Hoplight Social Celebrates National Beer Day

Hoplight Social Celebrates National Beer Day

Hoplight Social is celebrating National Beer Day by…you guessed it, drinking beer. Our team is spread out across the country, from California to Colorado and Georgia. Our shared love of beer brought us together and today, we drink and reflect on what beer means to us.

Averee

I’ll be drinking Pappy Legba Imperial Saison by Goat Patch Brewing Company. A deceptively smooth Imperial Saison brewed with over one pound of cherries per gallon. It has a really neat story and is one of the reasons I love working in the brewing industry. The Head Brewer and Owner, Darren Baze, brews this beer yearly for his wife Cate. It is her favorite and they always release it near Valentines Day. Darren originally brewed it at Trinity Brewing. When he came to open Goat Patch he was gifted the rights by Jason Yester (owner of Trinity).

What beer means to Averee

Beer to me means creativity and passion. While working in the industry, I have been fortunate to experience first hand how a pint can bring people together and unite a community. I have seen first hand the passion that brewers put into their craft daily. This passion and the love of the trade inspires me daily to never stop being curious and to never stop learning. I have been empowered by and brewed with fellow women through the Pink Boots Society. Hosting giveback nights has given me the opportunity to help numerous charities. Experiencing one of a kind collaborations and attending some of the best beer events in the world are awesome perks as well.

Working in the industry has allowed me to learn how operations work in the brewhouse, taproom, and office. I am now a Cicerone Certified Beer Server. I even helped open a new brewery, all in the few short years I have had in the industry. Each day I wake up, I am excited to go to work. I get to work with people just as passionate as I am, as well as, experience the joy of those who appreciate the art of the craft. I cannot imagine working in a different trade – especially when I get to shut down my computer, grab a pint, and enjoy the company of those who love craft beer.

Aryelle

The beer that I will be drinking for National Beer Day is Abita Brewing Company‘s Purple Haze. This beer holds a special place in my heart because it was the first craft beer I ever got into. I still remember the first time I ever tasted it. To celebrate national beer day, it only seems right to pay homage to the beer that opened the door to craft beer for me.

What beer means to Aryelle

Since becoming a part of the craft beer world, I have been able to come out of my shell more. At first, I’ll admit craft beer drinkers may seem intimidating, but everyone I encountered was willing to teach me more, even recommend beers to try based off things I like. Fast forward to now, my friends and family won’t stop asking me for recommendations! Craft beer culture along with the atmosphere of breweries has made it easier for me to socialize with others.

I remember one time I was in a brewery here in Georgia and a worker from a Florida brewery came in. As soon as he sat down, the entire room started talking. A few moments later, he wanted to share the crowler he brought from his brewery. He split the crowler so everyone in the room could have a sample, even people not in the conversation. This was one of the moments I realized this community is different than others. I love being able to have something to talk about with fellow beer drinkers around me. Whether it’s talking about their favorite beers and breweries, everyone always has their input and is willing to listen to others. This community makes it so easy to start conversations and ultimately make new friends.

Monique

I’ll be celebrating National Beer Day with a Quintessential San Diego beer, Alesmith Brewing Co.‘s .394 San Diego Pale Ale. .394 reminds me of camping, hiking and baseball games. I’ve taken these cans with me on many adventures. This pale ale only holds fond memories for me.

What beer means to Monique

Beer has a way of bringing people together that is different from sharing a glass of wine or a beautifully complicated cocktail. The craft beer community in San Diego simply attracts a different crowd and that crowd are my type of people. Beer to me means friends, laughing, talking, and adventures. Hoplight Social has become my lifeline to the craft beer community that I would not have had otherwise. I’ve had the opportunity to attend beer festivals, tastings, conduct interviews, and meet awesome people that have become my friends. The fact that I get to write about beer still excites me. It’s an element that is embedded in all facets of my life.

Kristina

I’m cracking open an All Y’all Pale Ale by Monday Night Brewing! There is nothing more refreshing than a solid Pale Ale in Spring. Monday Night is no stranger to making a great Pale Ale because their Han Brolo Pale Ale recently won an award as the Best Pale Ale in the US according to Paste Magazine! The All Y’all Pale Ale is definitely a worthy sibling to an already amazing lineup of beers!

What beer means to Kristina

The best part of beer is all y’all! See what I did there. ? But seriously, this community of people is so special to me. Getting the opportunity to meet so many amazing & passionate people who are willing to take the time to share their passion with others has been truly a gift. I honestly get a little teary eyed just thinking about it. I am so grateful for the ways this community has lifted me up time and time again. It’s so much more than just drinking the amazing beers, it’s the great conversations that go along with them. It’s getting together with people you know or even meeting new people who share the same passion as you. I can’t begin to tell you how many of my friendships have started over our shared love of beer. In fact, this blog exists because of the amazing people that encouraged me to bring my vision to life. Great beer really does bring great people together. It’s the reason we are here! I have so many great memories of many beer adventures over the years and I’m looking forward to all the memories left to be made! Thank you for coming along for the ride. Cheers!

William

For National Beer Day, my choice is the OG: Cascade Double IPA by Wild Leap Brew Co... They were just named the Best New Brewery according to USA Today’s 10 Best, and yes, if you are asking…the beer is that good. In my opinion, every beer they make just keeps getting better and better! I can’t wait to see what they keep doing to expand their selection!

What beer means to William

Beer encompasses all the things I love most: family, fun, laughter, friends, and the ability to try new things! While drinking all the amazing beers during this beer adventure has been a lot of fun, the best part has been meeting the many talented people that make the industry what it is today. Having the opportunity to meet with and photograph these remarkable individuals is what drives me to continue to be better. Without them and of course, without beer I wouldn’t be where I am today. It is with great privilege that we continue on this journey and help bring great people together through beer. The best is yet to come!

Happy National Beer Day from Hoplight Social! We hope you enjoy a beer or two. Cheers!

Be sure to follow us on our social media and join the conversation with great people around great beers.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM