Looking to get lucky in love this St. Patrick’s Day? If you like beer, you might want to meet one of these eligible bachelors on the San Francisco brewing scene.
Bachelor #1: Nick Fisher, 25, Assistant Brewer at Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery
Q: Which of your beers would you date, and why?
A: I'd definitely date our Proving Ground IPA. Bold, assertive, and full of that West coast flavor. It always puts a smile on my face, and there's nothing better than finishing a long day at the brewery with one by my side.
Q: Describe a first date you'd like to go on.
A: For first dates I like to do something adventurous and/or creative. Really pick the brain and see what she's made of. Perhaps a trip to the MOMA, or maybe crush a few bombers at the 16th and Mission poetry slam.
Q: What would you do if a potential partner you liked didn't like beer?
A: I'd order her one anyways. I like a girl who is willing to expand her horizons.
Q: Describe the best date you’ve ever been on.
A: I recently went on a great date. Started off at Monk's Kettle with a Moonlight Reality Czech. Then walked down to Mission Cheese for a bottle of Calicraft Buzzerkeley and a few wedges of cheese. We decided to skip dinner completely and just keep drinking. We then went to Big Lounge where I had a sort of Mezcal Manhattan and my date had an egg white gin gimlet or something. The game was stepped up when we headed to Bourbon and Branch for some Four Roses and some of that new 10 year Bulleit. I like a girl who knows how to drink and can appreciate the finer beverages.
Q: Which SF brewpub would you like to make out in, and why?
A: For a brewpub I'd have to say ours is the most romantic. But I'd really like to make out at Anchor Steam on top of a giant copper mash tun. That'd be hot. Figuratively and maybe literally.
Q: If you were to take a potential partner on a tour of your brewery, what would you show her first to impress her?
A: I'd have to show her the beer first. I always say the proof is in the pint. And there ain't much glamorous about our basement brewery.
Q: If I want to date a brewer, what's the best way to meet/approach one?
A: I like to meet girls at events. At the brewery I'm usually a dirty mess and only concerned about delivering the perfect pint. Events are usually way more relaxed, and we've all got a beer or two in us.
Bonus response: Nick says he hopes this article ups his chances of finding a beautiful beer babe. “But let’s also be clear; beer is my first love.”
Bachelor #2: Ron Silberstein, 52, Founding Brewmaster/Owner of Thirsty Bear
Q: Which of your beers would you date, and why?
A: Our Meyer ESB. It is smooth, but has a lot of character.
Q: Describe a first date you'd like to go on.
A: Checking out quality, unique beers (that I've never tried) paired with farm-fresh, interesting food on premises where the beers are brewed. Or a crazy beautiful hike.
Q: What would you do if a potential partner you liked didn't like beer?
A: Based on experience, it takes away an interest that is hugely motivating for me, so there would have to be some other deep connections to make up for it.
Q: Which SF brewpub would you like to make out in, and why?
A: None! Too many people know me. I'd pick a more discreet place.
Q: If I want to date a brewer, what's the best way to meet/approach one?
A: Start talking about your love of craft beer.
Q: Describe the worst date you've ever been on.
A: I drove up from San Francisco to Sacramento for a first date that was originally arranged by a friend. My radiator hose blew about 30 miles from Sacramento just as all the auto repair shops were closing down. Then some sort of flu that had been brewing in my gut made me feel like I was being stabbed in the stomach with a knife. After she picked me up and took me to a really cool restaurant, I had to ask to to be put on a train back to SF. I just tried to block out the pain all the way back.
Bachelor #3: Kim Sturdavant, 33, Brewmaster at Social Kitchen and Brewery (Photo by Brian Stechschulte)
Q: Which of your beers would you date, and why?
A: Our Pilsner. It's delicate, complex, hard to master, easy to drink but hard to get bored of.
Q: Describe a first date you'd like to go on.
A: Cocktails at a bar followed by beers in a grassy field.
Q: Describe the best date you've ever been on.
A: We met at Beer Revolution, ate at Souley Vegan, went back to Beer Revolution, and got stuck at a train crossing for 10 minutes, which left us no option but to start making out in the car on our way to Heinhold's First and Last Chance, which we closed down.
Q: If you were to take a potential partner on a tour of your brewery, what would you show her first to impress her?
A: The roof! We have a sweet view from there.
Q: Which SF brewpub would you like to make out in, and why?
A: I'm biased, but I think Social Kitchen is the winner: Proper lighting, high ceilings, and generally smooth, early 90's R & B.
Q: If I want to date a brewer, what's the best way to meet/approach one?
A: We're just regular folks. Do your thing.
Bachelor #4: Zac Brown, 26, Brewer & Distribution Coordinator for Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery
Q: Which of your beers would you date, and why?
A: I would date Stout of Circumstance. It's an oatmeal stout that reveals itself in different ways depending on the season and beer temperature. It's got an edge up front but finishes out smooth and chocolatey. The layers of darker malts in this beer never cease to amuse me, always leaving the door open to a new interpretation, yet has the comfort of reliability. It's full bodied yet delicate, definitely a beer I would take on a date.
Q: Describe a first date you'd like to go on.
A: I like to meet people doing the things I enjoy in my free time. If we already have something in common, a simple night out for a few drinks, maybe tapas or a snack, can easily propel into an activity again that is either similar or different from the one we met at. I really enjoy people, and what better way to start off than to bond over something I love and make (beer/alcohol) and start to get to know my date? A perfect day out after a few dates would be a hike to the beach, picnic, then maybe a movie when we get back.
Q: What would you do if a potential partner you liked didn't like beer?
A: This has happened. Though I always stand by the thought that there is a beer for everyone, I would never force beer upon a potential partner. I enjoy contrast and someone who brings new things to my life. Maybe they can turn me on to something I think I don't like!
Q: If you were to take a potential partner on a tour of your brewery, what would you show her first to impress her?
A: I am very proud of Magnolia's cask stillage. Even though many people don't know what it is or understand it, I show it to them with pride. It is a very old-school and traditional way of conditioning beer for serving, and it involves an extra degree of manual labor, hopefully showing my geekiness and ability to get things done!
Q: Which SF brewpub would you like to make out in, and why?
A: As I would not want to do this at my job, I think the new Speakeasy Taproom would be the best spot. Such good ambience and great new beers!
Q: If I want to date a brewer, what's the best way to meet/approach one?
A: I don't hang at my job during rush hours much, so just after work at the pub works. Live music on the weekends, music festivals, and food/beer events are all activities I go out for. I have met some very stellar people and even dated some women whom I have met while working for Magnolia at local food-based events that have a beer/wine/cocktail element.
Bachelor #5: Shaun O’Sullivan, 49, Founder/Brewmaster for the 21st Amendment Brewery
Q: Which of your beers would you date, and why?
A: Our Hell or High Watermelon Wheat beer, a great refreshing beer with just a touch of sweetness and mild bitterness. Just like I like them. The imagery on the label is of the Statue of Liberty sitting on the Golden Gate Bridge, lounging in the summer sunlight. She's on a San Francisco vacation.
Another reason I chose Hell or High Watermelon is that all the other images on our cans are mostly old guys. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but I'm not into dead presidents. But it's cool if you are.
Q: Describe a first date you'd like to go on.
A: If it involves an airplane, then we're set. Other than that, conversation and liquid libations followed by great food and laughter. Laughter trumps everything.
Q: What would you do if a potential partner you liked didn't like beer?
A: You don't like beer? No problem... maybe. Truth be known, not only do I have a nice little bottle selection of some amazing craft beers, but I also have a well stocked wine cellar, and a great small spirit selection. I'm an equal alcohol beverage supporter. Bring it.
Q: Describe the best (or worst) date you’ve ever been on.
A: Best date: Where beer is the entree, wine is in the mix, food for substance, lips for dessert. Worst date: No beer, no food, no lips.
Q: If you were to take a potential partner on a tour of your brewery, what would you show her first to impress her?
A: At 500 square feet, the 21st Amendment Brewery pretty much allows you to see everything at once. But for the real magic, the grain room. It's the most comfortable, and grain bags are great things to sit on and "talk."
Q: Which SF brewpub would you like to make out in, and why?
A: Well my own of course. I can't get in trouble, the brewery is fairly private, and the kettle can act as a hot tub, or so I've heard.
Q: If I want to date a brewer, what's the best way to meet/approach one?
A: At a beer festival. It's not very hard as many beerfests are guy heavy with many heavy guys. Be nice, interesting, smile and you'll have no problem meeting your brewer.