I am not a craft brewer, but I sure do wish I was. Maybe that was part of the reason for my recent foray into the homebrew world, as all of the information and reading in the world can’t directly translate into the lessons learned through real-life experience. I’ve been enjoying craft brewers’ fabulous, widely varying concoctions for years now, and yet still, every time I take that first sip of a well-made sudsy libation, I smile and think to myself gosh, do I ever love and respect those folks. The care and integrity that they put in to each and every bottle of their finest is so clearly apparent to those that enjoy their offerings, like an exquisite oil painting or a beautiful sonnet to be thought upon, deconstructed, and savored. Is that too much? Did I mention that I like beer? A lot?

Well, for those of you who are ready to point your finger and laugh at the over-appreciative beer geek, do I have a video to share with you that’s sure to bring you over to the dark, losery side!  Originally aired at the April 2009 Craft Brewers Conference in Boston, MA, it is a short video created by Stone Brewing Company’s co-founder and CEO Greg Koch and Redtail Media called “I am a Craft Brewer.” The video features over 35 craft brewers, all coming together to promote their passion, purpose and vision in unison: to make the best beer that they possibly can for the enjoyment of every man and the sake of their art. 

Though craft brewers have enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past couple of years, it is important to remember that they still only make up less than 5% of total beer production. So, while you may feel like you see these craft beers all over the local markets and liquor stores, it’s essential to put it into perspective and remember what a small piece of the pie they truly comprise.

The video represents the very essence and core of the craft beer scene. The camaraderie, the passion, the heart and the soul of the industry is beautifully expressed in the sentiments of each and every participant, and I’m sure spans far beyond those who participated. It is a reminder that among the world of big business, corporate structure, and “the man” that there are still plenty of regular folks struggling to continue to do what they love and do so with pride and true character.

Make sure you have a good craft beer in your fridge, ‘cause I guarantee you’re going to want to go and drink it after watching this one.

Now who can be so cold and heartless to say that the video did not move them? That they will not think twice before their next beer purchase? That they will not feel better about that 6-pack of craft beer sitting in the fridge at home?  That they will not go out, think craft, and support your local brewery?

Are you with me now?

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