American Craft Beer Week on Facebook

As I type this nearly 5,000 Facebook members have signed up as fans of American Craft Beer Week.

I’m not sure that’s a lot but the number surely will go higher. And the “Declaration of Beer Independence” is bound to get more attention. (I’ve already written I’m delighted to focus on where a beer is brewed and who brews it, but I also think part of independence means people get to drink whatever they want, even Bud Light Lime . . . or is it Bud Lime Light?)

A quick historical note: Had American Beer Month remained American Beer Month this July (because that’s when it was held before it became Craft Beer Week) we’d be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The Facebook page looks like the best way anybody has come up with so far to let more people know about this not-so-new idea, so maybe more people will join in the celebration. We’ll see. Actually, you’ll see. We’re going to be busy celebrating America itself. Heading to Yosemite and not thinking about beer.

Drink a local beer for me.

 

Session #28 revealed: Drink globally

The SessionBrian Yaeger of Red, White and Brew has set the top for the 28th round of the Session: Think/Drink Globally. Should I, in the midst of an adventure where our goal is to eat and drink local products, think this is a good idea?

No need to panic, because here’s part of Brian’s directive:

[I]n honor of Global Craft Beer Forever, I pose everyone writes about the farthest brewery (including brewpubs) you have visited and specifically the best beer you had there. Again, not your favorite or any old brewery you’ve been to, but the one that is the longest haul away.

So this does not have to be about buying some beer from far, far away and drinking it at home. At least that’s the way I am approaching it. Brian, in fact, writes you may want to go out and buy a bottle that’s been shipped from wherever. Or you could “find a local beer of the same style and do a little compare and contrast.” I like that better.

I’m sure I’ll figure something out once I determine a) where we’ll be June 5 (maybe Oregon) and b) the most far flung brewery we’ve visited.

 

Odell on regional beers – What’s big enough?

Beer giantI’m only about seven months behind on this, but here’s a great quote from Doug Odell of Odell Brewing in Fort Collins, Colo., that appeared last October in Modern Brewery Age:

“I like the idea of regionalism in consumer products. I like the idea of independent coffee shops, hamburger stands and ice cream that’s made in your own town. That way you can go different places, have different products, and get different versions of things. Being a regional brewery fulfills my idea of doing that. You come to Ft. Collins, and you can get beers you don’t get in Indiana. I think regionalism is important for the health of independent brewers. Not everyone can be everywhere.”

I think that stands on itself, but blogs are supposed to include commentary, yes? So I point you to Maureen Ogle’s ongoing followup to Beer Wars. (Sorry, it never goes away.)

Her points about entrepreneurship are fair enough, and worth considering through the lens of history. Which she does. But when I read what Doug Odell has to say, when I think about talking to Bob Sylvester in his tiny brewery then I’m pretty sure some brewers will be content to serve a limited audience really good beer.

 

Session #27 roundup posted

The SessionGreat turnout for The Session #27, the theme being Beer Cocktails. Jasmine at Beer at Joe’s already has the roundup posted.

Lots to read. I particularly like these Friday gatherings because — despite the rather lengthy list on the right — we’re seeing posts from beer blogs I didn’t know existed.

Get your own. Be there when Brian Yaeger hosts in June.