Recognizing craft-beer legends
The newly established American Craft Beer Hall of Fame announces the dozen industry innovators among its inaugural class of inductees
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, is proud and excited to announce its inaugural class of inductees. Founded with the mission of honoring and remembering those who have contributed to the growth and success of the country’s craft-beer industry, the Hall aims to inspire current and future generations to continue to innovate and collaborate so that it may thrive for many years to come.
A board of over 100 electors, made up of many of craft beer’s most respected and notable analysts, commentators and advocates, came to consensus on the following 12 Inductees for enshrinement in the Hall:
- Fred Eckhardt
- Charles and Rose Ann Finkel
- Bert Grant
- Ken Grossman
- Michael Jackson
- Jim Koch
- Fritz Maytag
- Jack McAuliffe, Jane Zimmerman and Suzy Stern
- Charlie Papazian
These Inductees represent diverse facets of the industry – brewery owners, brewers, writers and educators. Each has contributed greatly to the growth and development of craft beer in their own ways, and the industry as a whole owes them an enormous debt of gratitude.
The induction ceremony was livestreamed on Saturday, February 15 from five breweries across the country: Bierstadt Lagerhaus (Denver, Colorado), Deschutes Brewery (Portland, Oregon), Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware), Dovetail Brewing (Chicago, Illinois) and New Realm Brewing (Atlanta Georgia).
The Hall would also like to recognize Hankscraft AJS Tap Handles, The Hop Guild, Belmont Station and Beer Enthusiasts of America for their generous support of the program.
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame is incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, and part of its mission is to raise funds for its charitable wing. If you would like to make a donation in support of the Hall and its mission, you may do so online.