Meet Bevolution Creator in Bev Grantee Faye Johnson
Faye Johnson found her path to brewing through her major in food science. After taking microbiology classes, she found a passion for all things fermentation. She started out homebrewing trying to learn as much as she could about the craft. It all led her to holding various roles in production including head brewer as well as the microbiologist for one of the largest independent breweries in the country. Now, through all her learnings, she’s expanding her knowledge even more of alcohol production in her current role as a distiller for a new distillery in New Jersey. In understanding how important educational resources and guidance are needed for furthering a career within the industry, she wants to share what she has learned and provide an outlet for industry professionals to share their work and experiences. “Information should be easily accessible and digestible, “ she says. “I’m hoping that my podcast, The Floor Is Wet, will help both professionals and craft fans learn more about their favorite beverages and the people making them.”
Learn more about Faye’s journey in brewing and distilling in our conversation with her below. You can also watch Faye on Discovery+ Moonshine’s Master Distiller Season 4!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ethnicity: Korean and White
Homebase: Philadelphia, PA
Instagram: @faye.kj
Tell us about your journey in the brewing world:
My journey into brewing wasn’t the most linear, but my education helped to set me up for success. I knew that food science was the right major for me when I started taking microbiology classes. I fell in love with fermentation and started to work on as many projects as I could, including lots of poorly homebrewed beer. My pursuit of brewing professionally landed me a production role in Nashville, TN, as a brewer and distiller. Their unique malt whiskey program allowed me to learn the ins and outs of hot side production methods and troubleshooting that are similar in beer wort production. Eventually, I was head brewer of their 1bbl experimental beer program while also distilling their full range of spirits! After moving back home to NJ, I have been lead brewer on a 15bbl system, a microbiologist for one of the largest independent breweries in the country, and currently am the distiller at a brand new distillery.
Why is the grant opportunity important to you in helping you further your goals?
This Bevolution Creators in Brewing Grant would help me to finally launch the podcast that I have been planning since 2020. After leading countless tours and tastings in breweries and distilleries, I’ve seen how misinformation and lack of information have affected overall consumer confidence and choices in the products they imbibe. My goals for my podcast are to provide helpful information and advice for listeners to choose products that are right for them, while simultaneously interviewing and putting a spotlight on industry professionals. I have been fortunate to network with a variety of folks in various roles throughout the alcoholic beverage industry, and I would love to share their stories with the world. I would love to have an audio and visual component to this podcast. I am fortunate to have the audio side covered. Assistance with video, website, and marketing tips for social media would be incredibly helpful to get this podcast off the ground!
Favorite Brews or Other Bevs:
My favorite beer styles are Lagers, Saisons, and Kettle Sours. It’s all about appreciating the microbes! Outside of beer, I love single malt whiskies, as they’re one of my favorite ways to appreciate malt character and complexity.
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