Meet the Women in Beer: Dani Mountain from Cross Borders Brewing

4/3/2018

Part 2 of our Women in Beer series for International Women's Day

Over sixty Scottish breweries have launched in last six years. With so much excitement in the industry and International Women’s Day approaching, we’re shining a spotlight on the lassies leading the charge in Scottish brewing. What's more, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from all our featured women at the free "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" 6pm on Thursday, 8th March at Teviot Row House.

Traveling for the love of beer with The Wandering Hoptimist

Working with one of Scotland’s newest micro-breweries, Dani Mountain spends her days traveling to festivals, trade shows, distributors as well as local shops and pubs getting the word out about Cross Borders beer. As a freelance digital marketer she’s also responsible for building their brand on social media.

With the envy inducing nickname, The Wandering Hoptimist, and a job description to match, read on to hear Dani’s thoughts on Leeds, Lithuania, cheese and today’s Scottish brewing industry.

Cross Borders Micro Brewery social media and sales person

Dani Mountain, Cross Borders Brewing

I do hope that breweries begin to take more chances with their beers and experiment with the fantastic resources the country has to offer"

Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
I knew more or less what I was getting into. A lot of smaller breweries may not understand the need for social media presence, for instance, or think they can just do it themselves, which is not always the case. It's certainly harder to prove your necessity sometimes but, lucky for me, the guys at Cross Borders appreciate and understand what it is that I bring to the team. My role has certainly changed in the past 15 months I've worked with them but it's the nature of the changing of the business as they grow. It certainly keeps things interesting!

Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?
Things are only just beginning for Scottish beer. At times, it's hard to understand how much of a difference there is between the beers south of the border and here but you can see people' perceptions are beginning to change. There is demand for Scottish styles and beers in export markets but I do hope more also gets to move within our own markets to build up that reputation and sense of pride with UK beer as a whole.

What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
Because there is a wealth of skill and knowledge here in Scotland, I do hope that breweries begin to take more chances with their beers and experiment with the fantastic resources the country has to offer.

Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
Absolutely. There's always going to be a need for the pint market but with the success of bars such as The Hanging Bat, Salt Horse and Usher's can surely prove, there is certainly a thirsty market for interesting styles, served in smaller quantities.

Beer Maps

What’s the current beer trend?
While the NEIPA/DIPA trend may be waning slightly, I think it's still hanging on. Mixed/spontaneous fermentation beers are certainly going to be a trend in the coming years with many breweries building coolships and adding barrel ageing programs to their repertoire.

Possibly the furthest 'cross borders our beer has been! Our sales/marketing gal, @missmountain17 is visiting family in Canada and had to bring a few cans to share! Minus 18 is a bit colder than we'd suggest to serve at, though, so best get them back inside!

Una publicación compartida de Cross Borders Brewing Company (@crossbordersbrewing) el Ene 31, 2018 at 3:07 PST

Quick Beer Q&A

Where do you like visiting for beer? I love going to Leeds. Country-wise - I really enjoyed Lithuania. I love Belgian styles but have yet to do a beer vacation there.
Favourite kind of beer? Sours, Gueuze or Imperial Stouts. Can't pick just one!
Warm beer or cold beer? I'll always aim toward cooler beer - but a stout deserves to be room temp.
Best food to pair with beer? Always cheese.