This Thanksgiving, craft brewers have a lot to be thankful for. Here, seven beer makers answer the question, “What do you most appreciate about the craft-beer industry?”
“I am most thankful for everyone's openness to exploration. Brewers are now focusing on broader varieties of styles and paying close attention to everything from where they source their ingredients to how to continually improve and develop the brewing process. The industry is in the midst of a renaissance and its people’s willingness to experiment, create, and support one another that is helping to build so many new, wonderful beers.” — Jared Rouben (pictured above), Brewmaster at Moody Tongue Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois
“The people who work in our world are here first and foremost because they love the life of a craft brewery. It’s hard to find someone not smiling.” — David Walker, Cofounder at Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California
“I love being involved when brewers share ideas and dreams of what beer can be—in a word, collaborating! I love that most new business ventures dream of the day they are acquired by a large corporation, but in our industry it is the exact opposite. We loathe anything that chinks away at our diversity. We are die-hard entrepreneurs.” — Jeffrey Green, Owner at Very Nice Brewing Company in Nederland, Colorado
“The thing that I love most about the brewing industry is the level of stimulation I receive from it. Each and every day is different. The landscape of the industry is always evolving, so there will always be more to learn and strive for. Very few jobs provide an opportunity to contribute in as many areas as the brewing industry allows. Whether it be dealing with agriculture, biochemistry, engineering, marketing, branding, or logistics, the foundation behind every moving piece that contributes to the joy and passion of craft beer's amazing consumers is completely unsurpassed by any other industry.” — John Priest, Brewmaster at Gibb’s Hundred Brewing Company in Greensboro, North Carolina
“Good Company: beer is social, beer is a part of society. We are thankful for some great friends in San Diego. There is an abundance of amazing local breweries, bars, and restaurants where we can all get together for a beer. There is no better time to share a beer in San Diego than right now. From beers at the pub at Alpine Beer Company to craft beer on tap at the ballpark downtown, to the atmosphere at the World Bistro & Gardens at Stone Brewing Company, and everywhere in between—we give thanks for awesome San Diego craft beer.” — the team at Societe Brewing Company in San Diego, California
“For at least half of[the brewery’s] life, it was a real struggle to keep the doors open, and I think we got by on pure passion and stubbornness. I feel very lucky to still be doing what I do today.” — Dave McLean, Brewmaster at Magnolia Pub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
“I’m thankful for being part of this industry that continues to grow, evolve, and challenge what beer is and what it means to humanity. Cheers to the beers.” — Jonathan Berry, Brewery Production Manager and Chief Science Officer at Cascade Brewing Co. in Portland, Oregon