MR.BEER® COMMUNITY

Congrats Emily Rivera! January's Brewer of the Month

Tell us a little bit about you:
I am a metallurgical/mechanical engineer by day, and a marathon-running, beer-brewing, piano-playing, gourmet-cooking superhero by night. Okay, I'm not really a superhero, but I am all those other things. This picture is of me and my dad, right after I finished the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon (in 3:57, for those who might be interested). As you can see, I was celebrating my marathon success with a nice cold brew from Milwaukee Brewing Co. Post-marathon beers are always delicious, but this one was definitely one of my faves, because it wasn't the typical Bud Light or MGD that most races serve (blech!).

I live with my three cats (Chip, Mila and Theodore) in a cozy little house in Illinois. I have been an engineer for a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment for nearly 12 years, and before that, I studied engineering at Purdue University (Boiler Up!). I am a geek to my very core, and I think that's what initially attracted me to beer brewing. It's chemistry!

And as I already mentioned, I am a runner. I have not always been, though. I used to hate running and I was terrible at it, but I decided one day (about 7 years ago) that I wanted to run a 5k just to say I did it. I trained for that 5k for several weeks. It was painful and grueling. On race day, I huffed and puffed through those endless 3.1 miles, and I thought I would throw up, or die, or both. But then something magical happened. I crossed the finish line. It was almost a spiritual experience. Since then, I have developed immense passion for the sport and I enjoy the hard work it takes to achieve my personal goals. My greatest ambition in running is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It is within reach; I just need to keep getting older without getting slower! (Only runners can appreciate the advantage of getting older!)

Oh, and let's not forget the greatest thing about running: it allows me to drink more beer!

How long have you been brewing?
Only 6 months, but I am already hooked. I own three LBK's, have brewed several Mr Beer recipes, and have many more already in the pipeline.

What is your favorite beer?
Don't make me choose one! I can't do it! There are just so many tasty beers! Seriously though, my tastes seem to change with the seasons. Every time I go to buy beer, I buy something different. I like flavorful beers. At the moment, one of my favorites is Sierra Nevada Celebration. This will probably change next month. I am also really fond of the Mr Beer American Devil IPA. It was my first Mr Beer brew, and it really impressed the heck out of me. I'd love to see that one come back.

Who would you most like to share a beer with?
Stephen Colbert. Although I might change my mind after he makes me laugh so hard, I spew beer out my nose.