Beer 101: The Education of a Beer Lover’s Wife

When my husband and I first started talking about starting a website dedicated to the South Jersey Beer Scene, I was having a hard time figuring out where my place would be. I have never been a beer drinker, but I have been going to breweries, bars, and bottle shops with my husband for some time. I don’t know much, I am still learning. I thought a lot about my place in this endeavor, and it finally hit me. I wanted to share with you my experiences and learning as a beer study.

Let me preface this by telling you I know almost nothing about beer, but I am the wife of a beer loving fool. There it is, that’s my story to tell. I want to share with you my experience as I grow as beer drinker. I am not here to teach you, but simply help you by sharing with you what I am learning as I grow into a beer buddy with my husband.

Everyone has a hobby, and my husbands is beer.  He doesn’t drink beer for a buzz or the feeling, he drinks because he loves the taste. He loves trying a new beer and describing the makeup of the beer to me, it’s subtle and bold hints of flavor, why he likes it or not, and what makes it that way. With the rise of several breweries here in South Jersey, I am getting quite the education. We often travel around to the local breweries and bars to try new things and see what is going on in the community around us. I am learning a whole new language about beer, and believe me, there is a lot; Its like Beer 101!

I want to share with you my introduction to breweries and beer, and what I am learning along the way.  I feel very intimidated about beer and I know I am not the only one out there, I had no idea how little I knew. I have been really studying the scene for well over a year and I still don’t know much, but as I continue to follow my husband’s passion I hope to help all of you out there that are like me, the beer newbie. I want to share my thoughts and experiences from the first time I walked into a brewery to where I am today, and for you to join me as I further my beer education. I have opened my eyes to trying new things and actually enjoy tasting and learning about beer.  I don’t like every beer I try, but that’s why there are so many different kinds. It is something my husband and I do together, and have a lot of fun doing. So even if beer isn’t your thing, give it a try.  We have met so many wonderful people, had some great conversations, and made lasting friendships with people who are as passionate about beer as my husband is.  I have found that the brewery has become an important hub to the local community, a meeting place. You don’t go to listen to bands, or to watch TV, you go to talk to you neighbors and meet like minded people. So put your phones down and enjoy the company, because the company is awesome! From the newbie (like me), to the frequent flyer, up to the owners and brewers of the establishments.

I hope you enjoy what I share, and if any of you beer newbies have anything you would like to share reach out and let me know!

Tara

tara@sjbeerscene.com