Behind the Brews with Woodie Bonds Jr.

Grab your favorite beer and take a seat! Let us introduce you to Woodie Bonds Jr., co-founder and co-head brewer of Vine Street Brewing Co. We had the opportunity to ask Woodie some questions about himself and his connection with Vine Street. As an outcome, we learned some interesting information that we would like to share with all of you.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A:  I am an assembly line worker in the auto industry. 

Q: When and why did you begin homebrewing?

A: I started homebrewing about 6 or 7 years ago. It was the best way to express my creativity. 

Q: What was the first beer you ever had? Fast-forward to now, what is your favorite style of beer?

A: The first beer I made was a margarita beer that I actually put tequila in. (Yikes) – My favorite beer style is a cream ale.

Q: Was it challenging partnering with a brewer that has a different style than you?

A: Actually it has been great to be able to get a different perspective on brewing. I feel like we as people sometimes get tunnel vision on things and it is nice to be able to see from a different perspective.

Q: Can you explain Hip Hops Hooray Festival in more detail?

A: Sure. Back in 2017, I started having a conversation with my friends Eric and Jodie DeLeon about doing an event at their beautiful event space during a St. Patrick's day dinner. That conversation turned into a hip hop craft beer festival that we call “Hip Hops Hooray” to this day. The biggest thing for me was that it became an opportunity for homebrewers and commercial brewers to pour together. Also, by incorporating hip hop music and elegance, it became something unlike anything I have ever seen. 

Q: Beer goes best with ___?

A: Conversations. I feel like beer is a fantastic ice breaker for wonderful conversations.

Q: How do you get your inspiration to create Vine Street’s iconic beer names?

A: Life. I always try to find humor in things. My fiance is hilarious and fantastic so together we can create a beer name out of anything. Also my family is important to me so I always remember stories about all of them. My life truly breeds creativity...and beer names.

Q: What are your future aspirations for Vine Street Brewing Co.?

A: I want Vine Street to be a creative hub that everyone can feel safe and comfortable in. I want Vine Street Brewing Co. to be a place for the city to come together and have a beer!

Q: What else would you like people to know about what you do?

A: If I had to describe what I do, I am fun in a glass. I love this city and I am so proud to serve beer to it.

Well, there you have it. If you catch Woodie at Vine Street, make sure to say hello! We are always wanting to meet more people in our neighborhood.