On the latest episode of the BeerWise Podcast, Em Sauter of Pints and Panels joins me for a conversation about craft beer, art, and visual education.
When Em Sauter began drawing beer cartoons fifteen years ago, she had no idea it would transform into her life’s work. As an advanced Cicerone and certified beer judge, Em brings a wealth of knowledge to her visual creations, but it’s her unique ability to translate complex beer concepts into approachable cartoons that has connected with audiences worldwide.
“I’m a visual learner and I love to draw,” Em explains, describing how Pints and Panels originated as a study tool for her Master Cicerone exam. What started as personal notes blossomed when she shared them online: “I just put them on my website and immediately people were like ‘I love this!'” That enthusiastic response launched a journey that would lead to two published books, a Spanish-language beer guide, and a career traveling the world to share her beer knowledge through art.
The power of Em’s work lies in its accessibility. Her cartoons break down barriers that often make craft beer seem intimidating or exclusive. “It makes beer—some of the most complex topics in beer—very accessible and easy to break down for new learners,” notes podcast host Mark Denote. This approach is particularly evident in Em’s library classes, where she creates safe spaces for beginners to ask questions they might feel embarrassed to ask in trendy breweries. These sessions often incorporate fun pairings like beer with ice cream or chips, helping people think about beer beyond traditional contexts.
Beyond pure education, Em has developed creative “lifestyle pairings” matching beer styles with everything from NFL teams and Star Wars characters to presidents and TV shows. These playful connections follow principles of climate, coolness, and cherished preferences, making beer appreciation part of broader cultural conversations. When a drawing of Guinness blends went viral, it sparked important discussions about international beer terminology and the cultural sensitivity around names like “Black and Tan.”
Whether you’re a certified beer judge or someone who’s never ventured beyond mass-market lagers, Em’s visual approach to beer education offers something valuable. As she continues drawing her way through the beer world one cartoon at a time, she reminds us that learning should be as enjoyable as the subject itself.
About Pints and Panels
Called the “Bob Ross of beer” by Imbibe magazine, Em Sauter is an award winning cartoonist based in Connecticut. She won the Editors’ Award for Best Beer Coverage at the 2015 Saveur Blog Awards and was named one of the “40 under 40 Tastemakers” in 2016 by Wine Enthusiast. She has an MFA in cartooning from the famous Center for Cartoon Studies, is an Advanced Cicerone® (one of only 30 women Advanced Cicerones® in the world), BJCP certified beer judge and is an international beer judge, judging in high profile competitions all over the world. She is a member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers and is also a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. She hosts the “All About Beer’’ podcast along with Canadian spirits writer Don Tse. Sauter has contributed to Forbes, Brewers and Distillers International, Craft Beer and Brewing, Vinepair, Outside, The Alcohol Professor and more. She also is an accomplished public speaker and has done freelance work for some of the top names in beer/liquor such as High West Distillery, Pacifico Beer and many others.