Scott Kerner at the Three Penny Taproom (Courtesy Photo)

Name: Scott Kerner
Establishment: Three Penny Taproom

Scott Kerner is co-owner of the Three Penny Taproom in Montpelier, Vt., one of the kickingest-arse beer bars I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. (Draft Magazine recently named it one of America’s Top 100.) This is a place that pays attention to beer. Glassware is appropriate to style and virtually everything on the menu is good. Not that Kerner or the other co-owners, Matt McCarthy and Wes Hamilton, are stuffy snobs. Three Penny is a laid back, T-shirt and jeans kinda place. These guys simply respect a brilliant beverage.

Kerner took a few minutes to offer his thoughts on his favorite beers, what he’d like to have on the menu and what he’d tell a customer that ordered a Corona. His answers follow:

When did you first realize you liked beer? The very first sip of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in 1993, in the parking lot of Nassau Colliseum, before the Primus and Rush concert.

What’s in your “trapped on a desert isle” 6-pack? Heady Topper, Hill Farmstead Edward, Hopfenstark Ostalgia Rousse, Dieu du Ciel Mea Culpa, Lawson’s Finest Double Sunshine, Houblon Chouffe

What do you tell the customer who orders a Corona? First, I tell them that we don’t sell Corona, then I pour a sample of something light, like Trapp Family Helles Lager, and go from there. I’d say our conversion rate is about 80%, which makes us very proud.

What’s your favorite music to play on a busy night? “Little Beaver” Pandora radio station. Super upbeat and funky!!!

Which brewery is doing the most innovative stuff right now? I would have to say Hill Farmstead, but I might be a little biased. Whenever that question is posed, Dogfish has to be included. But what Shaun is doing on his little system is truly remarkable.

What’s your favorite beer on the menu? Right now… probably Stillwater Artisanal Ale’s Cellar Door. It is a Saison brewed with White Sage, and appeals to me in both balance and flavor.

What industry trend most annoys you? Over-hopped, high-alcohol beers. I am hoping that the new trend this year will be sessionable beers with high flavor.

What’s your opinion on craft beer in cans? Bring it on. I remember the first craft can I had from Caldera Brewing Co. in Oregon. On the side of the can it explained why their beer was in a can…lighter to carry, lighter to recycle, and you can tie a 6-pack to your inner tube and float down the river without breakage.

What beer would you most like to have on the menu, but can’t get? Loaded question… It’s probably a tie between Lagunitas, Russian River and Founders.

Why does beer matter? Beer matters because it gives the consumer a distinct variety of options, and it tastes good.