Gayle D’Abate

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What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I am one of two co-owners [of Tomfoolery Brewing in Hammonton, N.J.]; the other is my husband who had the vision to open a commercial brewery based on his homebrewing experience over the past 10 years or so. I started homebrewing when I met him, about two-and-a-half years ago. At this point, I have performed pretty much every job there is in the brewery except the very heavy lifting.

What’s new at Tomfoolery?

We just put an order in for an additional 7 bbl fermenter, and we have near-term plans to add about 350 square feet to our tasting room.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

Most everyone is very supportive of each other and most of the community is made up of people who aren’t jerks. As a bonus, here in New Jersey there is a significant representation of woman brewers and owners.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

Hefeweizen and goat cheese. I also love a slice of plain pizza with a refreshing Belgian table beer.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

Being mom to my children.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

Alpine Duet … or Ommegang Glimmerglass. Depends on my mood.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

San Diego. There are literally hundreds of breweries to choose from and some of the best beer in the U.S. is brewed there. And of course, Alpine is near there.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

Sleep. We also like to visit other breweries and spend time with the children. We don’t have much time away from the brewery since we both still have our “day jobs.”


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