Why I Became A Brewer | Erik Hystad | TEDxHelena

The story of one moving from being a teacher to a brewer.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was the beer that turned Erik Hystad onto Craft Beer. He was raised in a blue-collar home of die hard Bud Light drinkers, who would enjoy a Corona with a lime on special occasions. As the craft beer revolution grew, so did Erik’s love for the new and interesting flavors in craft beer. After dabbling in home brewing for a few years, Erik decided to go pro and joined the production team at Blackfoot River Brewing Company as an assistant brewer in 2012. He became a brewer in 2013 and still works there today. When he is not at the Blackfoot working or enjoying a beer with friends, Erik loves hiking and biking on the Helena trail system with his dog Pokey, his wife Steph and his new son Thor.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at