30 years ago the American Home Brewers Association (AHA), the precursor to the Brewers Association, was in its 4th year of existence, having formed in 1978 when the federal government officially legalized home brewing. Coming up on(Approaching) its fourth annual conference, AHA decided to hold a festival celebrating American craft breweries. This was a momentous occasion, as the beer scene in the United States was virtually non-existent since prohibition ended and the U.S. was only recently seeing a resurgence of breweries opening up, with Jack McAuliffe’s New Albion Brewing having kick started the revolution in the mid 70′s. Although New Albion lasted only a few years, Jack inspired many to start their own breweries, most notably the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

In 1981, Charlie Papazian, co-founder of the AHA, was invited by a friend, and notable beer guru Michael Jackson, to attend the Great American Beer Festival in England. Wondering why we couldn’t have a festival like that in the U.S., Papazian quickly organized 24 commercial breweries and 50 volunteers to have the first ever Great American Beer Festival. The event was held in a 5,000 square foot ballroom at the Hilton Harvest House in Boulder, Colorado. The event was a huge success and saw 800 attendees sample 47 American craft beers over 5 hours.

Since then the festival has blown up and has come to rival the Great British Beer Festival. In its 30th year, GABF saw 49,000 thirsty fans of craft beer make their way to the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, Colorado to sample 2,400 beers from 466 breweries around the United States. Packed into a room spanning 290,000 square feet, it took many months of preparation and around 3,300 volunteers to make the 3 day festival a giant success.

Of those 47 beers served at GABF in 1982, Anchor Steam, Anchor Porter, Genesee Cream Ale, Killian’s Irish Red Ale, Leinenkugel’s, Rainier Ale, Rolling Rock Lager, Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale and Stout, Stevens Point Special Lager, as well as Yuengling Brewery’s Premium, Lord Chesterfield Ale and Porter are all still served today. Of the 24 breweries that participated in 1982, Anchor Brewing Co., Boulder Beer Company,F.X. Matt Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Stevens Point Brewery Co. still participated this year.

I was fortunate enough to attend again this year, and although I am a Colorado native, it was only my second opportunity to attend. It certainly will not be my last.  Despite all the craziness that ensues during the festival and over the days leading up to it, it is a rare and incredible opportunity to sample and learn about beers from all over the U.S. in one hall. An opportunity most would never get to try in our lifetimes. Not to mention the camaraderie of being with those passionate about good beer and those who make it. It is an event like no other. Cheers to Charlie Papazian and all those past and present who bring this amazing example of the American spirit.

My thanks to the Huffington Post,; Julia Herz, Program Director at the Brewers Association; Spencer Powlison, Marketing Director at the Brewers Association, and the Brewers Association for their contributions to this article. More to come!

All we are is just another tap on the wall

Everyone knows The Bull and Finch Pub in Boston (known as ‘Cheers’ on T.V.) as the place ‘Where everybody knows your name’. To me, that is an essential ingredient in any  place you frequent, visit once, or always hope to get to. For years living in San Antonio there was a drought for a place where you could get more than the average beer served at the ‘insert your name here’ bar on the corner. Sure, one or two places pop up here and there, but they do not have the overall atmosphere and selection that many craft beer bars on the west coast, east coast and Colorado have. Namely, an incredible selection of what many refer to as craft beer bars. Places that serve beer for those with a more refined taste of our favorite malted beverage.

Craft beer has gained quite the following in the last few years, with breweries, brew pubs and beer bars popping up everywhere.  The last decade has seen quite a lot. San Antonio and Texas have long been known for the Alamo, John Wayne and drinkers of Miller Lite, and not for craft beer. Well, times have changed. Texas has around 9 craft breweries, numerous more brewpubs and a growing number of what are known as craft beer bars.

Slowly, Texas and San Antonio have begun to come around.

Up until that point, there were few choices and frankly I was tired of heading to places that had the same old choices of beer that you saw on TV. Waiting to get back home to Colorado or visit friends and family in California became a favorite pastime. I am a lover of craft beer for its attitude and creative approach. I, and others, needed something more. Well, in January of this year, Jimmie Maricle opened up The Tap Exchange Alehouse and Grill and my new oasis.

The backside of good times.

Tucked away in the northeast part of San Antonio, The Tap Exchange boasts 61 beers on tap, more than 50 in bottles, dozens of wines. Located at, 22250 Bulverde Rd, #106 (at Evans Rd.) in San Antonio, Texas, it is a place that balances a wide selection of draft and bottled beer and great pub food, with the atmosphere of a place that you can call home. This was apparent upon walking through the door, where you are always greeted warmly by the incredible staff, you are instantly greeted with a warm, inviting and obviously fun atmosphere. Having been here a few times before, I always love introducing friends who want to expand their horizons to Jimmie’s place. They are always impressed and several have come back.

Each day features something at The Tap Exchange, from Glass night on Tuesday’s where you ‘buy the beer and keep the glass’  and Geeks Who Drink Trivia night on Wednesday to all day NFL games on Sunday with many of the craft beers on special during the games. Lest we keep the kiddos out, The Tap Exchange is also VERY family friendly. Boasting a kids menu and family friendly atmosphere, it is very common to see families here both day and night. It’s a place for all types of folks with all types of needs.

However, I digress about the selection of craft beer here. The Tap Exchange also features some out of the world pub food, too. From the typical Fish and Chips, signature salads and custom burgers to Jimmie’s Baked Ziti. Oh, and least I forget the homemade beer ice cream created here as well.

What’s great about this place, is that the owner doesn’t just stay behind the bar, he very often walks around talking with every patron as if he’s known them for years. He really works to really get to know his customers and not to get repeat business, but because that is just who he is. His wife Traci, a.k.a ‘Mrs. Tap Exchange’ is often seen here milling around the room dazzling the customers as well. You may even catch a glimpse of regulars Jill, Sean, Mark, Joser and Jessica.

Jimmie taking time to talk with the customers

The staff here tends to exude Jimmie’s approach too: Amber, Billy, Karen, Roxie and Stephanie will definitely make your experience one you will want to back to have again. All this serves to create the family atmosphere that ‘Cheers’ could not begin to match.

I asked Jimmie a little about his background and how he approaches The Tap Exchange:

How did you come up with your menu selections? “Menu choices started with ‘what do I want’ and then was fine-tuned by “what can I get”.  Really wanted a broad selection of taps, covering most styles.  No matter what style of beer you like, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

“What made you open a craft beer place? “Am a big fan of beer, but didn’t have anyplace within 45 minutes of my house to get anything other than the staples (Bud Light, Dos Equis, Shiner, etc.)  Besides, doesn’t every guy want to own a bar?

“What is your experience with craft beer? “Being from CA I had the luxury of many great brewpubs and beer bars within my reach. Traci and I grew up in places like these.”