, especially hip-hop, rap, punk and ska music genres. My favorite food is Detroit-style pizza.
Favorite beer(s)?
I love the sour styles; Berliner Weiss, Gose, American Sour Ales, and more!
What’s your favorite story from a City Brew Tour?
A guest shared that she had not gone out socially in a decade, as she had been the sole caretaker of her late mother. She said that she used to love drinking beer and being social, the tour was the first time in over a decade she drank beer – and her first time with any craft beer! She was a champ, enjoying new beers, absorbing all the information, listening to the others chatter. At one point she asked me a question about the foam/head on a beer, she said, “I never really thought about it until now, but I bet they’re different on different beers, and I figured I would ask…” Seeing her curiosity bloom and her enjoying this tour really made my day.
What do you love the most about your city’s beer scene?
It is more than just good beer; the breweries focus on community, inclusivity, and sustainability. They are active and contributing members that help make this city an amazing place to live or visit.
Why do you love being a Beer Guide?
Education is my passion, as a Beer Guide I am able to teach people about the significant cultural impact beer has had on our society throughout history. Then they get to experience modern history visiting breweries and enjoying delicious beers!
What do you wish your city was more well-known for?
Philly is a global city known for it’s historical significance, but Philly’s food and beer scene is unmatched in quality, quantity, and diversity. There’s truly something for everyone here!
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. A most fantastic Philly native, also a musician, DJ, music producer, author, film director, educator, and all around cool dude. I am totally enamored by Questlove, and I think without agenda or talking points he’d be the easiest person to enjoy a few scoops with and talk about life.
Danny – Beer Guide
Tell us about yourself!
I am a fish biologist originally from the Midwest. In short, I love beer and catching fish.
Favorite beer(s)?
Founders Breakfast Stout, Eclipse Coffee Cream Ale
What do you love the most about your city’s beer scene?
The variety of breweries from different sizes to different styles of beers.
Why do you love being a Beer Guide?
I like meeting new people with their own stories and special relationship to beer.
What do you wish your city was more well-known for?
The phenomenal food.
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kenny Chesney, he makes amazing music and has lived an extraordinary life. I’d love to hear some of his stories.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I have sampled fish in 9 different states!