Have a beer with Danica Gilbert

Editor’s note: Twice each week, The Press shines a light on the life of interesting locals active in the community. Up today: Danica Gilbert

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

Meet Danica Gilbert, a brewer, bartender and owner of Slate Creek Brewing Co., 1710 N. 4th St. in Coeur d’Alene. Danica graduated from North Idaho College in 2014 with an associate's degree and certification in outdoor leadership. After years of whitewater guiding around the Northwest and living and traveling abroad, she found herself managing Slate Creek Brewing, her business now.

Generation: I was born in the millennial generation, but my work ethic doesn’t match the description.

Career and community involvement: I never imagined myself owning a business but I’ve known since day one it is exactly where I should be. I take a slightly different approach than most to my business; my goal is not to have the biggest and fanciest brewery but to have a place where everyone feels welcome and a place where you can come and connect with new people. My passion is in our community.

1. What's it like being a female in the male-dominated brewery biz?

It’s definitely an interesting experience being in a male-dominated career, not only as a brewer but as an owner. People are always surprised when they find out a young girl makes beer and even more surprised when that young girl owns the brewery. The next assumption that comes along with that is that I must have a husband helping me. Wrong!

2. What are your most popular Slate Creek beers?

Our flagship beer is the juniper pale ale — the Norse Nectar. We put real branches and juniper berries in it, so it’s super popular. It’s based off an old Scandinavian-style sahti beer mixed with a modern pale ale. It’s not gin, but you get that nice aroma and a good color to it, blond with hues of amber. The 6 Weight IPA is our American IPA — IPAs are super popular right now. The Mountain Hop IPA is another one. And probably the Salmon Run, our Irish Red.

3. Why did you create the Full Moon Bike Rides, and what do you love about them?

Last spring we started the CDA Full Moon Bike Ride expecting 20 to 30 people to show up and get together to ride bikes at night. We thought it’d be an awesome way to highlight local businesses by stopping at new places along our route every month instead of bar hopping. To our surprise, we’ve had hundreds of people attend our rides, all year 'round! The best way to describe these nights is "magical." The full moon ride has connected so many people and engaged them in our community. It is one of the best things I’ve been a part of and am so grateful for.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

People are always surprised when I tell them I became a business owner at 24 years old!

5. What does the word "community" mean to you?

It means connecting. #connectwithslate #cdafullmoonride

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Contact Devin: dweeks@cdapress.com