Hi, I’m Brian Townsell. As Owner and operator of Happy Sherpa Travel, I’ll be organizing and helping to guide you on your journey.

Originally from Buffalo, I got the travel bug early in life, but really hadn’t travelled as much as I would’ve like to outside of the last fifteen years or so. Since then I’ve been all over the US and Europe, usually in search of a great beer or brewery. My day gig as an Assistant Brewmaster at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo allows me to be in a great environment during the week, but I’m usually looking forward to being able to pack my bags and head off on another adventure. After being on a few tours of Ireland and Belgium I decided to bring my friends with me.

I’m also a Certified Cicerone, and am currently taking the Brewing Certificate Program at ECC.

My passion for beer has allowed me to travel all over 15 countries and most of the US, and by partnering with Nick Mendola we are now adding the chance to experience European Football. Nick has years of experience between being the head of FC Buffalo and writing for NBC Sports. Paul Marko is going to be our guide in Belgium and I’m really excited that he can share his experience and knowledge with us.

It’s going to be an exciting first year, and I really hope you’ll join us. I guarantee you will have the experience of a lifetime.

Eric began his career at New Belgium Brewing Co. in 1995 where he was a part of every aspect of the brewing process and brewing management. Most notably he helped pioneer the Wood Aged Beer program at NBB producing the first widely available traditionally made sour beer by a U.S. brewer. With over 20 years of experience creating award winning beer aged in barrels and foudres, he is considered an expert in the craft.

Eric currently lives in Rochester N.Y. where he spends much of his time helping creative brewers who seek to expand or improve their wood aged and sour beer processes, and is Co-owner of Strangebird Brewing Co.

Rochester Breweries Walk on the Wild Side with Wild Ales

A graphic designer by trade, Paul’s craft beer journey started downing Grolsch ceramic flip tops (and hunting down Orval) in Buffalo, NY when luck connected him with the Shelton Brothers. Then, a trip to Belgium and Germany in 2006 with the brothers changed everything. The lightbulb flicked on and craft beer appreciation became more than just a hobby. Label design for Cantillon, Fantôme, Thiriez, Kulmbacher, Mahr’s (and more) followed - eventually leading to an even deeper passion for the wares of the Euro masters.

With a few trips to Europe under his belt, Paul co-founded Buffalo Beer Geeks in his home town, and has continued making making beer friends from around the world. This trip will mark his 5th journey to Belgium with a wealth of knowledge to share - both on the ground and in the glass.

Nick Mendola is infatuated with the beautiful game, and has spent more than a decade running American soccer club FC Buffalo while also covering world soccer for NBC Sports and learning an exhaustive amount of history from the world's most storied clubs.

Nick can make sure you see the major sights of soccer as well as the romantic little clubs off the beaten path, while not missing a beat of the songs played in the stadia of Europe.