The MADD Neo-Prohibitionists are Still Out There
By Fred Eckhardt
Published March 2011, Volume 32, Number 1
I’m getting sick and tired of taking the flack for the All-American standard drunk and those who blame it all on beer. I could just scream. I’m tired of the MADD mothers, I’m tired of that outfit in Washington, DC, who wants to raise the taxes on all beer, and not just the yellow industrial stuff from the BudCoorsMiller mob. I’ve had it up to here with the neo-prohibitionists. Good grief! Some of my friends even preach it to me! Read More…
By Fred Eckhardt
Published January 2011, Volume 31, Number 6
We’re heading into 30 years after the craft brewing revolution crystallized. It all really began in 1965, when Fritz Maytag bought the failing Anchor Brewery in San Francisco. His success with that brewery was an inspiration, but other forces were at work, too.
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By Fred Eckhardt
Published November 2010, Volume 31, Number 5
Wait! Wait! There seem to be quite a few of them in my fridge and another two dozen in my cellar. And I’m getting thirsty! Thirsty, I tell ya!
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By Fred Eckhardt
Published September 2010, Volume 31, Number 4
Recently, I attended what may have been my eighth brewery blessing. A long time back, I had observed Catholic and Episcopalian brewery blessings. They were interesting ceremonies. Christians have been blessing breweries and wineries for well over a thousand years. Most Christians take a relaxed view of modest drinking; blessing an alcohol production establishment is not uncommon. Read More…
By Fred Eckhardt
Published July 2010, Volume 31, Number 3
For many years I have babbled on, and at great length, about the terrible way we train our young people in the management of what is clearly one of our country’s greatest problems, that of youthful alcohol consumption.
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By Fred Eckhardt
Published May 2010, Volume 31, Number 2
The year 1980 was pretty much the real beginning of what has become the craft beer revolution here in this country. Ken Grossman, owner, founder and CEO of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. of Chico, CA, plans to mark 2010 with a year-long celebration, in cooperation with Fritz Maytag and his San Francisco Anchor Brewery. To this end ,they invited myself and Charlie Papazian (Brewers Association of America) for a day at Anchor Brewery to plan a video and recipes for several special anniversary brews. Also invited were Jack McAuliffe, the founder, in 1976, of tiny New Albion Brewery, Sonoma, CA). McAuliffe’s effort was America’s first truly “micro” brewery, producing some 150-bbl (5,650 gallons) annually. He was unable to attend, but he did participate in the video. Read More…
