Taking a 40 Hour Sabbatical is simple.
I tasted my first craft beer at Swamphead Brewery in Gainesville. And ever since, I’ve been in love with the craft beer world: types of breweries, unique packaging, signature brews and everything in between. Through my recent travels I’ve visited many different breweries, from brewstilleries to small local spots right here in Orlando. After touring more than 15 breweries in the US, I knew how I wanted to spend my 40 hours this year: learning everything I could about beer and brewing. During my sabbatical I studied up on IPAs, stouts, lagers and more, conducting delicious research sampling some of Orlando’s best craft brews.
During my 40-hour crash course on beer I learned there’s more than one correct way to brew beer. Trying different beers from around the US and sampling local beers, I discovered every brewer has their own way of crafting a brew that’s unique. Most importantly (and excitingly), I realized during my sabbatical that there will always be more to learn as the craft beer industry keeps growing.
Through my sabbatical I gained an even deeper appreciation for the art of beer. Craft brewers pour countless hours, funds, and care into their craft to create something unique for avid beer drinkers like me to enjoy. I’ll continue to visit other breweries around Florida and the US and grow my knowledge of craft beer. And the next step in my journey to becoming a brewmaster? I’ll be taking a homebrewing class in February where I’ll learn about the ingredients, process and details of creating my own signature beer. At the end of the month, I’ll have my very own homemade 6 pack!
I am an Orlando dweller with a taste for travel, coffee, good beer (extra hoppy!) and adventure. I follow great music wherever it takes me, be it Asheville, Memphis or Nashville. I'm always down for a quick game of kickball, and will never say no to a Starbucks invite or T-swift jam sesh.
"Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You cannot get there by bus, only by hard work, risking and by not quite knowing what you are doing. What you will discover will be wonderful; yourself."
Alan Alda