Find out 'What's Brewing?' with our new beer columnist, Mark Brewer
A whimsical sense of humor is apparent in the many illustrations Mark Brewer creates for clients from Four Seasons Brewing Company, Inc., in Unity, to the Tribune-Review.
His own interest in beer is reflected in both his hobby and his work, from home brewing to working on new offerings (beer and designs) at Four Seasons to his new gig as the Tribune-Review's beer columnist.
Beginning Aug. 30, the aptly named Brewer, 46, of Bridgeville, will author "What's Brewing?" every other Wednesday.
The award-winning cartoonist who says he once thought malts were "something for a chocolate shake," Brewer in 2015 authored "Brewology: An Illustrated Dictionary for Beer Lovers."
Educating others about beer, including lessons he has learned through trial and error, will be part of his columns, Brewer says.
"I experimented pretty early on, at about 23. I learned I was terrible at (brewing)," he says.
His love of beer and acquaintance with Four Seasons' head brewer Mark Pavlik gave Brewer the opportunity to both design and brew for the company.
"He invited me to come brew. It helps me understand more about the brewing process," he says.
Brewer's expertise at illustrating — he has worked on established characters from the Muppets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Disney — led to his work on tap handles, bottle labels and menus for Four Seasons.
Bottle release celebrations today! @brownstoneoven and @markbrewersart are already here & @WoodsFamilyBand is here @ 8pm!! pic.twitter.com/DCxs9FPznj
" Four Seasons Brewing (@FourSeasonsBrew) May 20, 2017
Brewer gives presentations on home brewing, what he calls "Brewology 101," and has spoken at the Senator John Heinz History Center and the Carnegie Science Center.
"I talk about why beers are different in different geographic locations, the flavor of hops. ... I will address 'What am I drinking?' and 'What's an IPA?'" he says.
"I'm going to teach what I already know. The column will be broken into two parts. The first part will be educating readers about the beer. The second part will be reviews. I think that will be kind of fun," Brewer says.
Unsure what a "session" beer is? Read his first column and learn.
Mary Pickels is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MaryPickels.
