Katherine Castro

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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 assistant brewer at M.I.A. Beer Co. in Miami, Fla. Curiosity got me started in the brewing industry. I managed to get a job as a beertender at a local craft beer bar in 2014, and then became a beer server at M.I.A., where I waited for an opportunity to arise on the production side. One day, my mentor, head brewer Mike, approached me and offered me a position as a brewery assistant. He has helped open many doors for me.

What’s new at M.I.A. Beer Co.?

We recently released one of my recipes! It’s a barrel-aged gose, aged six months in neutral oak barrels with live lacto. Once matured, it was treated with organic lemongrass.

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

I love the craft beer community! Miami is still fairly new to the scene and we’re all very communal and supportive of each other. We praise each other’s growth and push each other to be our best selves as professionals.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.

I love IPA with Thai or spicy food. It brings out all the spices and makes them very prominent on my palate.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

As a first-generation child, coming from immigrant parents, graduating from college and getting to see the look on their faces when I did is probably my biggest accomplishment.

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

Hallo Ich Bin Berliner Weisse Raspberry by Mikkeller. So delicious! I always go back for more.

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

Chicago! That place is an absolute playground for craft beer. I was out there for a few weeks taking the Concise Course of Brewing Technology at Siebel (thanks to a scholarship awarded by the Florida Brewers Guild). Every single day was a new place with an amazing selection of beer, with Dovetail being my absolute favorite.

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

Hang out with my furry babies! (Five of them including a potbelly pig named Jam n.) I also like to explore new places in Miami, mostly new beach spots.


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