As far as I can remember, I’ve always had a penchant for travel. From regular visits to my parents’ homeland of Mexico to the occasional border crossing to Canada, my thirst for exploring new places and cultures began with those trips during my formative years.

Later on, perhaps through the typical rites of passage known as college, I was wet behind the ears and had a different thirst. My thirst for beer was a fast and furious one, so much so that I didn’t take the time to slow down or appreciate the intricacies that form a good glass of brew.

Anyone who knows me will tell you I’ve always chosen a beer over a cocktail. After college, I had the great fortune of living in Washington, D.C., a wonderful city in and of itself. Near Embassy Row, The Brickskeller became my classroom for Beer 101. A cavernous bar/restaurant with the most extensive list of national and international beers I had ever seen, The Brickskeller taught me that there literally was a world of beer for me to explore. It was during this time that my tastes developed and I was able to distinguish the many types of beer.

My interest in craft beer began in 2008 when I traveled to Finland, Sweden and Ukraine. Having the opportunity to sample beers not available in the U.S. was a very memorable experience, so much so that I decided to combine my passion for travel and writing with my newfound love, craft beer. As a result, The Hoppy Nomad was established in 2009. Since then, I've been beer writing for newspapers, websites, and publications such as Beer Advocate Magazine.

When I can’t travel for beer, I soak up learning all aspects of the craft — history, the brewing process, marketing, and local initiatives. In my travels I have met wonderful people, from the soft spoken brewer to the rambunctious reveler — as many of which I would like to share with you.

So here I am, a little older and wiser, with the same thirst for travel, writing, beer, and all the experiences that beer brings to my life. It is my hope that my stories will entertain, inspire the explorer in you. Cheers!

Gloria