This week we are shining the spotlight on Sam DeCamp. Sam is probably one of the best looking guys in a science coat and goggles you will ever lay your eyes on! With a passion for beer and a knack for science, Sam has helped expand our Quality Control program here at Short’s.
1.What’s your name? What do people call you? What do you call yourself?
My name is Sam DeCamp. I’ve been called Samature Gamchise, Samurai, and “that creepy guy with the mustache/beard/hipster glasses.” Usually I just go by Sam.
2. How long have you been with Short’s and in what position?
I began my journey with Short’s in the summer of 2012 as an intern in the Quality Control Lab. After the internship, I returned to Michigan State University for a semester and then headed back to Short’s for a full year as the Quality Control Scientist. I am currently finishing up my final semester as a Food Science Undergraduate at Michigan State University and will be returning to Short’s in May.
3. What was your path into the beer industry?
I needed an internship for my Food Science degree and knew that I did not want to spend my time canning asparagus or participating in other food-related atrocities. I had been brewing at home and greatly admired Short’s for its creativity and fun culture. I got in touch with the company and everything just kind of fell into place from there.
4. Which Short’s beer recipe(s) have been inspired by you?
Son of Samurai, a red saison brewed with sorachi ace hops, and Chocolate Giddy-up, a stout brewed with cold-pressed coffee and cocoa nibs. Both of these beers started as homebrews and then Tony, Short’s Head Brewer, decided we should bring them to life as small batches at the brewpub.
5. Where is your favorite place on Planet Earth to drink a beer?
My favorite place to drink a beer is somewhere with a clear view of the sky, trees near by, and preferably near a large body of fresh water within reach of my feet and/or fishing pole.
6. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Probably Lucky Charms–not for some cheesy reason about how lucky I am, but because I believe you are what you eat, and I ate a lot of that sugary junk as a kid.
7. What’s your favorite thing or idea right now?
My favorite idea right now is that I am about to graduate college and continue my career in the brewing industry. The fact that I’m going to have a job that utilizes my degree straight out of college is kind of crazy, and great. Not many people my age get that opportunity right away and I feel incredibly fortunate.
8. Favorite part of living in Michigan?
There simply cannot be one answer to this question.
Fact: Michigan has an abundance of natural beauty unlike any other state.
Fact: Michigan is home to most of my family, friends, and favorite people.
Fact: Michigan is the greatest place in the universe to make and consume beer.
