BEER GUIDE / OWNER – LUKE
Crafted in Chicago, seasoned in Austin, and now perfected in Scottsdale. Whether it’s hiking Camelback, navigating breweries, catching flights, or learning a new skill, I’m guaranteed to bring humor to each interaction. I love to talk – whether it be through performing improv, stand up, or chatting with some friends over a pint.
I’m fueled by curiosity – traveling, exploring new things, and meeting new people. I love turning everyday moments into fun experiences. In my full time job, I manage the employee experience in the corporate world, and on nights / weekends, I get to blend my love of people, beer, and comedy as Owner of City Brew Tours Phoenix.
Favorite beer(s)?
Wheats, blondes, and hefeweizens. Growing up in the Midwest, they’re basically in my DNA. Those easy-drinking, smooth beers feel like home.
What do you love most about Phoenix’s beer scene?
Phoenix has something for everyone. You can find a refreshing blonde that even a “non-beer drinker” will enjoy, as well as a complex barrel-aged stout that makes you stop and savor. The variety keeps things exciting.
Why did you want to be a Beer Guide?
I love creating experiences that make people feel engaged and connected, so much so that it’s my day job. Being a beer guide lets me bring that same energy to the beer world – just with fewer emails and better refreshments.
If you were an animal, which animal would you be?
Either a giraffe – because I’m tall and see things from a different perspective – or a peacock, because I’ve got a personality that loves to stand out and shine.
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Steve Carell, of course! We’d bond over corporate life, improv, and probably end up brainstorming beer puns that Michael Scott would absolutely misuse.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I like to go on “Luke Trails” Hikes – where I start on AllTrails and end up writing my own route. I’m not lost, the map is just a suggestion.
BEER GUIDE – SHELBY
I discovered my love of craft beer when my father began homebrewing. Though I was not yet of legal drinking age, he still took the time to show me the ropes, letting me smell, taste (in small doses), and even help with the brewing process. When I turned 21, we shared my first pint together, an Irish Red, and I was hooked.
After living in America’s self-proclaimed beer capitol, Fort Collins, Colorado, I knew I wanted to pursue more of an education in craft brewing and began to study for my Cicerone Certification. I moved to Arizona in January 2023 with my husband and German shorthaired pointer, and have loved exploring all the Valley of the Sun has to offer us lovers of the craft!
Favorite beer(s)?
Ambers and browns. The maltier the better!
What do you love most about Phoenix’s beer scene?
I am relatively new to the Phoenix area, so I am loving exploring the breweries and new-to-me beers across the Valley. I was initially skeptical about the quality of beers I’d find in the desert… but I have had a great time embracing the wonderful craft beer community here!
Why did you want to be a Beer Guide?
Good beer is meant to be shared, and I take pride in knowing where my food (or drink) comes from. Understanding the history of beer is to pay homage to the many pioneers of the industry and show respect to those sustaining the craft today!
If you were an animal, which animal would you be?
A sea turtle! I am always on the go, love to spend time in the water, am a slow runner on land, and I have been told I can be quite hard-headed.
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to share a modern-day craft brew with the Mesopotamian frat bros who are said to have discovered “the divine drink.” Or George W. Bush.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I helped escort two pairs of the famous “National Thanksgiving Turkeys” to the White House at Thanksgiving. Corn, Cob, Bread, and Butter send their best!
BEER GUIDE – JEANNE
I became a beer lover in college when we got 2 kegs of craft beer for my 21st birthday. This was when craft was early in popularity. After I graduated I traveled for work and made it my mission to visit as many breweries as I could, discovering delicious beers all along my travels.
When I was changing careers I knew it had to be in the beer industry. I worked in a brewery for five years learning everything I could while also studying distilling and wine making. I love all the tasty beverages!
Favorite beer(s)?
All of them! Light, dark, brown and colored. Malty, sour and bitter I love them all.
What do you love most about Phoenix’s beer scene?
The community! Everyone supports everyone. When a new brewery opens, brewers and beer nerds flock to it. We all want to taste the new beers and support the new breweries. Along with the ingenuity of the brewers making southwest inspired beers.
Why did you want to be a Beer Guide?
Why wouldn’t I? I get to share my passion with other like-minded individuals, and share the uniqueness of Arizona made beers.
If you were an animal, which animal would you be?
A cat because I’d get to play, be silly, and nap all day. Plus all the cuddles.
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
My father – he died young and I would have loved to share a beer with him and conversation as adults.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I love to cook and try a new recipe out every week.