Cheers & Chat: How Holly AKA @thirsty.wanderer Works for Her Beer
Welcome to another Cheers & Chat interview, where we get to know some of the beautiful humans who make up our #WorkForYourBeer community.
Today, we're excited to introduce you to our tallest gal pal @thirsty.wanderer — aka Holly of Dallas, TX (formerly out of San Diego, CA).
Let's Talk About Beer
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): We're so happy to learn all about your beer journey — how did that all begin for you?
Holly (H): Everything kind of started in 2017. I just moved back to San Diego, got out of a long-term relationship, and wanted to start surrounding myself with fun & creative people. Being in SD was so great because there was so much to choose from. I remember walking around and noticing the vibe of breweries. Idk, I was just pulled in, I guess. I never was really a big beer person, but always liked the scene. When I lived in Athens, GA I had only 3 options of breweries and I frequented them a lot! So, I took advantage of the fact that there were like 150+ in SD and the IG market for beer women wasn’t too saturated.
Initially, I wanted the page to only feature beer (can, bottle, draft, etc.), BUT I just remember posting one with me in it and it got like…200 more likes than any other photo that I had posted before. Soooooo, yeah. I started posing a lot more for the photos.
The account went up to 10K in a year! So sad I never pushed that more, but I had a lot of life stuff come up and wasn’t super motivated. Regardless of that, the beer community (of women) in San Diego is so so fantastic. Everyone supporting each other, similar personalities and drama-free (at least the ones I hung out with), and truly like to have fun and support the local breweries.
When I decided to move from SD to Dallas in April 2022, it wasn’t about beer (obviously), it was more about life and timing and wanting to buy an affordable house! So I moved out here and so far I’ve met a few really cool beer ladies! The scene is way way smaller here, but that’s just something I’ll have to get used to. Whether Dallas is my forever home or not, we’ll see, but for now… I love it!
WFYB: That's amazing — I'm sure Dallas is stoked to have you! Can you remember the first beer you tried that made you really love craft beer?
H: I don’t think it was one specific beer, but I do think it was my trip to Europe. I went for 3 weeks to a few countries and beer is a big deal there, so it was mostly what we drank. I grew an appreciation for the different styles and how it was a huge part of the culture… Fell in love!
WFYB: That's so fun! Definitely a different vibe in Europe — we're glad you got to experience that! What would you say is your "go-to" beer style right now?
H: Lately, I’ve been leaning into Vienna lagers or Italian pilsners!
WFYB: Oh, yum! Clean and crisp! How about a style of beer that you just can't get into?
H: It’s hard for me to really get into hazy IPAs. I can try them, but for the most part, I don’t enjoy the unfiltered thing too much.
WFYB: That's totally fair — you are definitely not alone on that front. Now, if someone asked you to do a bottle share today, what would be the six beers you’d put in your mixed pack to share with them?
H:
Cali Creamin’ (Cream Ale) - Mother Earth Brewing
Art is Hard (New England / Hazy IPA) - North Park Beer Co.
Thai Tom Kha (Sour) - Shades Brewing
Treevana (West Coast IPA) - Burgeon Beer Company
.394 (PaleAle) - Alesmith Brewing Company
Seize the Coffee (Cold brew infused IPA) - Second Chance Beer Company
WFYB: A cold brew-infused IPA sounds incredible right about now. What a great lineup!
Favorite Craft Breweries
WFYB: Let's talk breweries: which ones are your favorite in your area?
H: When I lived in San Diego, I had a couple different places that I would go to frequently. Original 40, Fall Brewing, and North Park Beer Co.
WFYB: Awesome! What’s the coolest brewery you’ve ever visited?
H: Guinness. I know I know…but it’s just iconic. 7 stories of history and then enjoying a fresh Guinness at the sky bar, overlooking Dublin. It’s fantastic.
WFYB: We LOVE Guinness (and, in fact, are even planning a trip to Dublin to have some next year!). What’s one brewery on your bucket list?
H: I would love to do Paulaner in Munich!
WFYB: That would be so much fun! Count us in on a trip to Munich!
#WorkForYourBeer
WFYB: Let's talk fitness! What’s your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
H: Oh man… when I do work out, I like to do activities. Hiking, riding bikes, and playing sand volleyball. When it’s gym time, I’m a huge fan of circuit training and HIIT exercises.
WFYB: Finally, what is your favorite part of the #WorkForYourBeer community?
H: The camaraderie around it. Beer is already a “buddy” type of scene, so bringing fitness into the mix is perfect.
WFYB: That's why our slogan is "Work out, drink beer, make friends" after all!
Huge thank you to Holly for taking the time to chat with us. Give her a follow on Instagram (@thirstywanderer)!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!