On the road
Suarez Family Brewery
Upon entering Suarez Family Brewery, I was greeted by Taylor Suarez. She asked me where I was from and made me feel right at home.
I ordered their Look No Further, a hoppy pale ale, and took a seat at the edge of one of their long, wooden communal tables. I took in the view of farm land across the street that stretched as far as my eyes could see. A Tribe Called Quest’s, The Low End Theory, filled the room. I was at true peace.
At one point, a lady whom I assumed was Taylor’s mother/mother-in-law came through the Employees Only door with a handful of baby toys for a couple’s baby to play with. Taylor and their family dog, Vanah, joined them shortly after at one of the other communal tables and they all engaged in conversation over beers — minus Vanah.
As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think of my own family. I thought about the many dinners and conversations that were had at our own family tables over the past years. Sadly, it doesn’t happen as much as it used to and it’s with less family members. It hasn’t been quite the same in a very long time. However, I think that is about to change as my older sister recently got engaged and my younger sister recently announced that she is pregnant. I’m very much looking forward to being an uncle and seeing the family expand.
Before I left, I chatted with Dan Suarez — owner and brewer — as he gathered bottles I purchased to go. Just as Taylor had done, Dan made me feel right at home. As I was packing up, it felt much like that moment when it was time for me to leave my own family members’ house. I had enjoyed myself so much that I didn’t want to leave. Just like it was back then I look forward to my next visit to Dan and his family’s brewery.
