Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
Our bartender series continues with Kevin Slater from Fullsteam Brewery. Hailing from Northern Virginia, this “nerd” is anything but a social outcast. The sci-fi loving, gregarious sip slinger got his heady start in an Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. After a middling techie stint in the IT biz, he came back to the bar – for his love of meeting people, and of course, talking beer. Now, doing his part to cultivate Fullsteam’s sudsy revolution and its place at the top of the craft-brew class since the summer of 2010 — he came onboard prior to the brewery’s opening — Slater serves up crafty, sustainable sips a few nights a week as the taproom bar manager. And when he’s not plowing out pints at Durham’s prime public house? Find the smarty-pants shutterbug behind his camera, playing music or basking in downtime with his wife.
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina, now, but born and raised in Fairfax, Va.
How did you hook up with Fullsteam? I met Sean (the owner) through the Pop the Cap campaign and offered my services to help in any way needed. It turns out the biggest need at the time was a full-time bar manager/bartender. I've also known Chris (the head brewer) for many, many years.
Your fav steam-y brew: At the end of the night, I tend to pour myself something we call Smoking Man's Lunch, which is about a 50/50 blend of our Hogwash (smoked porter) and Working Man's Lunch (dark ale made with Escazu chocolate and vanilla).
What's unique about bartending in a brewery taproom? We get a very diverse and knowledgeable clientele at the brewery. The beer geeks are represented in force!
If your co-workers had to describe you in one word, they'd say: Nerd, usually while shaking their head.
If you're not at work, you're most likely: At home relaxing with my wife (Sorry, ladies!) … (Also, sorry dudes!).
What you love about living in the Triangle: Everything I need is right here in the area. If I want awesome local food, it's here. If I want great music, it's here. If I want great beer, we've got some of the best around right here!
What you love about pouring pints in Durham specifically: Durham is a really great area. The people are great. The local culture is great. The beer (and the beer savvy people) are here! There are a couple of great homebrew clubs in the area like TRUB (Triangle’s Unabashed Homebrewers) and CARBOY(Cary-Apex-Raleigh Brewers Of Yore) and a host of other folks who are on a mission to experience good beer.
Which of your coworkers would you most likely drunk text? Michelle. Sorry for calling you out, punk!
If they made a movie about your life, who would play the voice of your pet? Steven Wright. Is that guy even alive? If so, let's get him on the phone and get this project rolling! I think he'd make a great rabbit voice.
What song would play the closing credits? “Mr. Suit” by Wire.
Movie you'd prob be late to work for: I was recently late because I was re-re-re-re-(etc)-watching “Repo Man.”
Fav sports team: Durham Bulls. I'm a season-ticket holder. Go sports!
Your guilty pleasure: Sheetz subs. I think they lace those things with crack. I've been known to drive out to the airport for one.
Your go-to local hot spot: The Pinhook or Motorco.
If you could live in any fictional place, where would it be? The “Firefly” 'Verse. (Nerd alert!).
Song you never skip on your iPod: “Big Lizard” by The Dead Milkmen.
If you didn't know better, you'd think this song was written about you: “Burn Down the Malls” by Mojo Nixon. At least I'd think it was written FOR me!
Last concert you went to: I saw Valient Thorr at Troika. Other than shows at the brewery, I saw The Jesus Lizard a few months back, too. They still got it!
If you could have a happy hour with any person, who would it be, and what would you say to them? Hunter S. Thompson. I'd ask him about the doomed, but he'd probably just hear incomprehensible squeaks and think “why am I having drinks with a bat?” Seriously, though, I bet he'd be great to have a few with.
Biggest celeb train wreck? Justin Bieber — give it a few more years...
Your top '90s catchphrase: Bitchin'!
You sometimes get mistaken for: Some guy who worked at Dain's Place — at least once a week. I have never worked at Dain's. It is a good place to grab a beer though.
People should know that you: Are the pickiest vegetarian out there.
One thing you'd easily do for the right cost: Eat a yeast cake. Then again, I think it might be fun to ferment from the inside.
A pop culture phenomenon you could live without: 3-D movies.
Most random thing you've been asked to do while bartending? Mix Cheerwine with one of our beers.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? Patience and kindness go a long, LONG way.
Something people should drink more of: Fullsteam Lager! Also, dark rum with ginger beer. YUM!
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: None in the Triangle, but a few in the DC area.
