From the Editor (Issue 63)

Up on the housetop… I hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling… with chestnuts roasting on an open fire!

The holidays bring joy via its songs, its celebrations, its food and its beverages, and it is with overflowing joy myself that I introduce this issue to you, dear readers, The Beer Connoisseur’s Atlanta/Georgia print edition for the holidays!

We’ve got a stuffed stocking full of stories and goodies for good girls and boys, whether you be a diehard beer fan or someone who just dabbles in the arts of imbibing a quality brew.

Our cover story profiles pioneering Atlanta area restaurateur and craft beer retail expert Kraig Torres, who has reshaped the bottle shop market in the region with Hop City, while also opening up some highly successful restaurants in the form of Boxcar and Barleygarden. Owen Ogletree sat down with the jet-setting entrepreneur to discuss his efforts in the area.

Staying in the world of notable entrepreneurs, we spoke with Founders Brewing Co.'s Co-Founder Dave Engbers as his company celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

As always, this issue features a selection of “What We’re Drinking Now,” which highlights some wonderful brews that we’ve reviewed in years past – this time focusing on rich holiday styles that will pair well following a post-Thanksgiving family hangout or with cookies left out for Santa (he won’t notice, right?). We also feature a selection of five high-scoring beers from issues past that deserve a spotlight during the holiday season.

The holiday isn't complete without some tasty nosh, so Chef Elissa Oliver joins us to provide a recipe for chocolate stout cupcakes that is sure to make your mouth water.

Beyond that, we detail the fun sports, music, arts, entertainment and beer/spirits events near you that are sure to have your yuletide spirit peaking at just the right time.

This issue also features a brewery tour of Steady Hand Beer Co. in Atlanta, Georgia and a Brewer Q&A featuring Monday Night’s Peter Kiley discussing the delectable barrel-aged beer Last Will & Testament.

Rounding out our Holiday edition are two science-focused stories: the first is a look at the CO2 shortage in craft beer and brewing (alarming!), and the second is a story about researchers discovering a scientific way to make beer taste better (exciting!).

We sincerely hope you have a wondrous holiday season full of all of life’s pleasures, and we hope that this issue guides you through the season and into the new year.

Happy Holidays!

Chris Guest
-Managing Editor