"We want to stand for something." It's the take away from the conversation. Almanac Beer, going in to it's fifth year stands for California, the idea that local is best, that quality supersedes quantity, and that beer is coming to knock wine off its throne in the kitchen. Using Northern California's local produce (sourced through collaborations with local farms) and a local house strain of yeast is allowing Almanac to provide a sense of terroir - a sense of place - the image of California popping up in your head when you look at, smell, and finally taste their beer. Still, what's most impressive is the way they truly view their beer as art. An expression of themselves. A look inside their soul. This is what craft beer needs to continue it's growth and sustain it's place in the market.

Jesse, while proud of what Almanac has been able to produce - saying that his favorite Almanac beer is always the last one released - truly believes that it can always be better, that nothing will ever be at its best, and that he will never see the day when he can say that his beer is perfect. Not exactly the "big beer" marketing strategy but it speaks to the essence of this movement; that we are constantly meant to evolve, progress, and improve ourselves and what we do. This is what I love about craft beer and what I love about Almanac.

Cheers,

Craft Commander