Etienne du Vair

For the 181st week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. Etienne du Vair is PNW beer aficionado who has gained immense knowledge through his years as a sales representative.

4EVRGRN: Hey, EdV! Tell us a little about yourselves.

EdV: My name is Etienne, I grew up outside of Tacoma, WA. As a musician most of my life I have traveled part of the country, but always missed home. I jumped into the beer industry in 2017 shortly after I moved to Northern Idaho. Working in craft beer bars and eventually finding myself as a sales rep. Starting in smaller locations, I found myself back in Washington working for a growing brewery in Spokane. Brickwest Brewing Co. has quickly gained popularity and kept me busy. I enjoy the craft beer industry to the point where that's how I met my fiancé. The craft beer industry has brought together so many people that may not necessarily have been friends on other circumstances. I am forever grateful that Spokane as well as the INW as a whole has welcomed me with open arms. I am excited for the future as we have expanded to the westside and might be able to make a few trips back home to do events and celebrate with old friends. It could be a long ride or a short, but I'm going to enjoy every minute I can.

What makes PNW beer culture so unique?

EdV: PNW is a melting pot of people that for the most part freely express their personality. Between outdoor activities, plenty of family time and a lively night screen.

Favorite local product?

EdV: Favorite local product is a toss-up. There is such a live market with craft made products, it makes it hard to choose. From Huge brands like Patagonia and Spiceology to Local Mushroom Farms like Happy Mountain Mushrooms.

Best brewery meal in the PNW?

EdV: Best Brewery meal varies because so many breweries support local and bring in fantastic food trucks from their areas.

If you could only drink one beer from the PNW for the rest of your life, what would it be?

EdV: I would have to say Pfiem Pilsner. It's always a solid go to and really set the bar for breweries to tackle the challenge of a style that you can't hide flaws.

Favorite place to go adventure in the PNW?

EdV: One of my favorite places to cause havoc is Bumblebee campground. Nestled in the Little North Fork of the Coeur D’Alene River. You never know what you'll experience whether it be a cow moose and her young or the locals wanting to party. 

What advice do you have for those looking to expand their tastes to craft beer?

EdV: Be open. Every brewery has something to offer you. Individual experiences, interpretations of beers, personalities and a love for what they do. This includes multiple visits. Every single brewery in the PNW has something different to offer even if you don't catch it at first. Everyone does it for the love of the industry. That's why we do it. I travel to new towns and do events to showcase our products, but the consumers don't realize the amount of time we spend away from our families because love what we do and enjoy talking about it.

Wildest PNW experience?

EdV: Haha dicey question. PNW experience can vary to who my audience is. I can talk about the experiences in Portland with the ungodly amount of breweries and "Gentlemen’s Clubs". I can also talk about the beautiful hikes through the cascades all the way to the mesmerizing outdoors of northern Idaho. Every experience in this part of the country will have a story to share in the right company.

Website: Brickwestbrewingco.com

IG: Brickwestbeer

FB: Brickwest Brewing Co.

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