The beer industry is fascinating--cool logos, fun atmosphere and a social product. And, in true Missouri form (Home of Anheuser Busch, Boulevard, Schlafly, O'Fallon) I thought it would make sense to discuss the beer biz a little.
As an undergrad at The University of Washington (That's Seattle, not DC, not WashU) I was the beer writer for the University Daily newspaper. Any interest in reading some old columns about NW microbrews? Go here:
http://dailyuw.com/2000/10/6/n6.beercolumn/
http://dailyuw.com/2000/10/13/n6.maltandhop/
http://dailyuw.com/2000/10/20/n7.brewery/
http://dailyuw.com/2000/10/27/n8.beer/
http://dailyuw.com/2000/11/20/n6.maltandhop/
Otherwise, here is a link to an article about the largest craft brewers in the United States:
http://bit.ly/buNuSz
This would be a good place to start with a search on finding an "in" into the beer biz. Also, listed below are some fun facts that I have learned about some of these companies over the years during my beer "research."
--Harpoon: Each year they throw a gigantic Oktoberfest party on the Boston Waterfront. It seems like half the city attends!
--Magic Hat: Has grown significantly in the last 5 years mostly due to its acquisition by North American Breweries.
--Deschutes: Based in Bend, Oregon which is consistently ranked as one of the best towns to live in America. The brewery is located on the Deschutes River which runs through downtown.
--Pyramid: Another NW product. It's brewery is located across the street from Safeco field in downtown Seattle.
--Spoetzl: Brewer of Shiner Bock, Lance Armstrong's favorite brew.
--New Belgium: Promote a circus-like bicycle tour that visits multiple bike and beer friendly towns each summer.
Here are some of my personal favorite breweries:
--Bear Republic Brewing: Racer 5 might be the best IPA
--Ska Brewing: Located in Durango, CO--visit!
--Port Brewing: The ultimate SoCal surf brewery.
--Mammoth Brewing: Also home to Mammoth Mountain, a top-rated ski resort.
--Elysian Brewing: Located in the funky Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle
--Big Time Brewery: My personal Seattle favorite. They mix coffee grounds into their "Old Rip Stout."
Cheers!
