(Courtesy American Craft Beer Hall of Fame)

If anything points to a maturing industry, as well as its impact on society, it’s when it gets its own “Hall of Fame.” And now, thanks to, long-time beer writer, beer judge, and beer educator, Marty Nachel, it has one.

The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame was established to honor, celebrate, and commit to history those people who are responsible for initiating, sustaining, and promoting the American craft beer industry. And on  Saturday, February 28 it announced its sophomore class of inductees.

A board of over 100 Electors, made up of many of craft beer’s most respected and notable analysts, commentators, and advocates, came to consensus on the following twelve Inductees for enshrinement in The Hall.

These inductees represent diverse facets of the industry –brewery owners, brewers, writers, and educators. Each has contributed greatly to the growth and development of craft beer in their own ways.

This year’s sophomore class of inductees include…

Charlie Bamforth –  Renowned scientist, author, and educator, he has dedicated over four decades to the study and promotion of beer quality

Larry Bell – founder of Bell’s Brewery, one of the most successful independent breweries in US history

Sam Calagione – Visionary founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery credited with inventing continual hopping

Teri Fahrendorf – Pioneering American brewmaster and advocate, best known for founding the Pink Boots Society to support and empower women in the professional brewing industry

Kim Jordan – Iconic entrepreneur and co-founder of New Belgium Brewing Company, widely recognized for her leadership in the craft beer industry and her commitment to progressive business models.

Garrett Oliver – Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster, author, and one of the world’s leading authorities on beer and food pairing

Pete Slosberg –  A cornerstone of the American craft beer movement, best known for founding Pete’s Brewing Company and creating its flagship Pete’s Wicked Ale.

Carol Stoudt – Trailblazing figure in the American craft beer industry, widely recognized as the “Mother of Craft Beer”. In 1987, she founded Stoudts Brewing Company in Adamstown, Pennsylvania, becoming the first female brewmaster in the United States since Prohibition

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