25 x 25
By Improper Staff | Photo Credit: Ken Rivard | Aug. 5, 2016
Neil Quigley
Most young Bostonians look forward to their 21st birthdays. But Neil Quigley, who graduated from the UK’s Brewlab at 19, really couldn’t wait. Unable to find a job as a brewer because of his age, the Newton native traveled to Canada when he was 20 to further his beer education, eventually becoming the world’s “unofficial youngest cicerone”—a sort of beer sommelier—at 20 years and 8 months old. Quigley went on to draw accolades behind the bar at the late Ames Street Deli; now he’s at Jody Adams’ buzzy new Back Bay spot Porto. He’s also in charge of flavor development for the Cape Cod-based Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer. At 21, he’s moved past some of his age-related challenges and is looking forward to a bright future in the beverage industry. “I’ve been laughed at and looked at sideways more than I’ve been complimented for my age, but I think it helped me weed out the unsupportive, close-minded people, and it helped me find mentors that cared and were willing to take a chance on me,” he says. “Being able to work with some of the best people in the industry is what excites me the most. I’m always looking to innovate and learn from others, and my current job is a great opportunity to do just that.”
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