Today we’d like to introduce you to Kramer Deans.
Hi Kramer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started in my Junior year of college, GO BELMONT, when my roommate at the time had this beer in a brown bottle with an orange label called Shocktop Belgian Blonde. It was sweet and easy to drink which was at the time a high step above the stuff I was drinking before like Bud Light or Miller lite. From that moment on, I took a deep dive into the world of craft beer and tried everything! I had IPAs that felt like they were going to cut my tongue off to barrel-aged stouts that you could only take small sips from because they were so strong.
That intrigued me, so I wanted to learn the science behind beer and why they vary so much. I worked at breweries and still do. I also noticed in my journey that not many Black people drink beer because of multiple reasons from marketing to Black people thinking craft beer is just for white people. So becoming an influencer or as I like to call it, a gap closer, would be the first step to closing that gap between craft beer and the Black Community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
All roads are never smooth and that’s ok as it just means there is an opportunity to build smooth roads. In craft beer, I am still working to smooth the roads. I still come across moments of struggle from people not taking me seriously and not thinking I know anything about beer to breweries using the Black culture to promote their beers but don’t have a single Black person working in their space or don’t collaborate with the Black community! Having to come in with even more knowledge and/or credentials than your white counterpart has been a struggle because you put in so much effort and time in this industry only to have to sit on the sideline or be overlooked when you KNOW you are more than qualified to succeed in craft beer!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Black craft beer influencer from Decatur, Ga, ZONE 6 STAND UP, currently located in Nashville and I specialize in bringing the Black community into craft beer 1 pint at a time through conversation and education! I have a podcast that will be starting back again soon, October 18th, called The Beerded Tastings where I interview influential black people in Nashville and introduce them to breweries in the city and we talk about their story and beer. I am proud of the people that never had beer before or not had a lot of beer and watch them light up with intrigued excitement because they never knew these spaces and beers existed!
I stand out because I don’t try to overwhelm people with information but I converse with them about what they like to drink and finding beers that match their preferences and we can talk about how that beer is made thus creating a genuine connection to the beer.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that people are way more creative than they give themselves credit for. I have seen so many wild things from making food thirst traps to the funkiest of song remixes be created and have an impact as well! l think these creative communities have gotten so much bigger and stronger and it is so beautiful to see people explore that side of them!
Pricing:
- IG post: $55
- IG story: $50
- Host/Emcee: $150
- Beer curation: $200
- Podcast Ad rates: $60-$95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebeerdedbrotha.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeerdedbrotha/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Q2MJycN90x5zuHBlqyyWw
