Meet Emily Whitney, Senior Brand Manager at Castle Island Brewing Co.
Full Name: Emily Whitney
Title: Senior Brand Manager
Brewery Name: Castle Island Brewing Company
Brewery Location: Norwood, MA and South Boston, MA
#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?
I was a broke college student working at a liquor store in 2013. Craft beer sales representatives would take the time to talk craft beer with me and tell me the amazing stories about the breweries and beers in their portfolio, I’m a sucker for a good sales pitch! The owner of the store saw that I caught the craft beer bug, and she started to trust me to make some buying decisions. It was a win-win for me because most importantly, I got free beer, and by drinking them I started to learn about new breweries and beer styles. I knew when I graduated, I wanted to stay connected to the industry in some way, and now here I am!
#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?
Folks love our Hazy IPA Fiver! I mean, it’s a great beer that finishes dryer than others in the category -- what’s not to love? The best part is that they support our local community when they pick up a Fiver. 5% of all sales of this beer is split between 5 local charities that we partner with. These organizations have missions that align with our values, and folks appreciate how easy we’re making it for them to give back.
#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?
I am elated that I get to work for a brewery that does not want to be “exclusive”. Castle Island wants beer to be accessible, whether you’re a beer nerd, or a casual drinker – no one should a) pay an arm and a leg to get a quality craft beer, or b) feel like they need to know everything about beer to enjoy it while sitting around a table with friends living in the moment. Beer is for the people, and that means ALL people!
#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why?
I’m a big fan of Aeronaut Brewing Company out of Somerville. Not only are their beers fantastic, but their taproom vibe and events are off the charts. They’ve created one of the most welcoming and diverse crowds in the area. Their programming and taproom events across their locations are carefully curated and something all taprooms in Massachusetts should watch and learn from.
#5) What’s a little-known fact about you or your brewery that you think folks would get a kick out of?
We have a lot of fun at the brewery, everyone at Castle Island is a kid at heart and are some of the most hilarious people I’ve ever met. A recent thing we started is enthusiastically coloring at the conference table during weekly QC sensory tastings. Crayons are flying everywhere, artists interpretations are celebrated, and everyone is proud of their work. We’ve collected a nice wall of colorful gecko’s next to our wholesale manager’s desk – It’s really bringing us back to kindergarten, and it’s good for getting in the beer tasting zone.
#6) What advice would you give to someone who wants to either work in the beer industry or open their own brewery?
I would encourage you to find a mentor and start conversations with folks who have the job you would want! In my experience, most folks in the industry don’t gatekeep and are willing to share knowledge. Remind yourself that no matter what your background is, you can bring a unique perspective to the industry. Forget about imposter syndrome – you’re always going to learn in this industry, you are valid, and you should be appreciated for who you are and the vision and change you can bring to the table when you want to get into this world of craft beer and brewing!