Today is also the 38th birthday of Jeff O’Neil, who I first met when he was brewing at Drake’s here in sunny California. He’s since gone on to make a name for himself at Ithaca Beer Co. before recently leaving that gig to become the brewmaster at the Peekskill Brewery, both of which are in upstate New York, which is where Jeff originally hails from. Jeff’s a terrific brewer and an equally wonderful guy. Join me in wishing Jeff a very happy birthday.
Jeff at GABF in 2007.
Jeff O’Neil, from Ithaca Brewing, wearing his automatic-get-on-the-bulletin shirt, with Rodger Davis, from Drake’s, not wearing his, at the Craft Brewers Conference in 2008.
Jeff O’Neil, a mild-mannered brewer was underneath wearing the Bulletin supporter costume that turns him into a superhero, coming into Deep Ellum in Boson for an event during the Craft Brewers Conference a few years ago.
Today is the 60th birthday of Governor of Colorado — and former Denver mayor — John Hickenlooper. John was also the co-founder of Wynkoop Brewery in Denver’s LoDo District, and in fact is credited with helping to revitalize the whole area. After being a popular and by accounts very effective mayor for several years, he was elected as the Governor of Colorado. John’s been great for Denver, Colorado and craft brewing. Join me in wishing John a very happy birthday.
George Wendt, Nancy Johnson & John at the Great American Beer Festival three years ago.
With Ken Allen, from Anderson Valley Brewing, and Dave Buehler, from Elysian Brewing at GABF several years ago.
Today is also the 42nd birthday of Jay Sheveck, a beer writer and filmmaker in Los Angeles. In addition to writing for the Celebrator, Jay wrote the Beer Guppy’s Guide to Southern California . He’s also been working for many years on a documentary film about the early days of craft beer, Beer Pioneers. There’s a teaser trailer of it at the bottom of this page. Personally, I’m excited about his film (and not just because I may be in it, unless I end up on the cutting room floor, that is). Join me in wishing Jay a very happy birthday.
Alec Moss, former brewer at Half Moon Bay, with Jay at the celebrator’s Best of the West Fest in 2009.
Jay and a glass of Chimay.
Jay and his wife Vicki at the Director’s Guild dinner in 1998.
Jay and his new son Jake.
(Note: last three photos purloined from Facebook.)
Today is also the 41st birthday of Erin Fay Glass, Membership Coordinator and Brewery Detective at the Brewers Association. Erin is one of my favorite people in the BA, and the whole beer community for that matter. Join me in wishing her a very happy birthday.
Two November 18ths ago, Maya Ryleigh was born to Erin and Gary Glass.
Erin with husband Gary Glass, AHA director.
Gary Glass, Erin and Bradley Lantham, from the BA, at Anchor for an AHA Rally.
Gary, Maya and Erin. (Photo purloined from Facebook.)
Today is the 48th birthday of Brian Ford, owner/brewer at the Auburn Alehouse near Sacramento, California. Brian previously brewed at Beermann’s Beerworks, but left before they closed several years ago. I’ve been meaning to visit the Auburn Alehouse but so far haven’t managed it. But this year is defintely the year. Join me in wishing Brian a very happy birthday.
Brian pouring his beer at the Raley Field Beerfest in 2007.
And here’s Brian with Glynn Phillips, from Rubicon, at the same event.
A publicity shot at the Auburn Alehouse.
Today is also the 41st birthday of Luke Nicholas, founder/brewer of Epic Brewing in New Zealand. Luke brewed for many years in New Zealand before striking out on his own, and also lived in the States for a spell working for RealBeer.com and became fond of hoppy beers. As a result, his beers are some of the hoppiest in New Zealand. He also started a real beer website just for New Zealand, RealBeer.co.nz and was instrumental in starting a Brewers Guild of NZ. Luke was kind enough to show me around the beer scene in Auckland when I was there with my family a few years ago, and we run into one another at beer events surprisingly often. He’s a great beer ambassador not just for his native country, but for great beer everywhere. Join me in wishing Luke a very happy birthday.
Me and Luke outside 21st Amendment during a visit to our shores.
And at the 2010 Craft Brewers Conference in Chicago.
