The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame has announced the details for its induction ceremony and officially welcomed the Class of 2026 nominees. (Press release below.) Huge congratulations to all of the nominees. Among them, the only honoree with a direct Pacific Northwest connection is Teri Fahrendorf. (Images courtesy terifahrendorf.com and Wikipedia.)
Teri is widely seen as a pioneer of the craft beer revolution—and one of the first women to truly carve out a name for herself in what was then a very young (and very male-dominated) industry. In the late 1980s, she walked away from a corporate career, enrolled in the brewing program at the Siebel Institute in Chicago—where she became the first woman to serve as class president—and jumped headfirst into professional brewing back in the Bay Area. Initially, she brewed at places like Golden Gate Brewing and Triple Rock Brewing.
Teri hits the Northwest
In 1990, Teri relocated to Eugene, Oregon, where she spent more than 17 years as brewmaster at Steelhead Brewing. During her time there, she helped the company expand to other locations. Also, and perhaps more significantly, Steelhead amassed an impressive 24 medals at the Great American Beer Festival under her leadership.
Then, in 2007, Teri did something a little different. She hit the road as a “road brewer,” traveling more than 10,000 miles, visiting dozens of breweries, and collaborating on beers along the way. That experience—and especially the people she met—inspired her to create the Pink Boots Society, which held its first official meeting in 2008.
Today, the Pink Boots Society is an international nonprofit dedicated to supporting, educating, and advancing women and nonbinary professionals in brewing and fermented beverages through scholarships, training, and community-building. There are currently about 2,500 members of the Pink Boots Society worldwide, though that number is not definite and does not include the thousands of people who are members in spirit if nothing else.
And honestly, if that were the whole story, Teri would still deserve her spot in the Craft Beer Hall of Fame. But it’s not. Her career is deeper, broader, and more influential than any short summary can capture.
Cheers to you, Teri—and cheers to all of the other nominees as well.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Craft Beer Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Induction Ceremony and Livestream Event
February 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM ET
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame is proud to announce the details for its 2026 Induction Ceremony, celebrating the individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped shape the modern American craft beer industry. The ceremony will take place on February 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT, and will be livestreamed globally through Craft Beer Professionals.
In addition to the livestream, craft beer fans and industry professionals will be able to gather at live watch parties hosted by some of the country’s most respected breweries:
- Dogfish Head Brewery – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Round Trip Brewing – East Cobb, Atlanta, Georgia
- Breakside Brewing – Portland, Oregon
- Hailstorm Brewing Co. – Tinley Park, Illinois
The 2026 class reflects the extraordinary breadth of talent, innovation, and advocacy that has defined American craft beer since its inception. This year’s nominees for induction include some of the most respected and well-regarded figures in the industry’s history:
- Charlie Bamforth
- Larry Bell
- Sam Calagione
- Ray Daniels
- Teri Fahrendorf
- Kim Jordan
- Garrett Oliver
- Pete Slosberg
- Mitch Steele
- Carol Stoudt
“This year’s nominees are all deserving of recognition for their incredible work and advocacy,” said Marty Nachel, Founder and President of the Hall of Fame. “From brewing innovation and education to business innovation and cultural impact, each of these individuals has left an enduring mark on the craft beer industry in America, and we are proud to have yet another opportunity to induct some of their number into the Hall.”
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame exists to preserve and celebrate the history of craft beer in the United States by honoring the people who built it, championed it, and ensured its continued growth. The annual Induction Ceremony brings together brewers, industry professionals, and beer lovers from across the country to reflect on craft beer’s past, present, and future.
Additional details about the ceremony, the nominees, and the mission of the Hall of Fame can be found at americancraftbeerhalloffame.com.
