From beer server to events coordinator to current position as a floor manager at Atlantucky Brewing in Atlanta, Georgia, Quanisha Madison has cultivated a range of experience within the industry since 2015 when she first embarked on her career path in all things craft beer. Getting her start as a server at Atlanta’s Six Feet Under Pub in Grant Park, which contains over 24 draft lines as well as an array of canned brews and ciders, is how her interest in the variety of styles developed. That kick-off point into the beer and beverage realm has led her to manage events for home brewing company, Khonso Brewing, and pouring brews at fests like Dames and Dregs.

While taking on various roles and engaging with conferences like Crafted for Action where this past year she hosted a panel discussion on an immediate issue greatly affecting the GA craft beer community about the restrictions on how breweries can sell their products, Quanisha has been in planning mode for an exciting new project. 

“I have begun researching and building the plan and team to produce a craft beer mini-series focusing on BIPOC homebrewers and enthusiasts.”

Learn more about Quanisha’s beer journey and goals in our conversation below.

Instagram: Quani.Madi 

City: Atlanta, GA

Pronouns: She/Her

Ethnicity: Black/African-American 

Tell us about your journey in beer:

In 2015, I became a beer server at a popular pub in Atlanta’s historic Grant Park. I learned to love the intricacies of different beer styles as we hosted beer reps from all over Georgia who filled our 24 draft lines and canned beer selection with an eccentric array of local ales and Ciders.

One day, a colleague from my “day” job working in homelessness came into the pub with his beer samples, and I reached out to support them with any event and marketing needs. From there, I became the go-to events gal for Khonso Brewing, a home brewing company founded by a few Morehouse College graduates. I served their beer at Atlanta’s hyper-inclusive Dames and Dregs Beer Fest, a Black-owned spirits expo, and more. I also began sending quarterly email newsletters and assisting with their social media.

Since then, I’ve contributed multiple sessions to the Crafted for Action beer conference. Additionally, I have begun researching and building the plan and team to produce a craft beer mini-series focusing on BIPOC homebrewers and enthusiasts.

Also, I’m one of the Floor Managers at Atlantucky Brewing now. It’s one of only two Black-owned brick-and-mortar breweries in Atlanta, and that’s definitely a point of pride for me and the beer community here!

What is something you’re proud of in your craft beer journey so far?

We gathered the Craft Brewer’s Guild head, his lobbyists, and a local brewer to discuss the implications from multiple standpoints. I also worked with a social club company to host Oktoberfest events in Atlanta and Birmingham. I worked with our sponsor Bells Brewing to announce limited special edition keg drops, which was a real marketing and beer nerd win. We also garnered over 5000 attendees and partnered with an Atlanta United player (who was from Germany) to tap a keg and kick off the three-day event.

How will you use this grant opportunity to further your craft beer Journey?

I will use part of the grant to purchase my ticket to the Craft Brewers Conference in Las Vegas this April and use the grant to secure matching funds from my friends, family, and other funders to fund the rest of the trip. I will also use part of the grant to obtain equipment to capture better content on my phone during the conference to use for my docuseries!

Any favorite brews or other beverages you enjoy? Breweries or bars that are your favorite that you’d like to share?

A Night on Ponce or Lord Grey by Three Taverns Brewing. Both of them quite literally feel like out on the town in Atlanta to me – hence one of their names. Also, Honey, I Drunk the Beer by Atlantucky Brewing. It is a honey wheat ale that just is perfectly balanced, and the subtlety of the honey is right on the finish of the beer.

Is there a mantra or quote you live by?

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Unknown

“Life is too short to have boring hair.” - Me!

Follow along with Quanisha on Instagram: Quani.madi and X: blkgirlbigwords