At Reformation Brewery, we believe beer has the power to bring people together, sparking conversations and connections that go beyond the glass. That’s why we’re excited to feature a guest post from writer and storyteller Stephanie Grant. From crafting stories as a child to recognizing their impact on community and connection, Stephanie shares how storytelling shapes the way we see the world—and how something as simple as sharing a beer can bring us closer together.
Read more below as Stephanie reflects on the power of stories, the importance of listening, and how taprooms create the perfect space for meaningful conversations.
When I was a kid, I loved snuggling up with a book, but I also spent hours creating my own stories. I’d grab sheets of computer paper—the kind with tear away strips on the sides—from our printer and write stories, complete with colored-pencil-drawn pictures of characters in all sorts of situations.
I wish I still had those stories to flip through today, to transport myself back to those early days of uninhibited creativity. Those stories may have been simple, but they were a window into my imagination, a way to express thoughts and feelings that I didn’t yet have the vocabulary for. They were the first step in what would become a lifelong love of storytelling.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized just how much stories matter in all aspects of life. Those memories solidified my love for storytelling and writing, but they also taught me how powerful stories can be in shaping the way we see the world. Stories have the ability to connect us, inspire us, and even heal us. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to nurture that creative spark over the years and now use storytelling as a tool not only for entertainment but for building meaningful connections with others.
One thing that has always fascinated me is how stories are uniquely human. Alongside our super helpful opposable thumbs, our ability to tell stories is one of the things that truly distinguishes us from other creatures. We create, share, and become entranced by stories. What fascinates me most about storytelling is how it not only transports us to other worlds but also reflects back to us truths about ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
In a world that often feels disconnected, I believe storytelling is more important than ever. It’s so vital for us to be able to tell our own stories and to listen when others share theirs. One of my favorite ways to share my story—and hear stories from others—is over a beer. There’s something about the relaxed environment of a taproom that invites people to open up. The casual, communal nature of sharing a beer makes it easy to strike up a conversation, whether you’re with friends, family, or even strangers. And as we talk, we inevitably begin to share pieces of our lives—our experiences, our thoughts, our dreams. These moments of sharing can be transformative, building connections that go beyond the surface level.
That’s why I love that Reformation Brewing understands the importance of stories and has made it one of their core values. Taprooms are incredible spaces for this, providing a welcoming environment where enjoying a beer together breaks down barriers. A little liquid courage doesn’t hurt in loosening the tongue and the heart, either. Over time, taprooms become more than just places to enjoy a good brew; they become gathering places where people can share their stories and listen to others, finding common ground in the process.
In a time when it feels like we’re more divided than ever, sharing our stories can help us break down walls and realize that we’re more alike than we are different. The simple act of listening to someone else’s story, or sharing your own, can create a bond that transcends differences. And it’s in these moments—over a beer, in a warm and inviting space—that we are reminded of our shared humanity. Stories, after all, are what make us human.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.