There’s a difference between idols and mentors. The allure of idols is their unattainability—their preciousness fueled by the impossibility of a first-hand connection. Mentors, on the other hand, spark curiosity and encourage personal growth by sharing their experience with others. Mentors, often selflessly, help shape the future, and ensure the traditions they hold so dear remain intact for generations to come. 

That’s exactly why writer Alexander Gates decided to profile Cindy Goldstein, a national BJCP judge and fierce advocate for craft beer in Hawaii. In his piece titled “Finding Her Own Route — A Honolulu Brewery Crawl with Cindy Goldstein,” which was published on February 2, 2022, he outlines Cindy’s extensive background in science, homebrewing, judging, and community-building, and how her efforts have helped shape the small but ever-changing Hawaiian craft beer scene.

In today’s conversation about that piece, Alexander and I discuss what it’s like writing about a mentor (and why people should seek out their own), why he decided to share her story, how Hawaiian beer is better than ever—despite the pandemic’s massive disruption to tourism and the supply chain—and his own judging experience through the Beer Judge Certification Program. You’ll hear how beer unites the chain of volcanic islands, thanks in no small part to Cindy’s tireless and ongoing efforts, and what he’s hoping to see as in-person beer classes, events, and competitions begin to awaken once more.