Have you hugged a brewmaster today?

For thousands of years, these men and women have toiled to create beverage that we love. Beer may very well be the impetus for civilization. But do they have a holiday? Noooo…

Until now, that is.

The brainchild of Jay Brooks, International Brewers Day is a day to “honor the great men and women who make the beer we love”.

Brewers have given so many of us the pleasure of their artistry and enriched our lives with their beer since civilization began. So I think it’s time we recognized their efforts by celebrating their lives, their commitment and their craft. We’re all beer people, but without the brewers what would we be drinking?

July 18 was chosen because that is the feast day of St. Arnold, the best known patron saint of brewers.

All that remains now is to get the word out. If you have a blog or website, announce the holiday. Consider adding a graphic to your site for the lead-up to the date. There are a couple dozen graphics already made for you at the official International Brewers Day website. Post about it on discussion forums and mailing lists. Hey, if Towel Day can become a de facto holiday, so can this.

How to celebrate? Well, drink beer for one. Profile your favorite brewmaster. Hold an event. Hug your favorite brewer. Petition Hallmark to create greeting cards for the occasion. Whatever you do, tell the world about it.

International Brewers Day - July 18, 2008

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