Philly Beer Geek Finalists from 2008...
will they compete in 2009?

Philly Beer Geek 2008 Finalist Wardell Massey

Philly Beer Geek Finalist Dell Massey has the look of a wise sage in his eyes as he speaks his philosophy about beer. Simply stated, "You meet some wonderful people when you're into beer."

As I turn this statement over in my mind, I recall the First Annual Philly Beer Geek Finals Competition held on the 13th of March, 2008. In beer circles, I had heard bits-and-pieces about Dell, but initially met him on the night of the competition at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia, when he arrived as winner of a preliminary round sponsored by Sly Fox.

Little did I know that only a few weeks later, I would be meeting with Mr. Massey, Tom Foley, Ted Johnston, Jack Curtin, and several other "beer geeks" for weekly tastings that would include rare one-offs, international collaboration beers, vertical tastings of Gouden Carolus from Belgium, and aged homebrews made with wormwood. As Dell said, "you meet some wonderful people when you’re into beer."

The tastings were founded by Richard Ruch, Jack Curtin and Joe Meloney, perhaps in 2004. Every Monday, the tasting group would meet to share beer from their travels or beer cellars. As true beer geeks (translation: connoisseurs), this cadre of enthusiasts appreciated the diversity (read more: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art56603.asp)

Philly Beer Geek 2008 Finalist Aaron Fournier

Aaron Fournier competed in the 1st Annual Philly Beer Geek Finals Competition 2008. After a tough first round, he was chosen as one of the three beer geeks for the Final Round, in which he went head-to-head against Steve Robson and Wardell Massey. We all would like to know what makes a Beer Geek tick. In the following interview by the Beer Fox, perhaps we'll find some answers.

BF: Aaron Fournier, briefly tell us about yourself and your relationship with beer. What do you do in your "proper" job? Are you married, have kids, go to school, take care of your aging millionaire uncle, have hidden talents you’d like the world to know about?

AF: I'm a warehouse manager when I'm not chasing down and drinking good beer. Every year I take a road trip vacation visiting breweries, brew pubs, and beer stores, to further my beer knowledge and cellar collection. My one talent is easy. I guarantee that I have at least 10 beers in my cellar that somebody has never had or even heard of. I love giving tours of the beer cellar.

BF: Impress me with your philosophy about beer. What’s so great about it?

AF: As with my life, I like to keep it simple. My beer philosophy echoes the great poets. Take a simple experience (i.e. drinking a beer) and turn it into art. Some people remember great things that happened to them by name, location, or who was with them. I remember by what beer I was drinking, or what beer I drank afterwards. I'll always remember the Philly Beer Geek competition every time I sip a Stoudt's American Pale Ale…(read more: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art56588.asp )