Forging New Paths: Crafting Community and Excellence in Brewing

The Genesis of a Vision: Empowering Underrepresented Voices in Brewing

Two months ago, we launched an innovative series, "Varsity Brews," dedicated to showcasing individuals who have received scholarships from the Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling (MJF). This bi-monthly series aims to shed light on the impactful stories of these awardees, celebrating their journeys and contributions to the brewing and distilling sectors.

Championing Equity: Understanding the Michael James Jackson Foundation's Mission

Inspired by Michael James Jackson, a revered figure in beer and whiskey literature, the foundation is committed to cultivating a more inclusive and equitable craft beer industry. It achieves this by offering scholarships to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Garrett Oliver, the MJF's founder and a thirty-year veteran brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, recalls the subtle yet pervasive biases faced by people of color in the industry. He emphasizes the foundation's dedication to dismantling these systemic barriers, empowering individuals with the necessary education and resources to thrive. Since its inception in 2020, the MJF has provided scholarships to fifty people of color, covering significant educational costs and opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Oliver passionately advocates for the foundation's work, underlining its crucial role in supporting diverse talent and fostering a sense of belonging.

Meet Stefano Annicchiarico: Fast Fashion's Brewmaster and MJF Scholar

Introducing Stefano Annicchiarico, the innovative head brewer at Fast Fashion, whose journey began in El Salvador before moving to South Florida at the age of eight. His fascination with brewing ignited during his college years at FIU, where, through an unconventional mentorship with a brewing professor, he gained hands-on experience. This early exposure, alongside a transformative internship at El Salvador's national brewery, La Constancia, solidified his passion for brewing and community. Despite initially pursuing a finance degree, Annicchiarico pivoted to formal brewing education at Siebel in Chicago, setting the stage for an impressive career. His professional path includes impactful tenures at esteemed breweries like Firestone Walker, Moonlight, and Fremont, culminating in his current role at Fast Fashion, where he has been instrumental for the past two years.

A Commitment to Connection: Bridging Divides Through Beer

Annicchiarico reflects on the predominantly white demographic he has encountered throughout his brewing career, a stark contrast to his diverse upbringing in South Florida. This realization has fueled his desire to foster greater connections within the industry. Now, as a recipient of the Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship for Brewing from the MJF, he will attend the Master Brewers Association's Brewery Maintenance System course. While the technical knowledge is invaluable, Annicchiarico is particularly enthusiastic about the expanded opportunities for networking and collaboration. He views the MJF scholarship as more than just financial aid; it's a catalyst for enriching industry dialogue and demonstrating that brewing is not merely a job but a vibrant community.

From Homebrew to Head Brewer: Stefano Annicchiarico's Brewing Chronicle

In a candid conversation, Annicchiarico recounts his serendipitous entry into brewing, beginning with homebrewing in college and an informal apprenticeship at FIU. This led him to Siebel, where his international internship at La Constancia in El Salvador offered a foundational understanding of large-scale brewing and the concept of "community" within the industry. He shares his initial encounters with craft beer, like Magic Hat #9 and Sculpin, marking pivotal moments in his brewing education. His transition to Firestone Walker, a massive 24-hour operation, provided extensive technical exposure, including late-night shifts that revealed the demanding yet rewarding nature of the profession. Subsequently, his move to smaller breweries like Moonlight and Fremont offered more hands-on experience and creative freedom, shaping his philosophy and leading him to Fast Fashion, where he thrives on innovation and community engagement.

A Spectrum of Experience: Navigating Diversity in the Brewing Landscape

Annicchiarico reflects on his unique experience as a Latino brewer in an industry often lacking in diversity. He humorously recalls his first day at Siebel, noting the cultural shift from his predominantly Latino upbringing in South Florida. His involvement with the MJF was catalyzed by Breeze, who encouraged him to apply despite his professional successes, emphasizing the foundation's mission to support underrepresented groups. Annicchiarico expresses immense gratitude and a sense of validation upon receiving the scholarship, highlighting the personal significance of recognition from industry leaders like Garrett Oliver. He underlines the MJF's role in broadening his professional network and fostering a sense of belonging within the larger brewing community. This scholarship, enabling him to attend the MBAA Brewery Maintenance program, is not just about acquiring new skills but about championing inclusivity and reinforcing the idea that the brewing industry is a dynamic space for growth, collaboration, and shared passion.