Today is the 56th birthday of Dave Hoops, former Master Brewer at Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth, Minnesota. After leaving Fitger’s he’s formed a consulting business, Bev-Craft, to help new breweries get started and also specialized consulting services for existing breweries, but even more exciting is he’s started his own brewery, Hoops Brewing, which has recently opened in Duluth. I first met Dave when he was brewing in the Bay Area in the 1990s, but lost touch after moved to the midwest. Happily, I’ve been seeing more and more of him at beer events and judging for GABF. Join me in wishing Dave a very happy birthday.

Dave, sporting a kilt, with his wife Laura.

A cleaned up Dave with his daughter Daisy.

Hoops and hops.

In full beard.

But here he’s again cleaned up for a Fitger’s promo shot.

[Note: All photos purloined from Facebook.]