American Craft Beer HOF Induction set for Feb. 28

Feb. 28 marks the second annual American Craft Beer Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the superstars of craft beer, recognizing the individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped shape the modern American craft beer industry.

Round Trip Brewing, located at The Avenue East Cobb, will host the free watch party, beginning at 3 p.m. The awards ceremony will also be livestreamed globally, with link information provided on the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame website at www.americancraftbeerhalloffame.com.

The mission of the organization is to honor the innovators, creators, and legends of American craft beer, celebrating the individuals behind the movement that transformed American brewing. The national organization expressly preserves the stories and cultural impact of craft beer pioneers and hopes to inspire future generations to push the craft forward.

According to Matt Simpson, a Hall of Fame board member and craft beer aficionado who resides in Atlanta, the awards ceremony is the “Oscars” for the craft beer industry, dedicated to honoring the people who built, championed and continue to ensure the industry’s continued growth. “This Hall is to ensure that the memories of their contributions and achievements will not fade with time,” emphasized Simpson.

According to The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, the 2026 nominees reflect the extraordinary breadth of talent, innovation, and advocacy that has defined American craft beer since its inception. They include many of the most respected figures in the industry, including Pete Slosberg, founder of Pete’s Brewing Company, maker of Pete’s Wicked Ale; Mitch Steele, a 37-year veteran and brewmaster at large industrial and small craft breweries; Carol Stoudt, a brewmaster and founder of Stoudts Brewing Company; Charlie Bamforth, an English scientist who specializes in malting and brewing; Larry Bell, founder of Bell’s Brewery; Ray Daniels, founder and director of the Cicerone Certification Program, the standard for beer sommeliers; Teri Fahrendorf, an American brewer and founder of the Pink Boots Society, an organization that supports women in the brewing industry; Kim Jordan, co-founder of New Belgium Brewing Company and Mighty Arrow Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization committed to social and environmental causes; and Garrett Oliver, the three-decade brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery and first brewer to win a James Beard Award, in addition to his work as editor-in-chief of The Oxford Companion To Beer. Those selected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame will be selected from these nominees and announced at the watch party.

“The modern American craft beer industry is now in its fifth decade. Craft beer in the United States takes its style from traditional beer destinations internationally, including Germany, the U.K., Czech Republic, and Belgium, as well as the many U.S. home brewers,” said Simpson. “Many Americans grew tired of the macro-industrial lagers such as Budweiser, Coors, Miller, and Pabst, who used more rice and corn in their products. People wanted more flavor and good craft lagers. And that’s when the American craft beer breweries were born,” said Simpson.

The American craft beer industry has grown in prominence not only in the United States, but across the globe. With alcohol consumption in general going down in recent years, however, not all breweries have remained in business. Simpson believes the industry is now contracting, and only the best breweries will continue to thrive. He hopes to make it his mission to “expose Atlanta’s Jewish community to the best craft beer in the world.”

As a longtime beer sommelier, Simpson founded The Beer Sommelier craft beer consultancy in 2007. He has four judging certifications from Doemens Brewing Academy, Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology, the Beer Judge Certification Program, and Kansas City Barbecue. He has been a Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup judge for 10 years, being honored with table captain several of those years, and has won multiple home brewing awards, including the National Homebrew Competition. He continues to work with corporations, creating tasty, fun and educational events around craft beer, and has taught courses about craft beer, including an Evening at Emory course. His latest venture is the creation of Beer AID, a digestive supplement similar to Lactaid, but for beer drinkers.

The Hall of Fame is comprised of five members of the board of directors, including Simpson. Other board members are Marty Nachel, founder and president of the organization; Aaron Gore, vice president; Amanda Bruns, vice president; and Lisa Morrison, board member at-large.

“Without this group, as well as the many innovators, honorees and legends of American craft beer, the industry would not have progressed to where it is today. Their commitment to raising the profile and popularity of craft beer is unparalleled and has enabled craft beer to achieve the same level of recognition and success as wine,” said Simpson.