From the Editor (Issue 55)

It’s that time again, folks, a new issue of The Beer Connoisseur Magazine is upon us!

As life begins to slowly return to normal in the U.S. with widespread vaccinations occurring for COVID-19, breweries are creeping back into normal operating hours with taprooms around the country opening up for the first time in over a year and a half (in some places).

With that being said, the beer world is coming out of a self-imposed hibernation somewhat, and people are ready and willing to get back into taprooms, brewpubs and tasting rooms to imbibe their favorite suds directly from the tap – just as they’re meant to be enjoyed.

As such, we’ve got plenty of zesty stories to keep you intrigued in this issue, starting with Jessica Zimmer delving deeply into The Emergence of Legal Marijuana in the United States. The past couple years have seen multiple states legalize or decriminalize marijuana – meaning the stigma attached to one of the hop plant’s closest relatives is dwindling.

Next up is Jo Caird making her debut within our pages with an important piece about offensive cultural representations on beer labels – something that is, regrettably, still happening at an alarming rate.

Then, Owen Ogletree chimes in with a helpful article that details a few of the most frequently occurring Off-Flavors in Beer as well as some less harmful fermentation by-products. That’s followed up by Clayton Schuster aiding burgeoning social media mavens with tips, tricks and guidance on how to photograph beer for IG and other platforms.

After that is an editorial recap of the Craft Beer Marketing Awards, which awards the finest in design and marketing in the craft beer world with Crushie Awards (of which this editor was a judge). 

Then, we showcase the craft beer world at large’s favorite style by detailing 17 breweries that deserve special credit for their IPAs.

Dionne Roberts swings by with an engagingly mouthwatering piece about Mexican Corn, providing four delectable dishes and respective beer pairings, and lastly Jim Dykstra scoots over to Seedstock Brewery in Denver, Colorado to sample some of the brewery’s far-flung historical styles.

There you have it! Issue 55 of The Beer Connoisseur is sure to slake your thirst as record temperatures slither their stifling way across the U.S.

Stay cool out there with a crisp brew and enjoy, this, the 55th edition of The Beer Connoisseur Magazine!

Cheers!

-Chris Guest
Managing Editor