Cheers & Chat: How Deborah AKA @beerstagramming Works for Her Beer
As the Work For Your Beer community continues to grow, we love getting to know the active beer-lovers that make up our wonderful, weird little niche section of the social media world — which is why we started our "Cheers & Chat" blog series.
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, as well as what led them to become such a staple in the craft beer community.
In this post, we chatted with @beerstagramming — aka Deborah Mei of Washington DC.
Cheers & Chat with @beerstagramming
Work For Your Beer: When (and how) did your craft beer journey begin?
Deborah Mei: Growing up in southern California, I really saw the craft beer movement boom. When I turned 21, I made a trip to North County San Diego where I drank my way through beer country and was forever hooked.
WFYB: Do you remember what the first beer you ever enjoyed was? The one that really got you into craft beer?
DM: It was definitely the original Stone IPA. It was the first beer that didn't taste like dirty water to me!
WFYB: Ha! I think we've all gone through the "dirty water" phase! 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?
DM: I love IPAs, particularly West Coasts, and sours! I'm a big fan of Belgian lambics and always encourage non-sour or non-beer drinkers to try them because they can be so unique!
WFYB: On the flip side, is there a beer style that you avoid or just can't really get into?
DM: I used to skip over lagers and felt like they were bland or boring. But lately, I've come to really appreciate them. Each brewer or brewery does it differently and when done well, they can be delicious, refreshing, and varied!
WFYB: So true! Everyone has their own special way of doing things and that can be a gamechanger. Speaking of breweries, what would you say is your favorite brewery in your area?
DM: There are so many great breweries in the DMV area and DC itself! It's hard to pick, but I'd say my current favorites are Hellbender in DC, Wet City in Maryland, and Vasen in Virginia.
WFYB: What would you say is the coolest brewery that you ever visited?
DM: Ministry of Brewing in Baltimore! It was built in an old church and is such a cool place to enjoy a brew!
WFYB: What’s one brewery (or beer) on your bucket list?
DM:The Alchemist Brewery! I also definitely have a few bucket list experiences on my list including celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany.
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?
DM: I think I would definitely need to bring a smattering of my go-to favs!
WFYB: What a diverse six-pack! We will definitely be putting those on our Untappd wish list. Pivoting out of beer for a moment. What is your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
DM: I love my Peloton! I definitely ride for my beer between 5 to 7 days a week and have Peloton groups with fellow beer community friends! The sweat checks also always keep me accountable!
WFYB: Since you’ve been a part of the craft beer community, how have you seen it change (for better or for worse)?
DM: I think there's been a true movement to diversity and inclusion and there's real buy-in in from both producers and consumers. It's exciting to see, but there's a lot more work to be done. I hope it only continues.
WFYB: We are right there with you. Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the craft beer community?
DM: Do it! Whether you're a brewer, a drinker, or anything in between, it's a great community to be a part of in any capacity!
Thank you to Deborah 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!