People-Centered
Always try to include the people involved with the beer. The occasional beer review, brewery writeup, or scene report that doesn’t mention specific people is fine, but make that the exception to the rule. Even a straight-up beer review can be much improved with at least one quote from someone relevant. As much as we’re satisfied with endlessly geeking out about the nuances of brewing and craft beer, the people behind the brew are actually more interesting and make for a better story.
Craft Beer
Stick to craft beer, as defined by the Brewer’s Association. This rule is made to be broken if there’s a good enough reason to discuss a macro brewery, a brewery that isn’t technically “craft,” or a non-beer drink.
Keep it Positive
Some constructive criticism is great but if the beer has no redeeming qualities let’s skip it and focus on something else. There are too many great beers out there to waste time crapping on the few really bad ones.
This is another rule that’s made to be broken. While most of our coverage will be on positive, unique, philanthropic, or inclusive activities in craft beer, there is certainly room for the occasional, thoughtful exposé of poor behavior.
Keep it Healthy
It’s possible to enjoy craft beer as part of a healthy lifestyle. Don’t celebrate alcohol abuse, binge drinking, or alcoholism.
Value & Amplify Diversity
Craft beer needs diversity if it hopes to continue to thrive. When possible amplify underrepresented peoples.
Drafts
Drafts should be submitted as a Google Doc with access enabled for editing. Photos should high resolution, preferably in jpeg format. Please include a suggested title and a byline. Bylines can be as long or as short as you’d like, and you can include links to your social media, website, other work, etc.
Punctuation & Grammer
This isn’t a typewriter. Use one space between sentences.
Capitalize beer styles, brewery names, hop names, and yeast names.
Semi-colons and oxford commas are fine, or not, whatever, but please avoid run-on sentences.