About Shawn F.

Team Member, YYCTOURS & Founder, BeerQuest

Shawn F. is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for Alberta’s thriving craft beer community. A core member of the YYCTOURS team, Shawn is dedicated to connecting people with the best local breweries, distilleries, and wineries through curated, educational tours. His mission is to provide an insider's view of the province's vibrant craft scene, helping both locals and visitors discover hidden gems and support small businesses.

As the founder of BeerQuest, a unique game that encourages players to explore and learn about diverse beer styles across the country, Shawn has further established himself as a champion of beer education. The game is designed to deepen appreciation for the craft while rewarding players for their curiosity and support of local breweries.

 

Expertise & Industry Involvement

Shawn is an active participant in the industry. His expertise extends beyond tour operations and into the finer points of beer evaluation and journalism.

• Creator of BeerQuest:  Shawn’s passions for history and beer both meet in this online educational game that he created as a way to hopefully pass the excitement he feels about beer on to other people. 

• Beer Steward: Shawn's firsthand experience as a steward at the prestigious Alberta Beer Awards gives him a unique insight into the rigorous blind judging process. In this role, he was responsible for the crucial "behind-the-scenes" logistics, ensuring each beer was presented to judges fairly and anonymously.

• Beer Judge: Building on this experience, Shawn has also served as a beer judge, applying his palate and knowledge of BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) standards to evaluate and score entries. This hands-on experience provides him with a trusted perspective on beer quality and the brewing industry.

• Beer Writer: Shawn is also a recognized beer writer, using his articles to share insights into the industry, tell the stories of brewers, and educate readers on the art of beer appreciation.

• Beer Importer: Shawn has also had the pleasure of working for a local company to curate his own version of Alberta Beerfest in a Box titled Road Trip edition. 

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Shawn's work is driven by a genuine love for beer and a commitment to helping the craft community grow. His extensive experience, from founding a tour company to serving as a competition steward and judge, provides a comprehensive and trusted perspective on the world of beer.