Team MadeWest | Q&A with Colleen Hart

What’s your official title at MadeWest?

Brewer

How did you get your start in the beer world? 

I graduated with a degree in Chemistry and started working at a lab shortly after. Although I loved what I was doing, I wasn’t as passionate about it as I wanted to be with my career. I still had a deep affinity for science and knew I wanted to stay in a career that would let me pursue that nerdy side of myself but also be somewhere that I could have fun, be amongst a group of people who were passionate about the same interest, and where I can collaborate with my peers. After learning how meticulous and scientific brewing is, I knew what path I wanted to head down. I went to the UC Davis Master Brewers program where I learned from some of the best in the industry and found a deep passion for beer and everything about it.    

What’s your favorite aspect of beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?

I think aroma is my favorite aspect, but having a perfect balance between flavor and aroma is what really makes me happy. It’s a continuous journey to find the majestic pint.

What’s the best music to brew to?

I think 90s and 00s hip hop or anything I can (secretly) sing to. 

What’s your typical day like at the brewery?

I would say my typical day would consist of either preparing for the brew day (cleaning fermenters, building the recipe and milling), brewing, or performing any finishing processes (dry hopping, carbonating, etc).

Is there a particular beer style that you’re personally more fond of than others?

I definitely gravitate towards IPAs, preferably sessions. At the moment I’m really loving the Brut IPA style and if there’s a Red Ale on tap, I have to try it! 

What are your 3 favorite beers?

This is probably the hardest question to answer, it depends on my mood, the weather, who I’m with, and if/what I’m eating. It’s especially hard to choose when the brewing industry is continually evolving. If I were to sit down and drink a beer at this moment I’d have to choose either Brut By The Bay (Green Cheek), Amalgamator (Beachwood), or Irish I Was A Little Bit Taller (Noble Ale Works).

When you’re not at the brewery, what are you doing?

I absolutely love traveling and going to new places,  whether near or far. I also try to stay active as much as possible and being outdoors is a major plus. 

If you could sit down with anyone over a beer (living or dead) who would it be with?

Leonardo Da Vinci; a man of art, science, and rebellion so I’m sure he’d have some fun stories to share. 

What mythical creature do you wish actually existed?

After careful consideration, I think I’ll have to choose the abominable snowman, but the nice one from Monster’s Inc. We would make snow cones together and it would be awesome. 

You're part of something called the Pink Boots Society, can you tell us more?

Pink Boots Society is a group of women who come from all parts of the beer industry. We are brewers, marketers, owners, sales reps, packagers, beer tenders, and much more. Together, we promote education through self-guided seminars as well as encourage educational programs that can be paid for through our scholarship foundation. We cultivate leadership potential in the industry and assist each other in the advancement of our careers. We do this all while enjoying great beer.