Hometown: Portland, OR . I moved here right after high school meaning I’ve lived here longer than everywhere else combined (Alabama, Kentucky, Seattle, Michigan and Texas) and married a native so consider it my hometown.
Favorite Beer: It depends on the season. I’m quite fond of Southern Oregon Brewing’s Na Zdravi in the summer. In the winter it’s whatever I find at the store that I haven’t tried yet.
Favorite Beer Haunt: My garage. My beer fridge is loaded with goodies from friends, from great brewers, and even the occasional macro.
What was the first craft brew you ever tried? What did you think? I think it was Widmer Hefeweizen. I loved it but it didn’t convert me.
Do you homebrew? If yes, favorite homebrew to date: Yes though not a ton. I think there are at least 1000 better brewers in Portland than me (fortunately one of whom is my brew partner) Favorite to date: Lents Brewing Coalition’s Urban Renewal IPA or Goat Scrotum Ale. It’s a toss up.
How’d you hear about the pdxbeergeeks? Emily, of course.
What does being a beer geek mean to you? Trying lots of beer. Not drinking lots (well, sometimes). As long as I can remember (at least 2000) I’ve always sought out the local beer at a good local dive wherever I’ve traveled. From Ireland and Washington DC to San Diego and Seattle, a joy of traveling for me is trying a beer I’d never heard of or seen and if possible at a brewery. My wife rolls her eyes at how many breweries we’ve been to over time.
If you could change one thing about beer culture in the US, what would it be? More cans! Last year I organized a canned beer fest. Stay tuned for details on Cans Fest 2: http://www.facebook.com/thecansfest
What do you love about Portland’s Craft Beer scene? The people, the places (Belmont Station, any great brewpub, Horse Brass and on and on) and the endless selection of great beer.
Where can we find you on the web? I’m on Facebook at lot (http://www.facebook.com/jessecornett) but be warned, I talk as much about politics as I do beer. If you’re offended by liberalism you might not want to friend me;-)
