The Proust Questionnaire is a famous questionnaire about one’s personality. Its name and modern popularity as a form of interview is owed to the responses once given by the French writer Marcel Proust. Ben’s Beer Blog has co-opted this format in order to provide a revealing look at people making beer and working in the beer industry in Ontario. As such, I’ve renamed it The Proost Questionnaire, since “proost” is the Dutch word for cheers. Clever right?
Mike Lackey is the head brewer for Etobicoke’s Great Lakes Brewery. Here, the man responsible for some of your favourite IPAs goes deep to talk about his favourite jacket and his secret love of bees.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having a beer with the game on in the backyard.
What is your greatest fear?
My wife one day realizing that she can do way better than me.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Living in the same neighbourhood, keeping the same job and keeping many of the same friends through most of my life.
What is your favorite occupation?
Playing hockey.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Angus Young.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Greed.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I don’t really do extravagance. My winter Pizzaville delivery jacket?
What is your favorite journey?
The bus trip to Steak Queen in Rexdale. I only did it once but man, I enjoyed that one.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Temperance.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I’m too musclebound
What is your greatest regret?
I gave up on regret a decade or so ago. Best thing I ever did.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Jamie.
When and where were you happiest?
Rennie Park outdoor rink. Any cold day in January.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’ve always really wanted to be a world renown beekeeper.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A lamp.
What is your most treasured possession?
Our three dogs.
Where would you like to live?
Where I am.
What do you most value in your friends?
Sense of humour.
Who are your favorite writers?
Bill Bryson, John Krakauer, John Vaillant
What are your favorite names?
Felix, Janet
How would you like to die?
In a hail of bullets.
