Today is the birthday of Julie Radcliffe Atallah, former co-owner of what was one of the nation’s premiere beer stores, Bruisin’ Ales in Asheville, North Carolina. Unfortunately, they decided it was time to close the store a couple of years ago.  We took a family vacation to Asheville several years ago and got to know Julie and her husband Jason. They were great hosts and terrific ambassadors for the beer in their community. Julie was also among the elite twitterati within the beer world online and wrote the Bruisin’ Ales Blog. Plus, we’re both from Pennsylvania. Join me in wishing Julie a very happy birthday.

Julie and me showing off my gift of Pliny the Elder I brought when I was vacationing in Asheville last fall.

Julie and Sam Calagione.

Julie and her husband and business partner Jason at their wedding in 2000.

Last Halloween dressed as the beer Sexual Chocolate from Foothills Brewing.

Julie surrounded by an awful lot of hair at her high school graduation.

Julie at the prom!

Note: Many of these photos purloined from Facebook and other sources.