Previously unbeknown to me, there apparently exists a council of men and women who represent the earth who go by “The Elders of the Earth.” Upon looking at their website (that resembles a marriage between Star Trek and a weird cult) I discovered that indeed, these self appointed Elders are ‘an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.’ While their humanitarian goals and Utopian mindset are praiseworthy, where’s the democracy? Regardless, recognizeable and notable figures comprise this panel of elders: Kofi Annan, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi,Gro Brundtland, Fernando H Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Graça Machel, Mary Robinson, Desmond Tutu, Muhammad Yunus.
While dwelling on this quirky bunch of social progressives, my mind couldn’t resist wandering into beer world. This happens to me at least 20 times a day. I began considering the fact that perhaps there needs to be an “Elders of Beer” coalition. Just as our Elders of Earth battle crimes to humanity in the here and now, surely there needs to be a coalition of beer elders to combat poor beer choice across the globe. Besides, the space age is rapidly approaching. According to Richard Dawkins, “…the likelihood is that, in 100,000 years time, we shall either have reverted to wild barbarism, or else civilisation will have advanced beyond all recognition–into colonies in outer space…” Beer Geeks, we must have a representative body to ensure the existentence of quality beer when we live amongst the stars!
Unlike our earth elders, beer elders should be nominated democratically. Who do you think should be on the Panel of the Elders of Beer? What brewers stand out amongst the rest? What beer critiques, authors, or journalists should make the list? Seriously. We want to know. Who would you want to represent better beer? Perhaps these guys?
The first names that came to mind were Greg Koch (Stone) and Sam Calagione (Dogfish Head). Larry Bell is certainly another candidate, along with somebody from Deschutes. I’m going to go out on a limb here, and say that Jim Koch (Sam Adams) should not be included. For some reason I get the impression that he’s a marketing guy who happens to like beer, not somebody who’s really in it for the beer. Of course that’s just my opinion, but I’m entitled to it.
I’ve never read a word written by Lew Bryson, but I know many think very highly of him and his articles, so why not. I’d include beeradvocate members jesskidden and BuckeyeNation, for different reasons. I don’t know anyone who knows more about the history or facts of beer than jesskidden. Have you ever read reviews by BuckeyeNation? Not only is he the most active reviewer, with over 3800 reviews, but he puts a ton of effort into every review. Each one of his is worth five of mine, so I’ll need 20,000 reviews to catch up!
I’m sure my list is woefully inadequate, but it was a very cool topic of discussion.
Cheers,
Howard
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I agree about Sam from DFH and probably Greg of Stone but I have to say after watching Beer Wars I think Jim Koch has to be included. They actually talk about how him and his partner started Boston Beer. He knew beer and nothing about marketing and she knew the marketing. Yes they are a big brewery but I think Jim really loves his beer and that is the first thing to him.
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I’d agree with Greg Koch and Sam Calagione. As far as those guys from beer advocate, I’ll have to check them out, I am unfamiliar.
I would include charles papazian…the guy revolutionized/popularized homebrewing and in turn spurred the micro brew industry.
As far as Jim Koch is concerned, I would include Jim Koch. I haven’t seen beer wars, but from what I’ve read, Jim helps new microbrews. He even shared some of his precious hop supply during the recent hop crisis as InBev bought up more than their fair share to distress microbrews.
So far though, those are just US leaders…though.
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I knew I was leaving somebody major out! Charles Papazian absolutely has to be in.
As far as the global community of beer people goes, it’s really a mixed bag. So much of the beer produced in the world is sub-par lager, not just here at home. How many InBev or SABMiller employees do you want on the council? My answer is zero, and that rules out a huge chunk of people.
We definitely need a sub-committee of monks from Trappist breweries. Jean Van Roy from Cantillon, someone from De Struisse, and somebody from either Schneider or Weihenstephaner would add more European flair. I’m on the fence about Mikkeller though, as they have some pretty big misses mixed in with their huge hits.
Looking back through my list though, I notice that I’m missing traditional brewers. Out of everybody I listed, only the monks and the Germans could actually be considered traditional. We need a solid Brittish session ale producer like Fullers to round things out.
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i think Papazian is a must, too. I think monks need to be on there, too. Historically speaking, those monks did a ton for the beer world as we know it. Modern day, I think I’d add Fritz Maytag for the micro revolution (others as well). We need Michael Jackson on this thing. Maybe would could be servants of the council.
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