Today is also the 46th birthday of Greg Hall, former brewmaster at Goose Island Brewing. Goose Island, of course, makes some incredible beers. Founded by Greg’s father John Hall in 1988, Greg became brewmaster a few years later and has been setting high standards ever since, though he left after the family business was acquired by ABI. His new venture will be with Virtue Cider. Join me in wishing Greg a very happy birthday.
Greg with Alex Puchner, head of brewing operations for BJs.
Greg with the owners of Monk’s Kettle in San Francisco.
Wil Turner, also with Goose Island, me and Greg at the 2006 GABF.
Greg pulling a proper pint of English brewed Honkers Ale at the Crosse Keys in London (this last photo purloined from Facebook).
Today is the 39th birthday of Jonathan Cutler, brewmaster/owner of Piece Brewing in Chicago. His brewpub makes great pizza and even better beer. Plus, he’s a terrific, fun person. So join me in wishing Jonathan a very happy birthday.
Serving beer and pizza at the CBC Reception at the Field Museum.
At Stone Brewery during CBC in San Diego in 2008. From left: Peter Schell, Eric Rose (Hollister Brewing), Ian Ward (Brewers Supply Group), Jonathan Cutler (Piece Brewing), Chad Kennedy (Laurelwood Public House) and Fal Allen (now back at Anderson Valley).
Jonathan picking up another GABF award for Piece in 2007.
Jonathan tearing up during Dave Keene and Jennifer Smith’s wedding during GABF this year.
Today is Don Feinberg’s 56th birthday. Don, along with his wife Wendy Littlefield, runs the Belgian export company Vanberg & DeWulf. Their portfolio includes such great beer lines as Dupont, Castelain and Dubuisson (Bush). They were also the original founders of Brewery Ommegang. This year is their 30th anniversary of being involved in the beer industry and bringing great beer to America. Plus, they’re great fun to hang out and drink with. Join me in wishing Don a very happy birthday.
Don, along with the Dubuisson brewmaster, being poured Lambrucha in Chicago in 2010.
Wendy Littlefield, Don and Greg Engert at a Vanberg & DeWulf tasting in Washington, D.C. (photo by Chuck Cook)
Wendy and Don in 1979.
Today is the 37th birthday of Jonathan Surratt. Jonathan launched the Beer Mapping Project and also runs the website for DRAFT magazine. Join me in wishing Jonathan a very happy birthday.
Horse Brass publican Don Younger bookended by Jonathan’s wife Robin and Jonathan, displaying his excellent taste in attire.
Jonathan with Sean Paxton and Jonathan’s wife Robin at GABF last year.
Jonathan, Ray McCoy, Robin, and Ray’s wife, Cornelia Corey.
A self-portrait with Matt, from Oakshire Brewing, Jonathan, and me at the Goose Island cask event during CBC in Chicago earlier this year.
Today is the 53rd birthday of Ray Daniels. Ray is the former director of Craft Beer Marketing for the Brewers Association and today runs the Cicerone program, which he founded, to certify beer professionals, similar to sommeliers in the wine industry. He also founded the Real Ale festival that used to take place annually in Chicago. And he’s one of my favorite people in the beer industry. Join me in wishing Ray a very happy birthday.
Ray speaking at the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony in 2006.
On the floor at GABF with Bob Pease, from the Brewers Association, Mark Dorber, publican extraordinaire, and John Mallet, from Bell’s Brewery.
It’s hard not to love his Cicerone press photo.
Ray with his assistant Sarah Huska at the Cicerone booth at this year’s CBC in Chicago.
Today is the 25th birthday — how is that possible? — of Sarah Huska. Sarah is the program administrator for the Cicerone Certification Program that Ray Daniels founded. I got to meet Sarah while I was in Chicago for CBC last year, at the Siebel open house. You can also read much more about Sarah at her featured beer tweeter interview/profile at Drink with the Wench. Join me in wishing Sarah a very happy birthday.
Sarah with Ray Daniels at the Cicerone booth at last year’s CBC in Chicago.
Sarah with Nico Freccia, from 21st Amendment.
Sarah, building a bridge with Nicole Erny, also with the Cicerone program, and Justin Crossley of the Brewing Network trying to cross it.
A bottle of New Glarus and AleSmith? That must have been one great evening.
[Note: all photos purloined from Facebook.]
