Interview Series: Meet the Geeks: mmcooljam... a fearless leader

This morning brings us to a special interview... an interview that highlights just a small portion of the enthusiasm from one of the PDX Beer Geek co-founders, Michael. Though I have known Michael only a short time, he is consistently entertaining and educates others with his vast stores of knowledge and random beer information. A true beer geek, Michael is always willing to talk craft beer with anyone near, and epitomizes what being a diplomatic, fun & friendly advocate of the craft beer scene is all about. This project wouldn't be anywhere without him, so if you like being a PDX Beer Geek, tell him so the next time you see him!  - emily

this is the visage of a leader, folks.

Name: Michael

Hometown:  It’s complicated, but I’ll just go with Salem, Oregon

Favorite Beer:  How can I narrow it down to just one?   According to Untappd it’s Lompoc C-Note, followed up by Pliny the Elder.

Favorite Beer Haunt(s):  Green Dragon, Saraveza, Fifth Quadrent, Bailey’s Taproom

What was the first craft brew you ever tried? What did you think? First craft beer was Terminator from McMenamins over 21 years ago.  Loved it!  It was full bodied, full of flavor, it was like nothing I had ever tried.  I never looked back.

Do you homebrew? If yes, favorite homebrew to date: I don’t brew, but I’m more then willing to be a guinea pig if you need one.  One of my favorite home brews ever was a blackberry sage porter from Short Snout Brewing.

How’d you hear about the pdxbeergeeks? I heard myself and Emily talking about it one night.  The rest is history in the making.

What does being a beer geek mean to you? Hanging out with good friends.  Enjoying some good beer.  Speaking of common interests.  Sharing opinions of different beer styles. Using our powers for good, and helping the community.

If you could change one thing about beer culture in the US, what would it be? Converting macro beer drinkers one craft beer at a time.  There’s better options then the big three.

What do you love about Portland’s Craft Beer scene? It never stops. There’s always something new to try.  Events a plenty with opportunities to try new beers that may typically fly under the radar.

Where can we find you on the web? @mmcooljam on the Twitters and Facebook