Name: Donnie Luper

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

How old were you when you drank your first beer?: At the time, drinking age was 18. I was 17 when I had my first beer.

What was the first beer you ever drank?: Country Club Malt Liquor. I don’t even know if they make it anymore!! Schlitz… Coors, if I could, because it wasn’t available this side of the Mississippi. We’d buy cases from people who would make the trip to Colorado. Make it worth their drive. Gas was like 28 cents at the time.

What is your favorite style of beer?: Yes!!!! (Donnie laughs) Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts. Northeast IPA’s also.

What is your favorite Rum Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout?: Forgotten Island, a Rum Barrel-Aged Quad from Cigar City Brewing.

What is your favorite brewery?: Trillium Brewing Company (Boston, MA), Tree House Brewing Co (Monson, MA), Hill Farmstead Brewery (Greensboro Bend, VT).

You’re mowing your grass, what are you drinking?: Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai, American IPA.

Are you a home brewer or have any desire to home brewer: I haven’t brewed for 2 years. I can’t make a beer as good as one I can purchase.

What do you like about Brütopia?: The atmosphere and ambiance to enjoy beer. The homebrew shop is great if I decide to go back to doing that.

Do you ever go to beer festivals?: Yes. About to attend Hunahpu’s Day in Tampa, FL next month. It’s one of the biggest beer festivals. You need to check out the beer lineup!

How far would you be willing to drive for your favorite beer?: I don’t drive far for beer. Just trading it for now.

Oh yeah, you’re a big beer trader. What’s the best part of that?: Probably the thrill of the chase. I get ones I really want and it’s just fun to get beers from all over the country. I’m at about 300 trades so far.

“Beer Lover’s Spotlight”
By Marisol Schultz