Walking Like I'm Talking 3: Beer People

A New Monthly Meet-Up at Paulista Taproom

Back in March, after finally passing the Advanced Cicerone Exam, I threw a little party at Paulista Taproom in Oakland. I had no idea what to expect turnout-wise. I wanted to express my gratitude to the community that had helped shape me, challenge me, and keep me honest. So I called up my buddy Jesse, who owns Paulista, put together a tap list of beers I love, built a Partiful page, and hit send.

The night turned out to be more than I could have imagined. Longtime colleagues, legendary brewers, foundational Bay Area beer figures, a Master Cicerone, bartenders, buyers, sellers, judges, and educators— real Beer People—showed up. Not to network. Not to posture. Just to be there and help me celebrate a career milestone. It was the most inspiring gathering of genuine beer professionals I’ve seen under one roof in years. I’ve been carrying that feeling with me ever since.

And I realized: what made that night so special shouldn’t be a one-off.

So, we are making it a regular event…

What is Beer People?
A new monthly event at Paulista Taproom, held on the last Thursday of every month from 5–10 PM. Part industry night, part meet-up, all love.

We're creating a space for folks who still give a damn… those who treat beer as more than a product. This is for brewers and bartenders, wholesalers and beer buyers, Certified Cicerones and BJCP judges, lifers and newcomers. If you care about beer quality, beer culture, and the folks who produce both, consider yourself cordially invited.

There won’t be panels. No branding exercises. No “tap takeovers.” There may be a speaker from time to time. But mainly, Beer People is about re-centering connection, sharing stories, exchanging perspectives, inspiring one another, and reengaging the curiosity and community that brought us to beer in the first place.

Why now?
Because the industry is at an inflection point, taprooms are closing. Great people are leaving. Breweries are scrambling for new revenue streams. Many of us are tired, some of our most talented colleagues are underemployed, or questioning what’s next. But here’s the thing: now that the “smart money” has moved on, those of us who still care have a rare opportunity to reclaim this space. Beer People is for those of us who wish to build an industry rooted in integrity and community. Let’s make this industry feel like ours again

The first Beer People event will take place on Thursday, June 26th, from 5:00–10:00 PM.

Come through. Bring your crew. Let’s remind each other what’s still possible.