I am Raul, and I am from Orange County, CA

When I turned 21 in the mid 2000’s, macro beer just never appealed to me. During that era, I was aware of craft beer (as you can see, I became a member here in 2006), but I didn’t really embrace things until years later. My go-to’s in the 2000’s were mainly Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Boston Lager. I really wish that I dove in head first into the craft beer world then, but it wasn’t to be. Over the years, I drank Stone, Bear Republic, and countless other independent stuff, but I wasn’t a full BA until 2012. In fact, before I really embraced craft beer, I was way more into European stuff. Outside of Pliny, till this day, Fullers London Pride still might be my most consumed beer. Not because I still drink it now, but because I used to consume gallons of it back in the day.

In 2011, my eyes were truly opened when I had my first Pliny. I had never experienced anything on that level. Then, in 2012, I came back to BA, and truly became inspired because of WBAYDN? I researched local beer, but more so, became fascinated by out of market stuff - and that’s when I started trading. Honestly, craft beer really changed me in a way. As a youngster, it was more about just getting drunk and partying. But when I truly embraced craft beer, things became so much more rewarding when I sat down and truly enjoyed a beer for what it was.

As far as my reviews go, all I can say is that they are “purely Raul.” They just kind of happened. I never thought about them. That’s just what came out. In this life, I’ve always been kind of a wild one. Since I was 16, I earned the name “Bootz,” and I’m still called it by lifelong friends to this day.

Beer Advocate has simply been a blast for me. From learning about and enjoying new styles and beers I never would have known about, to actually meeting up with BA’s @GreenBayBA @Shanex @Beersnake1 and even having @superspak fly in for my wedding. It’s a great community, and one that I truly believe in. Cheers!

Here’s a picture from 2013 when I drove up to Russian River for the Pliny The Younger release. Amazing time!


Also, how could I forget? I really bonded with Mrs. Raul about beer from our first date. She’s from the north of France, so she grew up liking Belgian beers. Also, she did her PhD in the Czech Republic, so she really grew to love good Lagers and Pilsners. When we started dating, I introduced her to American craft beers, and mainly West Coast IPA’s. She tried my Pliny on our first date, and over time, Blind Pig became her favorite beer. She also loves Death and Taxes from Moonlight, and we even served their beers at our wedding. Good times. And a lot of it is because of Beer Advocate!

 

Lolz. What? No wine vibes here, my bro. I enjoy a glass everyone now and then, but I don’t have a passion for it.

 

No joke, I recall like 10 years ago or so, there was a thread that someone created, “Is Raul a genius or a dipshit?” I wish I could find it