Cheers & Chat How Riti AKA @pale.ale.indian 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 @pale.ale.indian — aka Riti of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Work For Your Beer: When (and how) did your craft beer journey begin?
Riti: I always enjoyed beers more than any other alcoholic beverage. Alewerks and Funky Buddha were the genesis of my beautiful and delicious craft beer adventure.
WFYB: Do you remember what the first beer you ever enjoyed was? The one that really got you into craft beer?
R: Superb IPA by Alewerks
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?
R: My go-to is an Imperial IPA, only because of its ubiquitous influence on the east coast. I enjoy and prefer a west coast IPA if given the option.
WFYB: On the flip side, is there a beer style that you avoid or just can't really get into?
R: I can’t get on the pumpkin beer train. I had a lot of pumpkin (kaddu in Hindi) as a vegetable growing up, and didn’t enjoy it then... so, that has permanently ruined pumpkins for me.
WFYB: What is your favorite brewery in your area?
R: Alewerks without a doubt. Shout out to Jordan, Paul, and Doug!
WFYB: What would you say is the coolest brewery that you ever visited?
R: I am drawn to breweries that have more to them than just chairs (and beers)... like, animals or an element of sports is pretty cool to me. Crazy Dingo Brewing in South-West Florida and Plan Bee Farm Brewery in NY are my kinds of breweries.
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?
R: Hilo Brewing Company and Broken Boundary Brewery in Hawaii. I’ve had the opportunity to try their beers; but I can’t wait to walk in the breweries in-person, ideally in slippers, enjoy their beers and unmatched island vibes.
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?
R: My perfect six-pack:
WFYB: We will definitely be putting this six-pack on our Untappd wish list. Transitioning to fitness for a moment. What is your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
R: Trails with my basset hounds, lifting, and kickboxing
WFYB: Since you’ve been a part of the craft beer community, how have you seen it change (for better or for worse)?
R: Anecdotal perhaps, to me, it has been very kind. Everyone is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. I have met the greatest human beings and best of friends through this platform. I think it was great when I joined, and I think it’s great now!
WFYB: Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the craft beer community?
R: You have to know what values are paramount to you, and you will find individuals and breweries whose mission and principles align with yours; work with them! If anyone’s behavior doesn’t respect your priorities, keep looking; but remember each one of us makes the craft beer community. Sometimes the bad element is not the other guy, it’s us. Make consistent efforts to be critical of your own behavior towards others.
Huge thank you to Riti 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!