The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame will introduce its inaugural class of inductees on Saturday, February 15th at noon (West Coast). You can watch the induction event online.
A Board of Advisors consisting of many of craft beer’s most respected and notable analysts, commentators, and advocates, came to a consensus on the following nineteen nominees for enshrinement in The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. The nominees are presented below in alphabetical order. But first, the nominees with connections to the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest Nominees
- Fred Eckhardt – A highly influential Portland-based craft beer advocate, writer, and brewing enthusiast.
- Charles Finkel – Began importing then-uncommon European beers in the 70s and later founded Pike Brewing in 1989.
- Bert Grant – In 1982 he opened America’s first modern brewpub in Yakima and created one of American craft beer’s earliest brands: Bert Grant’s Real Ales.
- Don Younger was a legendary publican who owned and operated Portland’s Horse Brass Pub, one of the first bars in the nation (founded in 1976) to steadfastly focus on serving the best available beer.
Complete List of Nominees:
- Charlie Bamforth, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at UC Davis – Brewing scientist recognized for, among many other things, his work with Sierra Nevada Brewing.
- Larry Bell – Founder of Bells Brewery.
- Sam Calagione – Founder of Dogfish Head Brewery.
- Fred Eckhardt – Mentioned above.
- Teri Fahrendorf – Professional brewer, industry pioneer, and founder of the Pink Boots Society.
- Charles Finkel – Mentioned above.
- Bert Grant – Mentioned above.
- Ken Grossman – Founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing.
- Julia Herz – Longtime industry thought leader, mostly at the Brewers Association. Currently the executive director of the American Homebrewers Association.
- Michael Jackson – An English journalist and author of, among other things, The World Guide To Beer. Hosted a TV show called The Beer Hunter back in the 90s.
- Kim Jordan – Co-founder, Chair of the Board, and former CEO of New Belgium Brewing.
- Jim Koch – Founder of Boston Beer Company. Introduced America to Sam Adams, etc.
- Fritz Maytag – Longtime owner of Anchor Brewing, bought the failing brewing in 1965.
- Jack McAuliffe – Founder of New Albion Brewing in 1976.
- Garrett Oliver – Brewer and beer author. Since 1994, the brewmaster at the Brooklyn Brewery.
- Charlie Papazian – Founder of the Association of Brewers and the Great American Beer Festival back in the 1980s. He also served as President of the Brewers Association for over 30 years. Beloved homebrew author.
- Pete Slosberg – Founder of Pete’s Brewing (1986) and Pete’s Wicked Ale.
- Carol Stoudt – Brewmaster and founder of Stoudts Brewing Company (Adamstown, PA) in 1987.
- Don Younger – Mentioned above.
“Craft beer is a community as much as an industry,” said Board member and Secretary, Aaron Gore. “And like any community, it is important that we recognize those who have given so much to growing and fostering it. We’re proud to be able to provide a platform for that recognition, and to hopefully inspire others in their own efforts to do the same.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Craft Beer Hall of Fame to Host Livestream Event for Inaugural Inductees.
February 15, 2025 – Livestream Event – 3:00 PM EST
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame is proud to announce its inaugural group of inductees, set to be revealed during a special livestream event on February 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST. This highly anticipated event will celebrate the trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries who have made significant contributions to the craft beer movement in the United States.
As the craft beer industry continues to grow and evolve, the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame honors those who have paved the way for future generations of brewers, consumers, and entrepreneurs. It is through these honors and recognition that the Hall hopes not only to remember the craft beer industry’s past, but to inspire and encourage its future.
Through a collaboration with Craft Beer Professionals, viewers will have the opportunity to watch the announcement of the inductees live online as it is simulcast on-location at the below locations. In-person attendees at each location will also be able to order pints of a special brew from each brewery, the proceeds of which go to supporting the Hall.
Live Event Locations:
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery – Milton, DE
- New Realm Brewing Company – Atlanta, GA
- Bierstadt Lagerhaus – Denver, CO
- Deschutes Brewery – Portland, OR
- Dovetail Brewery – Chicago, IL
How to Watch:
The livestream will be available free of charge and can be accessed live online at https://halloffame.craftbeerprofessionals.org/, or recorded following the event on the Craft Beer Professionals YouTube page. Fans are encouraged to tune in early and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #CraftBeerHallOfFame.
Fans of craft beer living near one of the host breweries can also visit and enjoy a pint of Inductor, a special beer release at each location. Proceeds from the sale of Inductor will go toward supporting the Hall and its mission of inspiring the next generation of craft beer professionals by recognizing its past.
About the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame was established to recognize and celebrate those who have significantly contributed to the evolution of craft beer in the United States. From brewers to advocates, to educators and entrepreneurs, the Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations whose dedication and innovations have shaped the American craft beer landscape through the decades. For more information, please visit the Hall online at www.AmericanCraftBeerHallofFame.com
