Today is the 33rd birthday of John Holl, who’s a journalist that recently came over to the dark side full time; dark beer, that is. Originally on the staff of the Gray Lady — the New York Times — he’s now writing almost exclusively about beer from his home in northern New Jersey. Online, he’s at Beer Briefing and his latest book is Massachusetts Breweries. And then there’s the forthcoming “American Craft Beer Cookbook,” so he’s definitely been busy. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know John during some travel over the last couple of years, from Denver to Boston, and even in Chile. He’s a great addition to the fraternity of beer writers. Join me in wishing John a very happy birthday.

After the first Beer Bloggers Conference, having lunch at Euclid Hall in Denver, before flying home.

Last year in Chile, judging at the Copa Cervezas de America 2011 (John’s on the right in the back row).

Visiting Maltexco, also in Chile (this time, John’s on the left).

At that same lunch at Euclid Hall in Denver; John, me, Greg Koch and Jacob McKean, Stone Brewing’s blogger.