Business & Tech

Meet the 'Head Beer Geek' Bringing Craft Brews to Newton Centre

A Q&A with the man bringing a passion for craft beer to Newton Centre.

In Brian Shaw's world, "Beer Geek" is a term of endearment and, for him, a self-descriptor.

"A Beer Geek is someone who loves beer and is really passionate about it and wants to learn more and would go out of their way to drink good beer," explains Shaw.

It's exactly the person he's looking to hire for his Newton Centre location of Craft Beer Cellar, the Belmont, Mass.-based shop devoted entirely to craft brews.

Patch spent some time with Shaw this week, learning about the shop he's opening in Newton Centre this fall, why he's bringing Craft Beer Cellar to Newton and what his customers will find when they walk into his shop.

And we'll get to all that with an article next week. Today, meet the Head Beer Geek himself.

Patch: What was your first beer?

Brian Shaw: 
[Laughs] I don't remember... I'm sure it was something terrible and swilly.

Patch: Do you remember the moment you fell in love with beer?

Shaw: 
I don't remember the specific moment. I think it was IPAs that really got me into it. 

Patch: What's an underrated beer you've tried lately or maybe just one that surprised you?

Shaw: Lagunitas Boston Fusion14. I think I was just surprised at how great it was.

Patch: Is there a beer that you don't like?

Shaw: Pilsners. But if someone buys me a beer, I'm going to drink it and I'm going to enjoy it.

Patch: What's the next big thing in beer?

Shaw: I think the next interesting thing in terms of trends will be sours and lambics, because they're really, really interesting beers. It refers to the flavor of the beer and the way its made -- it makes the beer taste sour. It makes really interesting and weird flavored beers and I think it's going to be the next thing. (Editor's note: Shaw offered as an example Lindemans Framboise Limbic)

Patch: How do you feel about shandies or "beer cocktails" (black and tans, etc.). Polluting good beer or a nice twist?

Shaw: A nice twist with a caveat: As long as you've had the original beer. I think it's important to respect the brewer's original intent with the beer.

Patch: If you're not drinking beer, you're drinking...

Shaw: Whiskey. At the moment, it's probably Bulleit Rye.

Patch: What's the best part about operating a craft beer store?

Shaw: Being in such close proximity to so many different, great beers and tasting them whenever I want.

For more on the store Shaw is bringing to 1243 Centre St. -- including when he's hoping to open up shop -- check back with Newton Patch later this week


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