Highlights from Foeder for Thought and Brewery Hopping in Tampa
With MY (Beer) Girlfriendssssssss
Since entering the craft beer industry in 2018, I have written many times about diversity. In my first piece for Good Beer Hunting, I talked about the isolation and loneliness of navigating craft beer as a Black person. At the time of writing that piece, I focused mostly on the consumer’s point of view.
But that same feeling of loneliness doesn't leave you once you're working within the industry. Even at my brewery job, here in Atlanta, one of the Blackest cities in the country, the loneliness loomed over me.
Even in the spaces I work now, most of the faces are white. After six years in the industry, I am thankful to work closely with a Black woman (hi, Dr. J 👋🏾). Though my work could still use some diversity, I have been fortunate to find friends in the beer community who share my interests and passion for beer and also my culture.
Last week, I headed down to Tampa/St.Petersburg for Foeder for Thought, a beer festival focused on fermentation-forward beers. Green Bench Brewing, along with Good Beer Hunting, has hosted the festival for eight years. I attended Foeder for the first time last year and knew I would return in 2024.
What made this year special, besides forgoing the road trip for a plane ticket, is being joined by my friends Michelle Turner (who made the trek down to Florida with me last year), LaTreace Harris, and Jamie Toney.
Back in 2022, I suggested we all get together for dinner after chatting with each of them separately. In each of our conversations, I noticed recurring themes around a desire for true community. I had no idea how things would go, but something told me to give it a try. And from that first dinner, we've been kicking it ever since. I can't tell you how much joy I get from hearing our conversation flow from why mixed-fermentation beers shouldn’t be called sours to our immense love and admiration of Janet Jackson.
We share knowledge, laughs, and joy. When something happens in the beer industry, we know exactly where to turn if we need to vent or commiserate.
After getting settled at the Airbnb, we hit up Independent, a local bar with an excellent beer selection. I was craving a Hefeweizen, and this one hit the spot. I opted for their Banh Mi Salad to lunch, which I’m definitely recreating at home.
Foeder for Thought popped on my radar right when I was starting to lose interest in beer festivals. Attending that first year clarified for me that I don’t like festivals with huge crowds, especially if they’re positioned as drink-a-thons. Foeder is chill, with only five breweries pouring beer outside of what’s offered at Green Bench and Webb’s City Cellar. There’s plenty of selection and a chance to hear from the producers behind the liquid. We enjoyed so many of the beers from this year’s breweries. Everything I had from Bissell Brothers was incredible. I would love to tell you about the other featured breweries, but as the night went on, I got caught up in conversation.
Once the sun went down, we made our way to Webb’s City Cellar, recently nominated for a James Beard Award for the Outstanding Bar category. My bud Connor, who’s always sharing the most delicious drinks for me, got us all Mlìko pour of their Czech-Style Dark Lager, Tmavè Pivo. So creamy and sweet, like eating an ice cream float. And then, Joanne, who started working the bar there last month, asked me if I wanted to try some orange wines, which ranged from crisp and slightly sweet to fruity, but dry.
The night was magic (literally, there was a magician).
Except for when this white guy stopped by our table and asked where we were from—a question that seems innocuous on the surface, but can be alienating. But being in a group made it easier to get over his foolishness.
After telling him we were from Atlanta, he responded with “I should've guessed.” To which, Jamie responded, “Why? Because we're Black?” Dude left the table quickly, and we all had a good laugh about it.
Our time at Foeder ended in the brewhouse eating the firm, sweet meat of Florida Stone crab claws with the Green Bench team. Random moments like this is why I love working in the beer industry.
Before heading home, we made a quick stop at a late night spot for more drinks, people watching, and dancing and before I knew it, it was three in the morning. Because time is meaningless in these situations and the only focus is living in the present.
The next day, we set out to drink Tampa’s finest beers. Stopping first at Magnanimous Brewing to have beers with Joanne. I was in complete heaven sitting at the table with two, almost three Cicerones. Our conversation fell into an easy rhythm as we enjoyed a couple of rounds.
Before Joanne’s shift, we hopped over to BarrieHaus Beer Co where I couldn’t resist the pretzel and Dark Lager pairing suggested on the board. The pretzel came right out of the oven, and I couldn’t resist tearing off pieces despite the burning sensation on my fingertips. The best part was dipping into the spicy mustard and having the horseradish completely clear out my sinuses. I love a little pain with my spice.
Our last stop was Angry Chair Brewing where they were releasing beers from Trillium Brewing and Side Project Brewing. We carefully coordinated our time that day so Michelle and LaTreace could get in line right at 5 pm for the release. What did we have? A little bit of everything.
We had such a GOOD time at Angry Chair. The wings were crispy, the beers were wonderful, and the music eventually got right after being tortured with several rounds of Creed. Note: I don’t dislike Creed but listening to “Can You Take Me Higher” 6+ times in one day is too much!
We had a blind tasting of IPAs, marveled over Side Project’s Saisons, and completely cut up when our favorite songs from the 90s played in the taproom. It was so obvious we were enjoying ourselves, that one of the employees brought over beers because they loved our vibe.
With the remaining hours of our trip, we camped out in the living room of our Airbnb, taking turns choosing some of our favorite songs and music videos. Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, Black Street, Mary J. Blige and of course the one and only Janet Jackson filled our queue.
Even though I wanted nothing more than to crawl into the bed and sleep, I couldn’t pull myself away from the group. Didn’t dare ruin the moment until we all agreed to say goodnight. When the moment is that good, you stay in it as long as possible. Cherish every minute. Sleep be damn!
What’s Good
After last year’s Foeder for Thought, I wrote about my love for wild ales and why I think they’re the most romantic beers out there.
Love this news about Oregon beer and hops from Jeff Alworth.
How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth has great storytelling tips, and I loved that many of them can be applied to writing.
Thank you for reading!
Until next time,
Stephanie
About me: I'm Stephanie Grant, a born-and-bred ATLien and the writer behind this newsletter. I’m also a content creator for the food and beverage industry and one of the hosts of the award-winning Good Beer Hunting podcast. In 2023, I launched The Share Community, a digital space for women and non-binary people of color who want to advance their career in the beer industry. You can also find more of my work on YouTube and Instagram.