I am a Certified Cicerone based in Oakland, CA.  I’ve been doing this for about seven years now, but if you recognize me, it is likely from my most recent “high profile” position at The Monk’s Kettle where I worked from 2008-2011.  While there, I am very proud to have helped grow and execute one of the most ambitious restaurant based beer programs in the country, and to have lead an amazingly knowledgeable and talented staff.

Previously, I was blessed to have the opportunity to work under two of the country’s top young chefs: Russell Moore at Camino in Oakland, and David Myers at Comme Ca in Hollywood.  Additionally, I’ve worked doing consultation, beer pairing and educational events for Duvel USA, Bar Crudo, Zare Fly Trap, 515 Kitchen and Cocktails, Solano Cellars, Bar Tartine, Hibiscus and the Palo Alto Cheese School.

In early 2010 I joined with 4SP Films and Drink Me Magazine to produce The Original Swagger Stagger – A short film that went on to win the Slow Pour film festival and was screened at the Great American Beer Festival.

This blog will always seek to spotlight the beers, brewers and bastions I believe in. Having evolved from the restaurant industry into the beer world, as opposed to vice versa, I feel that I have a different perspective from many of my contemporaries.  My work has been focused almost exclusively on integrating beer with dining and thus, I have never worked professionally as a brewer, sales rep, or a competition judge.  Rather my focus – and in-turn, the specific focus of this blog – is to provide a space to develop ways to make craft beer a more significant part of the experience in the country’s best restaurants.

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“Working with Sayre is a surprise.  It is easy to underestimate his understanding and creativity because I have not encountered anyone else who “gets it” as fundamentally as Sayre. His choices of pairings show subtle and fundamental appreciation for the sensations of taste.  His understanding of beer components makes him a pleasure to work with.”

- Brian Hunt, Moonlight Brewing Company

“While on a roadtrip promoting the release of the 2009 Utopias through beer dinners and media events, I was lucky enough to get to work with Sayre and the Monk’s Kettle.  We brought a few selections from our Sam Adams Winter Classics for them to pair with, and what a great job they did!  Excellent presentation, excellent execution, our guests enjoyed it, and I enjoyed it.  Sayre discussed the dishes, why they chose the pairings, history and anecdotes, and general entertainment.  Highly recommended to work with them if you get the chance.”

- Bert Boyce, Boston Beer Company