Anne Becerra got her start in beer after quitting her marketing job, hopping in an RV and traveling across America, experiencing the many flavors of, and communities around, craft beer. When she returned home to New York, her next adventure was behind the taps.
Behind the bar today as beverage director at Treadwell Park in Manhattan, Becerra is heralded as New York’s first female Certified Cicerone. She’s also a craft beer educator, teaching classes at the Culinary Institute of America, and making regular appearances anywhere from beer dinners to the Rachael Ray Show.
With previous stints at New York City’s first-wave staples like the Blind Tiger, Pony Bar, and Ginger Man, there’s no doubt that “Anne Likes Beer” — especially Belgian beer.
1. What’s your desert-island beer?
Saison Dupont. It’s refreshing enough, flavorful enough, dry enough, strong enough, but also easy enough to satisfy just about every mood. An all-around perfect beer.
2. What’s the beer that made you fall in love with beer?
Originally it was the Belgian beers — Chimay, Duvel, etc. — that I would specifically get in Belgian places. But when I discovered Dieu du Ciel Peche Mortel, that got me hunting and had me seeking out every bottle shop I could find in hopes of drinking it again. I’m a coffee lover and this Imperial Coffee Stout from Montreal, with its bitter, roasted notes and warming finish made me fall in love instantly.
3. FMK three beer types: IPA, pilsner, sour?
Can’t I have two mistresses? This is really difficult, but I guess I would have to say: Marry pilsner; fuck IPA; kill sours, but only because two is generally my limit with truly sour beers, whereas the others I could have multiple throughout the day.
4. You’re on death row. What’s your last-supper beer?
A magnum of Rochefort 10.
5. You can only drink one beer for the rest of your life. What is it?
I think it would be Schneider Aventinus — even though it’s big, bold and flavorful, it still manages to be thirst quenching and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. A+++.
6. What’s the best and worst beer in your fridge right now?
Best: Vintage De Cam Oude Lambik is a great one, lots of fresh Ninkasi cans… Honestly, it’s embarrassing to even talk about how many beers are in my fridge right now, but sitting amongst them are a couple bottles of Coors Banquet.
7. If you could no longer drink beer, what would be your beverage of choice?
I’d have to say wine, as long as I could include whites, reds, rosés, sparkling, etc. Diversity and having options is key, which is one of the main reasons I love beer so much!
