As her former Instagram handle, @esthelalikestodrink, implies, Esthela Davila is enamored with adult beverages, but none so much as locally produced craft ales and lagers. She was such a fan of San Diego beer that she spent years volunteering her time to staff beer festivals and events. A social butterfly, she quickly made many friends throughout the local brewing industry and craft-beer subculture, and even more after she joined forces with fellow beerophile Brian Beagle to co-host The Indie Beer Show podcast. That increased visibility allowed her to reach even more people, as did the all-female beer-education club she founded while working for Border X Brewing. That initiative was later expanded upon in 2021 when Border X’s owners opened a second business operated exclusively by women, including Davila, Barrio Logan’s Mujeres Brew House. In the years since, Davila has moved on to become the Community Relations Director for Kearny Mesa’s Kilowatt Brewing and joined the San Diego Brewers Guild’s Board of Directors. Through it all, her love of San Diego beer has remained strong. That fondness will serve her well as she assumes the role of president for the Guild. We caught up with her at the onset of her 2025 term to find out why the Guild and San Diego beer are so important to her, and what she plans to focus her attention on over the next 12 months.
What inspired you to get involved in the Guild?
I blame Haley Smith, the former Marketing Director for Belching Beaver Brewery. She was president of the Guild back in 2023, and asked me if I had any interest in being a part of the Board of Directors. I hadn’t really thought about it, but I’m so glad she asked me. Someone on the Board was stepping down, so I filled in. I assumed that role and never looked back. Following that, I was elected to a two-year Board position, and then I was asked if I would like to assume the Vice President role for 2024, which meant I would step into the President role this year. Honestly, it’s a position I never dreamed I would have, but I know I can do a good job and am ready. It really is an honor to serve as president for one of the biggest and most active guilds in the country.
What strikes a chord for you and what initiatives will you be working to advance in 2025?
First and foremost, I want to make sure we are helping our members as much as possible; getting the word out that San Diego beer is one of the best and that San Diego is the Capital of Craft. We are actively trying to bring back the Rhythm & Brews festival in downtown Vista. San Diego Beer Weekend will be a bit bigger next year, and so will San Diego Beer Week (SDBW). People used to come here just for SDBW and we want to get back to that.
Are there any lessons learned from last year’s SDBW that will help shape this years’s initiatives?
People are eager to attend events. People are looking for those unique events. Some of the best things we heard was how much they loved our new Capital of Craft Beer Fest and its more intimate environment, so we are leaning towards that…with a few new surprises!
What are the biggest challenges facing local breweries which the Guild will focus on?
Well, let’s be honest. People have less disposable income these days, so they go out less. Therefore, they are drinking less. So how do we bring them back? How do we get them to order an extra pint or pick up some merch? Those are some of the things we are looking at.
What are the greatest opportunities for local breweries at present?
Try new things. Brewery owners all know their customers the best. Use that knowledge and get those regulars to bring their friends. Then maybe they bring other friends, and so on and so on. Maybe do that collaboration you’ve been thinking about, or do a keep-the-pint night! Start a mug club! Do that tap takeover! Want to have the Guild do a Q&A at your place? Hey, you like to play Dungeons & Dragons or some other game? Bring your game to our brewery. I know these ideas aren’t for everyone, so let’s discuss how we can do something at your brewery or taproom.
Why do you feel it’s important for members of the industry to donate their time to the Guild?
I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t know just how much the Guild does. Volunteer! We can always use more help, be it at a festival, a community clean-up or our golf tournament. Every little bit helps, and I guarantee you’ll get more out of it than you put in. The Guild is here for its members and we will only achieve more together.