Cheers & Chat How Charlie AKA @hops_and_charlie Works For Her Beer
Welcome back to our Cheers & Chat series, where we get to know some of the beautiful personalities that make up our weird little fitness-infused craft beer world.
With each post in this series, you'll get to know some of the people behind the craft beer Instagram accounts we love to follow.
In this post, we chatted with @hops_and_charlie — aka Charlie Fisher of Jacksonville, Florida.
Work For Your Beer: When (and how) did your craft beer journey begin?
Charlie: My craft beer journey began while working as a bartender in Orlando, FL. I found myself becoming more and more interested in the craft beer that was being introduced to my bar by our beer reps and decided to venture out and try more!
WFYB: Do you remember what the first beer you ever enjoyed was? The one that really got you into craft beer?
C: If I remember correctly it was a hefeweizen called “Cloud Chaser” by Crooked Can Brewing Company. I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, beer can be good?” It was truly a revelation!
WFYB: What would you say your go-to beer style is? And what’s one beer in that style that you’d recommend to someone new to the craft beer scene?
C: That’s a tough one! I love a good IPA, I am definitely a hazy fan. I tend to recommend wheat beers. I feel like they are a good starter beer as they tend to have a great depth of flavor, but are not too overwhelming one way or another.
WFYB: On the flip side, is there a beer style that you avoid or just can't really get into?
C: I never tend to go for Tripels. I couldn’t exactly tell you why but I think the aroma throws me off.
WFYB: What is your favorite brewery in your area?
C: I think my favorite brewery in Jacksonville has to be a toss-up between Hyperion Brewing Company and Main & Six Brewing Company. Although Reve Brewing is definitely high up on the list as well!
WFYB: What would you say is the coolest brewery that you ever visited?
C: I think that Mocama Beer Company has one of the most beautiful taprooms I’ve ever seen. They also have great beer so definitely a great place to check out!
WFYB: Oooh we will have to put it on our list! What’s one brewery (or beer) on your bucket list?
C: DSSOLVR in Asheville, NC is at the top of my bucket list right now. I have tried their beer before and am dying to sit in their taproom!
WFYB: If someone asked you to do a beer share today, what would be the beers you’d put in your mixed pack to share with them?
C: My perfect six-pack:
WFYB: This is an awesome list! Let's transition to fitness for a moment. What is your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
C: Well, I have been a dancer for my entire life so definitely any hard-hitting dance class. Ballet seems to work me out the most, but I really will leave any dance class sweating! I also really enjoy a fun spin class!
WFYB: Since you’ve been a part of the craft beer community, how have you seen it change (for better or for worse)?
C: As someone who is still pretty new to the craft beer community, this last year of revelations has been amazing to witness. As a black woman in this community, I have been ecstatic to see more and more black and brown women finding their place in this industry! I believe there are still issues that are being addressed and that craft beer will continue to change for the better.
WFYB: Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the craft beer community?
C: Just, Drink. Your. Beer. You don’t have to know every single detail of every beer you drink in order to enjoy it. It doesn’t always need to be in the proper glassware for you to enjoy it. You don’t have to know all of the most technical verbiage in order to enjoy it. Just drink it, and share it! Keep opening up this space for everyone! Beer friends are the best friends :)
WFYB: Scream it loud for the people in the back!
Huge thank you to Charlie for taking the time to share her story with us here on the Work For Your Beer blog — and cheers to even more opportunities to chat with incredible members of the craft beer community!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!