Most of the time, collaboration beers bring professional brewers together to share methodologies in the creation of a one-off ale or lager, but a recent collab at My Yard Live Beer Co. saw four complete novices assemble for their initial brewing session. While it was his first time on the brew deck, one of those rookies, James Zoul, is extremely familiar with the San Marcos brewpub. He’s worked there since the business opened in 2019. It’s a position he attained after a long period where he struggled to find employment due to his intellectual and developmental disabilities, but his character and solid work ethic have since made him a beloved member of the My Yard Live team. So, when the business’ co-owner and head brewer decided to craft a beer to support local charities, they immediately thought of Zoul (pictured below) and invited him to take part in the process in a big way.
“We’d been talking about doing a give-back beer for a long time, and while there are amazing causes out there and we do a ton of fundraising, nothing ever stuck until we started discussing this idea,” says My Yard Live co-owner Jamie Minotti. “After speaking with James’ mom, we found out he has some friends he’s had since childhood who also have developmental disabilities, and like him, they love beer. Now, with just this one beer, we’re able to both support their interest in beer as well as give the Dudes a vehicle to give back, too.”
“The Dudes” is a reference to James, Nick Bahen, Michael Roth and Matt Zimmerman. The nickname is derived from the name of the collaboration beer, which they came up with together: 4DUDESBREW IPA. It’s but one significant way in which they steered the brewing process. The Dudes also decided they wanted to brew an IPA and came up with its four hop varietals—Centennial, Amarillo, Mosaic and Southern Cross—resulting in flavors and aromas of tangerine and stone fruit in the 6.5% (alcohol-by-volume) beer, from which $1 of each pint sold will benefit non-profit organizations of the foursome’s choosing.
“I didn’t want the guys to feel like they were just showing up to throw some hops in and take a picture, so we had a meeting where I broke out every bag of hops I had in our cold-box and made some hop teas. That allowed them to pick their favorites they thought would go best in the IPA,” says Head Brewer Ben “Shaggy” Blaney. “And on the brew day, they helped with every step of the process, from milling grain, to adding hops, to graining out and even pitching the yeast.”
“They took the job very seriously, all the while having so much fun,” says James’ father Jim. “I could tell they felt important and a part of something special. Shaggy’s patience was incredible to watch as he worked with the Dudes, giving them instructions and directions.”
Consideration and understanding is what the Zouls have come to expect from My Yard Live. James’ mother, June, originally spotted the job advertisement for a “new family-friendly brewery” being built in San Marcos. The family reference led her to think—and hope—ownership would be accepting of an employment candidate with special needs. When submitting his application, June included a letter sharing a little about the type of person her son is. She says Minotti responded to her both very quickly and enthusiastically. The rest is (a very positive) history.
“James’ employment at My Yard Live has given him so much self-worth, self-esteem and the feeling of acceptance. Everyone there treats him just like any other employee. It’s pretty amazing,” says June. “And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, James and some of his friends have been given this opportunity to brew their own beer.”
The Dudes will be on-hand at My Yard Live this Friday, December 3 when 4DUDESBREW IPA debuts at a release event beginning at 5 p.m.. While all of the charities that will receive funds raised through sales of the beer have yet to be determined, one has been decided upon. It’s a local organization called Revision, which works with the San Diego Regional Center to provide inclusive creative training and studio access to all citizens, including individuals with intellectual disabilities.
And now some world from the Dudes…
James Zoul: “I love to drink beer! I like to brew this beer with my friends. The party will be fun with everyone!”
Nick Bahen: “I am excited! My dad brewed beer when we lived in Oregon. Now I brew beer too!”
Matt Zimmerman: “This is cool.”
Michael Roth: “That was neat to brew beer with Shaggy. Now I can make beer, too.”
My Yard Live Beer Co. is located at 288 Rancheros Drive in San Marcos