Today on Consuming the Craft, I had an insightful conversation with Sarah Stender Delaney, a visionary beverage creator who recently returned from a trip to Rwanda. We explored her plans to work with reusable glass bottles and local fruits, her dedication to building relationships with farmers, and the cultural differences in drink preferences. Sarah also shared her exciting plans to unveil a new product soon and her involvement in sourcing high-quality teas and botanicals from Rwanda.

Sarah Stender Delaney is a passionate beverage enthusiast with a keen eye for unique flavors and a commitment to sustainability. Her experience in the industry has led her to recognize the importance of fostering strong relationships with local farmers and understanding the nuances of different markets. With a background in mindful consumption and a dedication to self-care, Sarah brings a fresh perspective to the craft beverage world.

"Self-care and taking care of others is essential in the bartending and brewery industry, including awareness of potential risks for customers and colleagues." ~Sarah Stender Delaney

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     Aluminum recycling infrastructure is lacking, and Sarah plans to work with reusable glass bottles and local fruits.

·     Building relationships with local farmers is essential for sourcing high-quality ingredients.

·     Understanding local flavor preferences and cultural differences in drink preferences is crucial for success in different markets.

·     Sarah is involved in sourcing high-quality teas and botanicals from Rwanda, including black, green, and white tea from the northern province and herbs from a small farm in the western province.

·     The cohort model in education fosters a tight-knit community and support network, with classes building on each other.

·     Self-care and taking care of others is vital in the bartending and brewery industry, including awareness of potential risks for customers and colleagues.

·     Recognizing potential addiction and unhealthy consumption habits is essential, and addressing them sensitively is crucial.

·     Delaying exposure to substances until the brain is fully developed can help prevent addiction tendencies.

Contact Sarah Stender Delaney:

• Cirilla (Rwandan beverage company)

Resources Mentioned:

• Quasa (first craft brewery in Rwanda)

• McConnell Farms (for carbonation)

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Consuming the Craft Podcast episode, brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more craft beverage enthusiasts.

To learn more about AB Tech and the Craft Beer Institute of the Southeast, visit our website.