My Craft Beer Journey
- Nadja Myllyviita
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Once a year, on my birthday, I like to take a moment to reflect on the past and what I hope the future holds.
It’s been quite the ride, filled with unforgettable memories, new friends, fresh flavors, exciting discoveries, and, of course, plenty of toasts with fellow beer geeks. In the spirit of the occasion, I thought I’d share a bit about how I got into craft beer, how it’s shaped my experiences, and where I see this wild, hoppy adventure taking me in the future.
From Small Village to Big Flavors
When I first started enjoying a drink, beer was always my go-to. I grew up in a small fishing village of just 300 people at the coast of Finland, where the only beer options were mainstream lagers. When I moved to Vaasa, to study hospitality, it felt like entering a whole new world. My first real encounter with craft beer was while working as a waitress and bartender at various pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. I remember the first time I tried beer from a Finnish craft brewery, Stallhagen, which we had on tap at one of the pubs. I started easy with pale ales, lagers, and other easygoing brews. Of course, I can’t forget the occasional pint of Guinness. Slowly, I got used to more hoppy and malty flavors, and after working for 15 years in restaurants and bars, I had found my gateway into the world of craft beer. And I haven’t looked back since.
The rise of craft
I wanted to dive headfirst into the world of craft beer. However, in Vaasa, there wasn’t exactly a vast range of craft beer options available at that time. Many local breweries tried brewing their own beer, but the quality was often lacking or even contaminated. Customers would look horrified if I tried to offer them craft beer, because they sadly were thinking about these contaminated ones. It took a while for the perception of craft beer to become more positive. Over time, though, more local breweries started to emerge, and I distinctly remember the rise of Jacobstads and Bocks breweries. I was eager to try everything I could find: IPAs, stouts, saisons, sours—you name it. I was experimenting with different styles and learning more about the brewing process.
Every sip was an exploration.
The Knowledge Grows
As I spent more time with craft beer, I began to appreciate the subtleties of beer pairings. Working in restaurants and bars gave me plenty of opportunities to experiment with how beer complements different foods. Before COVID pandemic, I started thinking about how I would love to work at a brewery or distillery someday. I was lucky enough to work as a hostess at Kyrö Distillery, best known for their exceptional rye-based spirits, particularly it's rye whisky and gin.
During COVID, I had an amazing opportunity to start working at Keppo Bryggeri, a craft brewery near Vaasa. Keppo is known for their organic, straightforward, clean and smooth brews. At the brewery, I learned more about the brewing process and what it’s like to work in the craft beer world. I worked in sales and marketing, attended beer festivals around Finland, and led brewery tours. Amazing how breweries support each other, exchange ideas, and have fun together.
After my time at Keppo Bryggeri, I moved on to work at one of the largest beverage distributors in Finland, Hartwall, which is part of Royal Unibrew. As a sales rep for restaurants, bars, and festivals, I learned so much about the industry from a new and larger angle. Working with a broader range of products—from soft drinks to spirits—was fascinating. I also had the privilege of working with some amazing people. However, I ultimately decided to leave that role to prioritize my family’s business and take a break from the beverage industry. It’s been a good time for reflection.
The Community
One of the best parts about being part of the craft beer world has been meeting so many passionate, knowledgeable people. From local brewpubs to beer festivals, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with fellow beer lovers. The community has been such a rewarding part of my journey. Though I’ve mostly navigated this journey alone, I didn’t want to wait for someone else to join me in this hobby. I traveled solo, and I’m glad I did! I’ve learned so much from other beer geeks, and it’s been amazing to witness the creativity and passion brewers pour into their craft.
What’s Next: The Future of Craft Beer (and Me)
As my appreciation for craft beer continues to grow, I can’t help but feel excited about the future. Last year, I made another big move and relocated to Tampere, Finland. This city has so much to offer when it comes to craft beer, and I’m thrilled about the change. I’ve decided that I want to work with craft beer and breweries in the future, though exactly how is still something I’m figuring out. I can’t wait to keep sharing my experiences with you all! Cheers to the next chapter!
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