Cheers & Chat: How Lindsay AKA @hoppyhayes 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.
In this post, we're excited to introduce you to one of our favorite gal pals @hoppyhayes — aka Lindsay of Charlotte, NC.
Let's Talk About Beer
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): We're excited to FINALLY feature you on the WFYB blog. Let's start with an easy question: when (and how) did your craft beer journey begin?
Lindsay (L): My craft beer journey began in 2016 - the year after I graduated from East Carolina University. I was working at a pharmaceutical company as a temp back in Maryland and needed a new job fast. Flying Dog was looking for a few bartenders, and I was a MillerCoors sample girl in college while designing my own senior bar crawl with local distribution companies. I worked at Flying Dog until I moved to Nashville to work in Palliative Care while bartending at Southern Grist part-time.
I then moved to Charlotte and currently work for Wooden Robot, as well as manage several brewery social media accounts.
WFYB: Can you remember the first beer you tried that made you really want to get into craft beer?
L: SweetWater Blue was definitely one of the first I remember in college because it paired really well with a Bo-Berry Biscuit from Bojangles for my hangovers.
WFYB: What a hangover combo! What would you say is your go-to beer style right now?
L: Either a West Coast IPA, Dark Lager, smoked beer, or Belgian Tripel.
WFYB: Quite the variety! Is there a style of beer that you just can't get into?
L: I’m losing my love for hazy IPAs. I hate the burn and chunkiness that comes with them these days.
WFYB: We feel that — there are so many interesting styles to be trying that too much haze can get a bit boring, huh? Now, to pivot slightly: 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?
L:
Greensicle by Tree House Brewing (Creamsicle IPA)
Wanderer by Tree House Brewing (German Helles)
Thrills by Dewey Beer Co (Smoothie Sour)
AU Jus by Vitamin Sea Brewing (AUS IPA)
Discreet Charm by Bluejacket Brewery (Smoked Lager)
Coconut Pistachio Cheesecake by Imprint Beer Co. (Stout)
WFYB: Um, please bring us a Coconut Pistacho Cheesecake Stout — that sounds amazing!
Favorite Craft Breweries
WFYB: Here's a loaded question: what is your all-time favorite brewery in your area?
L: Both Wooden Robot & Divine Barrel since I’ve worked at both. It’s like picking your favorite child — impossible.
WFYB: Two of *our* favorites, as well! What’s the coolest brewery you’ve ever visited?
L: I haven’t been able to adventure to the West Coast yet for beer — but East Coast, definitely both Sierra Nevada in Asheville, NC and Tree House Brewing in Massachusetts. Both are absolutely massive and gorgeous spaces with a LOT of great beers available on-premise and to go.
WFYB: We adore Sierra Nevada, and we have yet to get to Tree House (maybe one day...). What brewery is at the top of your bucket list to visit?
L: Delirium in Belgium!
WFYB: Delirium is incredible — can't wait for you to check it out!
#WorkForYourBeer
WFYB: Let's talk fitness! What’s your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
L: Kayaking! My boyfriend and I live in Belmont on the Catawba River so we like to take the kayaks out to get away from the noise.
WFYB: Finally, what is your favorite part of the #WorkForYourBeer community?
L: My favorite part of the Work for your beer community is that they advocate for all people — no matter your race, sexuality, identity, body type, religion, you name it. Everyone is welcome and included and it’s a beautiful thing.
WFYB: We are doing our best over here, and we see you doing the same! *claps*
Huge shout out to Lindsay for taking the time to be interviewed. Make sure you give her a follow on Instagram (@hoppyhayes), and if you see her slinging beers at Wooden Robot, give her a high five!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!