At Barrel House Z, we love brewing. We love making beer and hard seltzer, sharing a pint with friends + neighbors, and providing a warm, welcoming taproom! In order to do what we love, we have a team of talented individuals who keep everything running smoothly. We wouldn’t be here without them.
“5 Minutes With …” will celebrate all the amazing people on Team BHZ. So, without further delay, we’re kicking off with Brian Quinlan.
What’s your position at Barrel House Z? I’m a server. I’ve also helped the brewers and worked the door.
How long have you worked at here? A little over 2 years.
What makes Barrel House Z such a great place to work? Staff and guests. Our staff is a wily, eclectic bunch whose professions and talents extend far + wide. The mix of different voices from the staff AND guests creates an ever-interesting environment.
Why should beer enthusiasts visit? The beer—and hard seltzer! We’re always producing interesting, complex pours. We’ve got our core beers, as well as some rare birds, which keep people coming back.
Favorite thing about working in the craft beer? Herman Melville once wrote, "There is all the difference in the world between paying and being paid.” I try to practice that philosophy with all my hobbies, especially when it comes to going to breweries and trying new beers.
Favorite beer … at BHZ and of all time? Right now, my favorite BHZ beer is Townie. It’s well balanced, which is what I look for in almost any beer. My all-time favorite would be BHZ’s Blonde Bomber. It was a complex, rich, coffee barrel-aged blonde, spiced with orange peel, and for 10% - 12% ABV, deceptively smooth.
If you could have a beer with anyone–dead or alive–who would it be and why? My mom, she passed when I was 21. I could going on and on about how amazing it would be to talk to authors and storytellers whose ideas inspire me. However, none of them holds a candle to my mom.
Favorite non-alcoholic beverage? Coffee. When done right, coffee, much like pizza and beer, is incredible.
Ocean or lake? Lake, but I go both ways.
What skill should everyone have? The ability to prepare a meal. You don’t have to be a five-star chef, but everyone should be able to make a meal.
Josh Sarnowitz | contributor
Josh is a communications professional and craft beer enthusiast. He’s a Massachusetts native who recently moved back the South Shore. (Welcome back, Josh!) When not visiting new breweries or playing sports, you can find him fishing – follow along on IG @ExploreTheShoreFishing
