Today is the 60th birthday — The Big 6-O — of Chris Swersey, who until recently was on the staff of the Brewers Association as the Competition Manager for both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. He coordinated all the judges, volunteers and the thousands of beers needed for each festival. It’s a big job and Chris seems to do it effortlessly. Plus, the last several years, Chris and I both judged in Belgium at the Brussels Beer Challenge, which has been great fun. More recently, he got married and moved to Australia, and has gone back to brewing beer. Join me in wishing Chris a very happy birthday.

Chris reading the list of World Beer Cup winners in 2008.

Nancy Johnson, Justin Crossley & Chris right before the GABF Awards Ceremony in 2009.

Eric and Lauren Salazar, both from New Belgium Brewing, sandwiched by Jim Crooks, from Firestone Walker, and Chris Swersey, Competition Manager for GABF judging.

Me, Chris and another BA staff member freshly arriving at CBC in Austin in 2007.