Cheers & Chat: Meet Rachel & Vicky at "We Bike For Beer"
As the Work For Your Beer community continues to grow into new beer-centric cities across the U.S. (and all around the world!), we love getting to know the active beer-lovers that make up our wonderful, weird little niche section of the social media world — which is precisely why we started our new "Cheers & Chat" blog series.
With each post in this new series, you'll get to know some of the stellar people behind the craft beer Instagram accounts we love to follow, as well as what led them to become such an integral part of the craft beer community.
We kicked things off last month with @JenniferTheBeerdedLady, followed by @The_PintSized_Traveler. This month, we spoke to @WeBikeForBeer — aka Rachel and Vicky from San Diego, CA.
Work For Your Beer: So thrilled to be interviewing you both — clearly, "We Bike For Beer" and "Work For Your Beer" have the same mentality! But let's start at the beginning. When (and how) did your craft beer journey first start?
Rachel & Vicky: Five or so years ago, we were biking around downtown San Diego and realized there were so many breweries along our route. So, we made it a thing: bike and stop for beer! Living in San Diego, there are endless breweries, so it’s been fun drinking our way through the city.
WFYB: Love that! What would each of you say was your "gateway" craft beer, AKA the first one you tried that made you want to get into craft beer?
Rachel: A classic: Arrogant Bastard. Never in my life had I tried something so in your face and STRONG. It led me to my love of IPAs!
Vicky: I can't remember which, but I remember it was a Belgian on tap at Bottlecroft, a local tasting room.
WFYB: What about now? What's your go-to beer style, and what's one beer in that style that you'd recommend trying?
Rachel: Lately it's been super light, like a Thorn Street Brewing "Barrio Lager," or a Hazy IPA. Stone Brewing's "Neverending Haze" is a fantastic one.
WFYB: And what about the opposite — is there a beer style out there that you just canNOT get into?
Rachel: SOURS! I've tried, I've really tried. They just don't have a place on my palate.
Vicky: Co-sign what Rachel said.
WFYB: What is your favorite brewery in your area?
Rachel & Vicky: Pure Project.
WFYB: What's the coolest brewery you've ever visited?
Rachel & Vicky: If we’re basing it on aesthetics, we have to say Modern Times takes the cake. They always have the coolest themed tasting rooms and go all out with their decor. A close second would be Black Plague Brewing in Oceanside.
WFYB: What's one brewery (or beer) on your bucket list?
Rachel & Vicky: Oh, that’s a tough one. I know it would be an awesome experience to head to Ohio to see The DogHouse, Brewdog’s beer hotel!
WFYB: 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?
Rachel & Vicky: So hard for us to narrow it down, but:
Mother Earth Brewing - Cali Creamin' Creamsicle
Pure Project - Sunset Crush
Stone Brewing - Xocoveza
Belching Beaver - PB Stout
Modern Times - Any of their special release Hazy IPAs
Second Chance - Coffee IPA
WFYB: I'm pretty sure I already know the answer to this given your IG handle, but what's your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
Vicky: Lately, lagree pilates and F45. But when it's hot out, biking of course!
Rachel: Mainly, it's hot yoga during the week. But I also love getting outdoors and enjoying the sun on a hike.
WFYB: Since you've been a part of the craft beer community, how have you seen it change (for better or for worse)?
Rachel & Vicky: We would say craft beer has become more than just a drink, it has developed into a social norm here in San Diego. Breweries are even designed with young parents in mind - games and play areas for kids. We’re not complaining, either! We love the chill atmosphere of breweries and to be able to just casually have a drink with our friends.
WFYB: What has your experience been like as a woman in the world of craft beer?
Rachel & Vicky: It’s all been mostly positive! The events and meet-ups we attend are fairly split between women and men attendees. Everyone we’ve met is friendly and supportive. There will always be trolls lurking trying to get you down, but luckily the beer community always has your back.
WFYB: What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the craft beer community?
Rachel & Vicky: Relax and have fun. We’ve met so many people through beer! Also, pace yourself ;)
Thank you to Vicky and Rachel for taking the time to share their 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!