Praising the Bar: Booze Brothers Brewing

The fraternal founders of Booze Brothers Brewing have built a successful business by bringing on employees who have gone on to become part of their extended family. It’s been a key to making customers feel like part of their clan, and nobody plays as crucial of a role in realizing that goal than the friendly individuals behind the bar. As part of our Praising the Bar series, we are proud to introduce you to a pair of elite, engaging beertenders from Booze Brothers’ Vista tasting room.

Ashley Hester
Beertender

Where did you grow up?
I bounced between the Bay Area and North County.

What brought you to San Diego?
I moved to Vista at age 9 with my mom, did middle and high school here, then went back up north for a while. But North County always pulls you back in.

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?
When I moved back from Oakland, a few friends had just opened Booze Brothers. It quickly became my second living room. Then I realized the beer was actually really good, and I never left.

Have you worked for other breweries?
Just Booze Brothers. They are the only ones who will put up with me.

What do you love most about your job?
The people. My regulars are amazing, my coworkers are legendary and I’ve never laughed so much at a job.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
Beer is sticky. I’m not a fan of that part…but I’ll survive.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
Being a positive, supportive presence for the people around me. I want to be everyone’s biggest hype man.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
I hate to admit it, but I work with my best friends. (Don’t tell them I said that.)

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
It changes daily. Today it’s Battle Haze. Tomorrow…well, we’ll see.

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock?
When I’m not rotting at home, I’ll get myself together and hang out at Dogleg Brewing with my bestie Kevin. And Weir Beer Co., too. We love the ‘90s. They’re in the same area, so it’s perfect for me. And whenever I’m in Northern California, Russian River Brewing is a must.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
Oh my gosh, there are so many. I can’t even list everyone because if I miss someone, I will feel awful. Luckily, my fellow beertenders always come out to support, and they’re always my favorite regulars, especially when they change kegs for me. Oh! And Arlo the plant cat.

Do you have a funny work story to share?
We were filming a video where I was supposed to throw water in Freddy’s face and then slap him. Forrest said to use a pitcher with a handle, but we thought a pint glass would be fine. Mid-shoot, the pint glass flew out of my hand and clocked Freddy. I panicked, but still slapped him. I felt bad, but also couldn’t stop laughing.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
Mostly nostalgia ‘80s and ‘90s hits, from easy listening to rap. I also sneak in some sad music because that’s my vibe.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Ask questions. People come to drink beer, yes, but also to connect. Get to know your guests.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Immerse yourself. Every brewery has a culture. Talk to regulars, ask questions, try something new. We want you to enjoy it.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I’m also a hairstylist with my own salon suite. I’ve been doing hair for 15 years now. Beertending felt like a natural fit. I just really like talking to people (if you couldn’t tell).

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Time with my fiancé and dog. I love any kind of mountains and I’m happiest around giant trees.

Who do you think you are (10 words or less)?
The best friend you’ll ever have.

Valerie Kurn
Beertender

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Encinitas, then Vista.

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?
I remember going to my first craft brewery in 2014, but Booze Brothers was my unbiased favorite.

What do you love most about your job?
Talking to people and being able to be a part of this team! 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
Probably the least favorite thing I have to deal with is when a keg won’t couple and it bathes you in beer.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I’ve learned a lot about different beer styles and how beer is made, while meeting a lot of really cool people.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
They are a fun bunch and they really strive to make good beer and provide a unique atmosphere.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
Definitely the Los Hermanos Mexican lager.

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock?
Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, Culver Beer Co. and probably Burgeon Beer Co.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
Definitely good guy Greg, but really most of the regulars are amazingly almost like family at this point.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
I’m definitely playing Interpol, Cat Power, or something as different as Sabbath, old divorced dad rock, folk, Townes Van Zandt. I get a lot of compliments on my music selection 

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Being able to give direction in beer choices for customers, checking in on them, offering tasters, keeping the place tidy and just making it an enjoyable experience overall.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Be open to trying new things.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I want to go back to school to get my degree to teach Spanish.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Traveling, hanging out with my two kiddos, cooking and frequenting the beach.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct 10-words-or-less answer)?
I can’t condense myself into ten words or less.

Booze Brothers Brewing is located at 2545 Progress Street in Vista