She's Not Just a Dreamer...

Joleen and Brian Durham own and operate Piney River Brewing Company in Bucyrus, MO.

Meet ​Joleen Durham, co-owner and co-founder of Piney River Brewing Company in "Brewcyrus," Missouri. Joleen is also serving as the Guild president this year and has been in the craft beer business for 9 years.

How did you get started in the craft beer industry?
My husband, Brian, and I wanted to make craft beer that was made in the Ozarks and celebrates the Ozarks.

What gets you out of bed each day?
First, I have a big ol' bank bill to pay off by making and selling beer because I'm a doer, not just a dreamer.

What was your first-ever craft beer?
Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat

What do you do with your free time?
In my "free" time my family and I farm on 160 acres with 40 head of beef cattle. My personal pursuits are perennial flower gardening and cooking, and I also and fishing and kayaking with my family. Currently, I'm the head chauffeur in our family for my 14-year old son, Andy, and that seems like a full-time job.

If you could work on a collaboration beer with any other craft brewery, who would it be?
My friends at Mike Hess Brewing in San Diego (it will happen some day).

What is your favorite thing about the craft beer industry?
Meeting and getting to know amazing, fun, and interesting people that have become dear friends.

What's the best beer you've ever had?
The Old Tom Porter we were pouring on the GABF floor after it won Gold.

What's one fun fact about you?
I was a Missouri Master Gardener before I ever brewed a beer!

Why did you join the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild?
The Missouri Craft Brewers Guild is a collective voice for craft beer in our state, and it's important that we have an organization that represents all of us.

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