PETER B'S BREWPUB WELCOMES NATALIE MIKA AS NEW HEAD BREWER

Monterey, CA - May 18, 2021 - Peter B's Brewpub located behind the Portola Hotel & Spa, is thrilled to announce Natalie Mika as the new Head Brewer of the award-winning brewery. Mika has been brewing beer professionally at Monterey's original craft brewery, Peter B's, since 2019. A Monterey County native, Mika is a self-proclaimed lab nerd and has experience work with fermentation science since 2013.

"Natalie was our Assistant Brewer in 2019, brewing along with Justin Rivard and creating the Witbier Triple Berry Threat and Hazy DDH IPA Sequester Necter, in addition to the Peter B's favorites Legend of Laguna IPA and our Belly Up Blonde Ale. We expect Natalie will be an incredible Head Brewer as she taps into her creative genius to develop a multitude of craft beers for you all to enjoy," said Brian Hein, Food & Beverage Director at the Portola Hotel & Spa.

A graduate of California Polytechnic University with a degree in Wine and Viticulture, Mika launched her career in the wine industry working for five vintages at Bodega Calle in Argentina, Scheid Vineyards in Greenfield, Ca, VinLink Winery in New Zealand, and The Wine Group in Soledad, Ca.

Mika credits good timing and good people for her journey and new position at Peter B's Brewpub. "Brewing found me for sure! A friend (in the wine industry) shared the ad for the Assistant Brewer position when I got back from a couple year "harvest hopping" life where I would work a vintage in the northern hemisphere and then a vintage in the Southern Hemisphere, just traveling in the off seasons. I fell in love with beer when I was in Belgium. After returning to Monterey County and finishing a season with a winery in Soledad, everything just fell into place" said Mika.

Mika is brewing now for the Portola Hotel's plans to reopen Peter B's this summer with the brews that have become so popular at Peter B's Brewpub. "I'd like to do some fruited Belgian style beers. Making a Belgian beer with some Riesling grapes has been something I've wanted to do for a long time, and hopefully, I'll get to do that in the late summer or fall," said Mika.

ABOUT PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA

AAA Four Diamond, Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA was one of the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Certified hotels on California's Central Coast. The full-service hotel offers guests a coastal inspired escape, with newly renovated guest rooms and suites, and an unparalleled guest experience. Portola Hotel features 379 modern guest rooms with timeless interiors and upgraded amenities, ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Home to the Monterey's original craft brewery, Peter B's Brewpub, The Club Room, Jacks Monterey, and Peet's Coffee. Portola boasts an award-winning 6,000 sq. ft. day spa, Spa on the Plaza offering beautifully appointed treatment rooms and service, and access to the hotel's fitness facilities, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi.

For more information, please visit portolahotel.com.

ABOUT PETER B'S BREWPUB

Peter B's Brewpub behind the Portola Hotel & has been serving ale-loving locals and visitors craft beer, brewed on-site since 1996. Experience a seasonal and locally sourced menu paired with craft beer at the original craft brewery in Monterey. Distinguished for its variety of award-winning locally-brewed beer, 18 high-definition televisions and pub menu stocked with innovative, comfort foods, Peter B's Brewpub is a local and guest favorite in Monterey, CA.

For more information on Peter B's Brewpub, visit: https://www.portolahotel.com/dining/peter-bs-brewpub

MEDIA CONTACT

Portola Hotel & Spa
Janine M. Chicourrat, Managing Director
[email protected]
(831) 649-7890