We love to talk about beer, spirits and cider but we love to introduce our awesome team to the world even more. So meet Jimmy Sweeney, our amazing Denver Metro Account Manager who handles all things Denver for us! Jimmy is one of our favorite people and his outgoing personality and love for all things beer and music make him a hard person not to love.
Learn more about him in his interview below!
What brought you into beer? It seems everyone has a story that made themselves want to work in our industry?
It simply started as a love for discovering new flavors that I never knew existed. Diving into various beer styles, learning where they come from and their history, the importance of malt, the possibilities of yeast, hop varietals, and the list goes on - I never knew beer could be so fascinating! Then I saw the comradery around the craft beer industry, the thrill of chasing a beer you haven’t had, visiting a new taproom, going to a tap takeover event or finding a beer at a store that you’ve been wanting. I couldn’t continue to sit back at my desk job and watch this industry grow, so I happily followed my passion!
What made you want to work at Culture? What do you like best about your job?
I love that Culture Beverage is an independently family owned company, and the niche hand selected portfolio excites me! Our suppliers are all family owned companies as well, with great teams and values, and awesome products to boot! The passion of my fellow employees and owners shines, and they immediately made me feel like part of the team. What I like most about this job is having access to such crazy beers from all over the world, and being able to supply them to the good people of Colorado!
If you were to describe your sales approach in three words, what would they be, and how do these words define your style?
Drive, Knowledge, Realism. I have the drive to make things happen and be available to people whenever they need. Knowledge of products and craft beer is of course important, but also knowledge of how stores and restaurants operate to be successful. Which leads into being realistic. I love making the sale, but I also understand the need to be realistic and do what makes the most sense for the buyer. I like to be the salesman that is here for you!
Craft breweries often come up with creative names for their beers. If you were to name a beer after yourself, what would it be called, and what style of beer would it be?
Row Jimmy Row, a Czech Style Pils (a crusher with friends, perfect for a show!)
If you could organize a beer-tasting event at any iconic Colorado location, where would it be, and which beers would you feature?
Lager Fest @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre featuring 3 live sets by Phish! with a Special VIP experience includes early access, and special lukr pours! Or a barrel aged beer festival @ Arrowhead Golf Course would also be awesome!
Colorado has a vibrant craft beer scene. What excites you the most about representing and selling our portfolio?
The diversity of our portfolio. I love representing beers from in state, out of state, and other countries.
Which supplier from our portfolio needs more love? What do you wish customers knew about them?
Lambiek Fabriek, Beautiful and affordable lambic from Belgium. Most industry folks get it, but I wish more consumers understood and appreciated the complexity of these exceptional beers!
As a beer enthusiast yourself, what advice would you give to someone who's just starting to explore the world of craft beer?
Dive in! Try different styles! Find what you like! Take your time and don't over indulge. Go style by style, don't muddle your palate. Chase what you havent had! Don’t always believe the hype, but then again, you might not want to miss out ;)
Desert Island beer style, and two desert Island beers, what are they?
Style: Pils! An Unlimited supply of Fox Farm Gather and Tree House Green would do me well.