This is our chance to get to know someone better who is working in the craft beer industry in Western Canada.
1. Who are you?
Hi I’m Morgan (she/her). I’m a Vancouverite, beer geek, book lover and plant mom. I almost died attempting my Certified Cicerone test in Texas, and by golly I will die tryin’!
2. What do you do?
I am currently lead bartender at Studio Brewing, after managing a brewery in Alberta for 3 years, but have been working in the industry since I was just a kid. The past 5 years I have been growing and learning about beer, and sharing as much as I can with those around me. I hope to one day start a training program for new and old breweries so staff can give the great service guests deserve.
3. What is your biggest pet peeve about the industry?
Racism and misogyny is often talked about, but to be very specific about it, being constantly pestered about my race. Every day I am asked where I am from, where my parents are from, called mulatto, asked if I’m “sure?” about being mixed race, and called exotic. Can’t we just focus on the beer? Also milkshake IPAs.
4. What do you love most about working in the industry?
I adore being able to geek out hard with my coworkers! We’re all huge nerds, and even meet up semi-weekly for beer and draught study dates.
5. What is your favourite beer right now?
I had this incredible lager from a brewery in Chicago, Dovetail, while I was studying at the Cicerone HQ. They actually used a coolship instead of a heat exchanger, even though the beers weren’t wild. Wildly clean beers, maybe.
6. What local charity should we be paying attention to?
I have just learned about this awesome charity in Burnaby, Burnaby Neighbourhood House (https://burnabynh.ca/) that helps people in need. Things like literacy, grocery and connection programs for seniors, legal aid, daycare etc. Studio just did a collaboration beer with them and raised around $9,000 dollars!
Follow Morgan on Instagram @missmomilla.