A Year in ‘Drunkenness’

This post is the 409th I've written at This Is Why I'm Drunk. In truth, I never thought I'd make it this far.

It was an experiment, you see. A trial of writing concocted in the laboratory of my mind and harnessed at my fingertips, where verbal ingredients mix together in a simple exercise of prose. It was all supposed to be nothing more than a running diary that nobody ever saw.

Then I figured out what this all was: a therapeutic mechanism torn from the web of the Internet. It was an opportunity to not just release my thoughts, but hone them and make them better and more sound.

And you came along, too.

2014 has been an incredible year for me personally and professionally and this blog is a big part of that. I know I say it often, but I can't echo it enough, thank you for being a part of it.

This post is my 95th of this year. The 95th chance to test myself creatively and intellectually. It was a good reason to look back at the other 94 pieces of content I've offered in 2014 and give consideration to all that's happened to me and the beer industry.

So today I offer you an abbreviated look back at what I consider to be some of the more important work I've done this year, picking highlights from each month along the way. There are things I completely forgot about, so chances are it'll be new to you, too.

For you, dear reader, a year gone 'bye.' A year in 'drunkenness.'

Every January, I make a "beergrimage" to Dogfish Head's brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It's mostly a reason to spend time with friends and let go for a couple days, but it's also an excuse to remember why I got into this craft beer thing in the first place.

Post: This is What Happens When You Visit Three Breweries and THEN Go to Dogfish Head: Beergrimage 2014

Special report series of the month: Why Aren't We Talking About Craft Brew Alliance?

Americans know that you better go hard or go home. It just so happens both wonderfully apply to American breweries, the beer they produce and our assumptions of ranking and quality.

Post: Are RateBeer's "Best Beer" Rankings Destined to be Dominated by America?

This post resonated very strongly with me this week, especially in light of my recent ruminations on craft beer and pricing.

However, March provided me with an excuse to write one of the most important things I've addressed on this blog, but something I'm glad I finally did.

Because I can't always be about socio-economic analysis of the beer industry.

Post: Quick Drink Fiction: The Big, Bad Wolf

Like any industry, there are a lot of brilliant minds working in beer. There are also some really, really foolish ones. This is one of my most-read posts.

Post: He Said What? Pete Coors and His Magical Mystery Press Tour

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and growth of craft beer, but what if one of the most important beer brands today has nothing to do with big-time flavor or tongue-numbing hop additions?

Post: Is the Fastest-Growing Domestic Beer a Key for Beer Marketing?

For someone who likes to play with words, it was only a matter of time until I addressed this issue, which continues to claw at the chalkboard of my beer enthusiasm almost daily.

Post: An Adjective Adjunct: When Beery Wordplay Lacks Soul