These are exciting times for the world of craft beer. Not only is the industry enjoying ever-increasing success and popularity among a wider and more diverse audience, the craft beer movement is also taking something of a step forward in terms of respect and sophistication. Beer is now more than an afterthought to many retailers and restaurant owners, for example, and serious consideration is given to properly showcasing the merits of better beer as it relates to food accompaniment, presentation, cellaring and proper serving etiquette. These are considerations that were once virtually the sole jurisdiction of the wine crowd - at least as far as popular culture was concerned.
In case there was any ambiguity, this is a good thing.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating for beer to be "more like wine," but I certainly am saying that it deserves equal respect and consideration at any table or in front of any audience. I won't argue here for beer's intrinsic sophistication vs. wine - for that you might consider reading the great book by Charles Bamforth, "Grape Vs. Grain." Rather, I'm just excited to see beer finally get some respect around here.
There's nothing at all wrong with beer's historic blue collar image - this is in part what makes beer so approachable - but I think it's important to understand that beer cleans up pretty well. That blue collar beverage can hold its own with the best of the wines, though its vocabulary might not be quite so snooty.
Speaking of cleaning up pretty well, I'm thrilled that the newest entry into the world of craft and specialty beer publications is now hitting mailboxes and newsstands everywhere. The Beer Connoisseur Magazine takes beer journalism in a brand new direction and, in my admittedly biased estimation, helps to significantly elevate the discussion of beer in popular culture like to other print publication heretofore.
Why?
A big part of it is the look and feel of the magazine. It's a large-format, high gloss piece on good stock - it feels of quality. Add to that the excellent composition and layout work within and you have a beer magazine that could rival the best publications in the wine world. Lynn Davis, the magazine's publisher, sums this up when he says:
“We have produced a type of title that hasn’t existed for this segment,”
Avoiding the typical low-brow humor and sporadic profanity that seems to litter at least a few of the other craft beer publications on the market, the Beer Connoisseur Magazine looks, feels and reads "classy." This is a breath of fresh air, I think, and one that will prove successful. In this day and age, particularly, it's tough to launch a niche magazine like this one and make it sustainable. I can't guarantee that this one will be, but I'm certainly rooting for it. I think the craft beer world is ready for a more refined and nuanced take on the craft beer industry. Initial feedback seems to indicate that others feel the same way, according to Nick Kaye, the magazine's Editor:
“The response from both within the industry and among beer lovers has been nothing short of awe inspiring. It seems that brewers and beer lovers alike have been waiting for a publication like The Beer Connoisseur™ to come along.”
The magazine is published quarterly and can be obtained via annual subscription here or at fine bookstores and retailers like Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million. Consider picking up a copy and see if you don't agree that Beer Connoisseur offers a new level of quality and depth in the craft and specialty beer publication arena.
For sake of full-disclosure, I am the beer styles writer for the magazine and my task is to feature four distinct beer styles that pair well with each of the four seasons. This works out nicely given the magazine is quarterly. The inaugural issue that is hitting newsstands now features winter beer styles. The next issue set to publish in the Spring will highlight beers that help welcome in warmer weather. I invite you to follow me on my journey through the seasons of beer with Beer Connoisseur Magazine!
Which comes first ... the holiday cheer or the holiday beer? Does it take beer to make cheer, or cheer to make beer? These are the questions.
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