Cheers & Chat: How Jennifer AKA @jenniferthebeerdedlady Works for Her Beer
Welcome to another interview in our Cheers & Chat series, where we get to know some of our favorite beer-and-fitness-loving friends.
Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to one of our favorite OG beer influencers @jenniferthebeerdedlady — aka Jenn of Denton, Texas. Let's get right to it!
Let's Talk About Beer
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): We're so excited to chat all things beer with you. Let's start off easy: when (and how) did your craft beer journey begin?
Jennifer (J): Picture this… a Bed & Breakfast in the country of Germany on New Year's Eve. You walk in and see a 12-year-old pouring your beer, THAT’S ME. This was the first experience with beer I've had. That night I learned to ask “do you want another beer” in German. I even learned to prime a glass! After rinsing the beer glass with water you prime it with a little bit of lite beer and pour that beer down the drain. Then only then is it ready for the beer of your choice.
JUMP forward 10 years, give or take. I’m now in college sippin’ on those light beers that you are supposed to prime your glass with (not drink). I was not a fan of “beer” at that point in my life. Until I tried one of my dad’s Shiner Black brews — then I was hooked.
This turned into my dad putting together a bottle share of sorts with his friend. So, imagine me sitting across the table from two old dudes that know a lot about beer. I was on a journey to find my favorite type, they had me taste each beer and tell them what I smelled, tasted, felt, etc. I learned that I was a fan of Belgian beers. My favorite from that night was Victory Golden Monkey, a tripel that came straight from the gods. From then on they called me an “expensive” date. I also considered myself one and decided that any boy that would buy me a 4-pack of Golden Monkey bottles would be worth my time. The guy that did buy those bottles is now my husband.
WFYB: Incredible. What a fun story! What’s your go-to beer style right now?
J: I hear this a lot from people from the industry, but I’m currently into light beers like Hefeweizens and Pilsners. For special occasions, I like my stouts and sours. I do have a soft spot for IPAs of all kinds.
WFYB: YES! 100% on board with the light beer/beer-flavored beer trend right now. Is there a beer style out there that you just can NOT get into? If so, what?
J: I can not get into any smoky type of beers.
WFYB: SAME! If someone asked you to do a beer share today, what would be the six beers you’d put in your mixed pack to share with them?
J: OOH, this is a fun question. Some of these breweries are closed but a girl can dream, right?
The Collective Brewing Project: Boysenbarrel
Prairie Artisan Ales: Okie Paradise
Angry Chair Brewing: Barrel-Aged Imperial German Chocolate Cupcake Stout
Denton County Brewing Company: London Fog
Denton County Brewing Company: Blueberry Fortune (recipe idea by me!)
Live Oak Brewing Company: Hefeweizen
WFYB: This is such a fun collection of brews — we'd dig right in!
Favorite Craft Breweries
WFYB: Here's a pretty big question to kick off our brewery-specific section: what is your all-time favorite brewery in your area?
J: I love Denton County Brewing Company. Beautiful location and fun to be at.
WFYB: What about the coolest brewery you’ve ever visited?
J: Cantillon in Belgium. They brewed the old world way. My favorite part is that they left cobwebs up for natural pest control.
WFYB: OMG super envious — they are on our bucket list. Speaking of... what one brewery is on your must-go-to bucket list?
J: Weihenstephaner in 2040 for their 1000th birthday.
WFYB: Amazing!
#WorkForYourBeer
WFYB: Let's talk workouts! What’s your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
J: I enjoy weightlifting, walking my dog and baby, and hopping on my peloton.
WFYB: That's an awesome combination of fitness activities. What is your favorite part of the #WorkForYourBeer community?
J: It promotes being healthy while enjoying a brew or two. Beer is a great post-workout beverage! Full of carbs, vitamins, and enjoyment.
WFYB: We totally agree! Thank you for being a part of our weird little beer-and-fitness community.
Big thank you to Jennifer for telling us more about their love for beer, local breweries, and fitness. Make sure you give her a follow on Instagram (@jenniferthebeerdedlady)!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email mel@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!