Cheers & Chat: How Mari AKA @littlemariii Works For Her Beer
Here at Work For Your Beer, we love getting to know all of the beautiful beer-lovers that make up our wonderful, weird little niche 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.
In this post, we chatted with @littlemariii — aka Mari of Miami, Florida.
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): When (and how) did your craft beer journey begin?
Mari (M): I had my first beer in a Yard House in MIAMI, FL which was a Goose Island IPA. I later began drinking Delirium Tremens (at Yard House as well) and I quickly realized that I loved Belgian beers.
WFYB: Do you remember what the first beer you ever enjoyed was? The one that really got you into craft beer?
M: My first ever craft beer was Goose Island IPA @ 5.9% ABV. This is Goose Island’s flagship IPA which is a six-time medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival.
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?
M: I loooove to pound lagers/pilsners and table beers. One style I highly recommend in trying is any Belgian style beers.
WFYB: On the flip side, is there a beer style that you avoid or just can't really get into?
M: I can’t get into anything with lactose. I am lactose intolerant and I am here for a good time AND a long time and when I drink beer I want to be able to drink as many good brews as possible. Anything lactose makes that impossible for me.
WFYB: What is your favorite brewery in your area?
M: Lincoln’s Beard, Unseen Creatures, Tank Brewery, and Tripping Animals.
WFYB: What would you say is the coolest brewery that you ever visited?
M: 3 FONTEINEN in Belgium. I was lucky enough to visit them on one of their Open Beer Days in 2019. This is like a mini beer fest but with all of their special releases for the year. I was there for 6 hours… so you know that means it was a good time!!
WFYB: I totally agree, you have to have some pizazz! Being different is the new norm. What’s one brewery (or beer) on your bucket list?
M: Suarez! I love all of their lagers. I’d love to make it out to their taproom and see where the magic happens.
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?
M: My perfect six-pack:
Annoying Orange Smoothie Beer from Prison Pals
Pebble Table Beer from Fox Farm Brewery
Chet Belgian Tripel from Lincoln’s Beard Brewing
Playita Pilsner from The Tank Brewing
Peach Lambic from 3 FONTEINEN
Hinode a Rice Lager from Shōjō Brewing Co
WFYB: Loveeee the variety! Transitioning to fitness for a moment. What is your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
M: I am a runner by nature. Running has made my life 10000% better. I met my husband at my first half marathon, I got introduced further into beer by being in the running community. I feel that as a runner and beer lover both have always come hand in hand.
WFYB: Since you’ve been a part of the craft beer community, how have you seen it change (for better or for worse)?
M: For better. While we do have brands that are rotten apples, we have more good people that are open to change and helping make this industry better. Also since COVID started in my hometown Miami, FL I have seen more of the craft beer community work together to help everyone grow and elevate together.
WFYB: Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the craft beer community?
M: Ask questions. No question is dumb. Learn as much as you can and be involved however you see fit for yourself. This can be as a bartender, brewer, cellar person, photographer, marketing personnel or even an influencer or craft brewery supporter/drinker. Everyone has a place in helping this community grow and become better daily.
Huge thank you to Mari 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!