The holiday season is usually a favorite time of year for me, but this year, the combination of the pandemic and the death of my beloved dog in August has muted my mood a bit.
However, I am no Grinch, and I am very thankful for so much in my life. And although I celebrate Christmas, I also join in congratulating everyone who is celebrating whatever tradition they enjoy during this past season.
Of course one section of my life in which I am always eternally grateful is the craft beer universe. So with that in mind, I’d like to give thanks and celebrate that part of my world, and what I assume is also a big part of most of the readers of this column.
First and foremost, I’m thankful for being able to write this weekly missive. It’s been a great honor and privilege to do so for the past 17 years. I’m thankful for my editors who suggested it and thankful for all the readers who have been faithful over the years, writing into me, and saying hello when they see me out and about.
I’m also very grateful to be living in a true golden age of beer. What started around 1980 – 40 years ago if you can believe it! – has grown and expanded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. If you would’ve told anyone in 1985 that they would be more than 8000 craft breweries by 2020, they would’ve looked at you like you’re crazy. As I said, when I started writing this column, there were fewer than 1,500 in the nation, and that was just 17 years ago.
The width and breadth of variety of both breweries and beers is mind boggling – a true reason to be thankful as we celebrate this season.
Of course none of the above would be possible without the great brewers, pub owners, bartenders and servers. I have met too many to count, but I say a hearty “Happy Holidays!” to each of you, whether we have met or not.
On a much more personal note, I am thankful for the fact that my city, Northampton, has three breweries: the legendary Northampton Brewery, Building 8 and Brew Practitioners. It’s truly a blessing to have such riches all in the same zip code. And the fact that Easthampton has three more is icing on the keg.
Last but not least, it’s been great to see the beer community come together during these trying times. While businesses have been hit hard during the pandemic, most breweries here in my area have survived so far. Here’s a holiday wish that they all remain after this is over.
Happy holidays and a sincere Merry Christmas if you celebrate that way.
December 20, 2020 at 07:04PM
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Beer Nut: Happy holidays and reasons to celebrate - masslive.com
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