Michael Dieterle
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Beer is my passion.
Years ago, before I knew any better, I used to drink beers like Bud, Coors and other similar, mass-produced American lagers. When I first got my taste of a microbrewed beer (a Red Tail Ale from Mendocino Brewing Company in the mid to late 80’s), I suddenly realized what I and millions of other beer drinkers had been missing: Flavor! I spent the next several years exploring different microbrews, finding out what was special and unique about each, and expanding my palate beyond what most beer drinkers were drinking. Before long I became interested in homebrewing. Finding out that it was possible to brew beers in my own home that would rival the flavor of many store-bought beers was an enticing and exciting prospect; and my first few beers, from just a 5-gallon extract brewing kit, did not disappoint. My passion for beer grew and I started having dreams of, someday, opening my own microbrewery or brewpub. Being busy with college and holding down a job, however, that dream would have to wait. I soon switched to an all-grain brewing system, where I could have more control over the brewing process and the flavor of my finished beers. I kept experimenting with my own recipes as well as spending time visiting my local brewpubs, so I could keep up with what they were doing and how successful they were becoming. About ten years ago I started doing a bit of research regarding what it would really take to get a brewery/brewpub off the ground, and I found that it’s not a simple prospect. The amount of time and money I’d have to invest doing it all on my own seemed too daunting. So my dream of opening a brewery/brewpub started to fade. I just didn’t know how I’d make it work on my own. Then Flying Bike came along, and reignited my dream of opening a microbrewery/brewpub. I suddenly realized that, through the power of a cooperative, my dream could become a reality. So I decided to throw all of my brewing passion and desire for opening my own brewery/brewpub behind Flying Bike, and I have been extremely involved in all aspects of Flying Bike as much as possible since joining. Now I would like to take the next step and become a member of the Flying Bike Board of Directors, so I can have an even more direct role in ensuring the success of the Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery as we move forward. You can learn more about me and my passion for beer at: http://beermonger.blogspot.com/ So at voting time, cast your vote for someone with a true passion for great beer. Cast your vote for Michael Dieterle – the Beer Monger. Thank you. |