Behind the Twitter Avatar Series
Are you curious about the men and women “hiding” behind Twitter avatar of the world’s most beloved craft breweries? Well, you are not alone. The Wench has gone behind the scenes to reveal and introduce you to the individuals who possess the ever coveted social media positions in the craft beer industry.
Behind the Twitter Avatar: @newbelgium
Michael John Bussmann
Brewery: New Belgium
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Personal Twitter Handle: @carnie_nbb
What is your “official” position with New Belgium?
“Officially” I am the Social Networking Nerd at New Belgium. But in the end I wear a lot of hats, social media, brewery tours, the tasting room, ping-pong champion…
What is your favorite beer from New Belgium?
2011 GABF gold medal winner Le Terroir. A dry hopped sour that has come and gone a couple times around here. I just hope it comes around again (and soon).
What is your favorite beer and food pairing?
I like my pairings to go pretty low-brow- Chili-cheese Fritos and Ranger IPA is a great one. Also, White Castle and a couple bottles of Schlafly Pale Ale can speak to my St. Louis roots.
If you were a style of beer, what would you be and why?
A sessionable saison. I am an easy person to know, low octane, pretty mellow and I don’t ask for too much. There are some weird subtleties that are tough to pin down though, some funk and a little sour, but I can go all day.
And last but not least, what does craft beer mean to you?
Craft beer means everything to me, my work life, my social life, my in-between. It’s a wonderful way to escape the everyday-ness, the hum-drum roll that is presented to the rest of the world.
Michael J. Bussman is the coolest guy I know.
It is a good thing you said guy, because otherwise I would have to punch you.