Today is also the 35th birthday of Ben Johnson, who until recently was the head brewer at Midnight Sun Brewing in Anchorage, Alaska. I met Ben during SF Beer Week a few years ago at a beer dinner at Oliveto, and have run into him a few times since then. He makes some awesome beer and is great fun to share a few pints with. These days, he’s actually brewing in Mumbai, India at Seven Islands Brewing. Join me in wishing Ben a very happy birthday.

Chaz Lakip, Gabe Fletcher and Ben at the Celebrator’s Best of the West Fest in 2009.

In a hop field.

With Growler and Ferdinand, Russian River Brewing’s brewery cats.

NOTE: Last two photos purloined from Facebook.