BEER GUIDE – SHELBY
Tell us about yourself!
I discovered my love of craft beer almost a decade ago 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, of course), and even help with the brewing process occasionally. When I turned 21 in March of 2015, we excitedly shared my first legal 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, passing the first level in 2021. I moved to Tempe, Arizona, in January 2023 with my husband and German shorthaired pointer, and I look forward to 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
Tell us about yourself!
I became a beer lover in college for my 21st birthday we got 2 kegs of craft beer. This was when craft was early in its 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 decided to change careers I knew it had to be in the beer industry. I worked in a brewery for four years learning everything I could. I also studied distilling and currently wine making. Loving every aspect of 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. I get to play and be silly, nap all day. Yell at my caretakers when I’m hungry. 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. I try a new recipe out every week. I am the chef in my home.