Praising the Bar: Mcilhenney Brewing

Since opening as the second coming of San Diego’s first family of hop innovation in 2021, Mcilhenney Brewing has recemented itself as an East County gem worth charting a course for. Its homebase in Alpine is consistently packed, abuzz with people drawn in as much by the company’s exceptional beers as the people serving them. There’s a welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere perpetuated by Mcilhenney’s top-notch beertenders, which makes visitors feel like extended family. That’s something special and the main reason we’re kicking off this year’s Praising the Bar series by introducing you to a pair of their standout staffers.

Stephanie Gannon
Beertender

Where did you grow up?
I grew up about one-and-a-half hours outside of San Diego in a little town called Norco. If you know it, you know!

What brought you to San Diego?
My cousin-slash-best-friend moved here for school. I had no money or plan, but saw the perfect opportunity to get out of my small town and move in with her while figuring out my next step.

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 arrived here in 2012, and within a couple of months of job-hunting I landed a position working in the kitchen at Pizza Port in Ocean Beach. Seeing the brewing side of the business there quickly piqued my interest and I began to lean on the experienced people around me, taking on any opportunity to learn from them. Though I love the creative side of brewing, it was the passion behind the people that really made me fall in love with the San Diego beer scene.

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?
I have had the pleasure of working for three different Pizza Port locations, including OB, Solana Beach and Bressi Ranch. Wearing many different hats throughout the years, I have been a bar manager, beer purchaser and assistant brewer. Besides Pizza Port, McIlhenney has been the only other brewery I have had the honor of representing.

What do you love most about your job?
Too many good things to choose from, but number one might be the fact that we don’t have TVs! In today’s world, it’s easy to avoid interaction by staring blankly into a screen. One of my favorite things to watch is our tasting room full of people talking and laughing with each other. It’s my reminder of how important human connection is!

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
Bathroom duty. This part really stinks! Though it’s my least favorite thing, it’s an important part of the job and we take it very seriously.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
Taking advantage of the knowledgeable people around me over the years. I’ve worked hard to learn as much as I can, not only about beer and brewing but also about the hospitality industry, in general.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
Watching the community support such a deserving family. The Mcilhenneys have worked very hard to keep their legacy alive, and I absolutely love to see them thriving!

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
This is impossible to answer as a true lover of beer. It all depends on the day and the mood, but there are no wrong choices when drinking a quality brew!

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
I don’t like to pick favorites, but these are some I have a hard time saying no to if I see them out in the wild: Pizza Port’s Jetty IPA or Bacon and Eggs imperial coffee porter, and Burgeon Beer Co.’s Carlsbad Crush Mosaic pale ale.

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?
My lineup usually includes Burgeon, Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, North Park Beer Co. and Pizza Port. They all have fantastic beer and a variety of atmospheres to choose from.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
I love people, but I have to go with my four-legged regulars (or three for the tripods out there). I have an unhealthy obsession with animals, and being able to bring joy to all walks of life is everything for me!

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
Our crew can be quite entertaining, but one of my favorite memories was a day in October when all of us ladies dressed as witches and took over the tasting room. The effort put into the costumes really made it a hilarious day for the not-so-regular customers!

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
If I’m working on a weekday, you will usually catch me playing country or bluegrass. On the weekends we step up the vibe to ’90s hip-hop.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Simultaneously creating a fun, safe and professional atmosphere that feels welcoming to any person who walks through the door. Also, staying up-to-date on beer education to best represent our brewer and his beers.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Put your phone down and don’t be afraid to make new friends. Drink half-pints if you want more variety. And ask your server if you have a question…we’re surprisingly knowledgeable!

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
First and foremost, being the best mom I can be and following any opportunities presented to me in the hospitality industry or in my art career.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
I don’t make it out to these very often anymore, but Bluesapalooza in Mammoth is a forever favorite because it’s where I met my husband, and it combines my love for mountains, beer and music. Mcilhenney’s anniversary weekend is a hard party to top, but I’m also a big fan of food-pairing events and beer dinners. It’s nice to have a variety of foods to enjoy with my drink and it kind of feels like a science experiment for your palate!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
If I’m not at work or entertaining my four-year-old child, you can usually find me exploring the outdoors or in my garage creating something. As a true lover of arts and crafts, I’m always experimenting with different outlets, usually involving woodworking or wood burning (AKA: pyrography).

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct 10-words-or-less answer)?
Just a tiny speck of stardust floating through space.

Kyle Lancaster
Beertender

Where did you grow up?
Alpine, California

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 owned my own business and wished I could be here all the time instead of meetings and such.

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?
I also work as a beertender at Burning Beard Brewing in El Cajon.

What do you love most about your job?
Interacting with customers. They are typically jovial and fun when they get here.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
Cleaning toilets.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I ran a charity for five years, which helped take kids fishing for free based on my shared love of beer and fishing.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
It’s a family-run business, so my corporate overlord is working side-by-side with me.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
Parallel Paradise West Coast IPA

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?
Pizza Port, Burgeon, North Park Beer Co. and Burning Beard

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
I have a lot of favorites, but don’t want to single anyone out. I’ve made a lot of friends in this industry.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
I once had a review left for me that said I was a racist for speaking Spanish!

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
My usual rundown includes ‘90s country, ‘80s pop and ‘90s rap.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
I’d say being polite, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Ask your beertender what they’re drinking and tip them well.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
To work here until I die!

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
The June Lake Autumn Brew Festival is probably my number-one.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Fishing, camping, concerts and most outdoor activities.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct 10-words-or-less answer)
I’m a philanthropist at heart who loves beer and people

Mcilhenney Brewing is located at 2363 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine