The hop growing community mirrors the brewing community in terms of artisanship, passion & pride and the two are intimately linked. No hops - No beer. I’m honored to have been accepted into the world of hop growers and merchants over the years, so many of these people are my heroes - making beer seems so simple compared to farming. I’m incredibly humbled that they would include me with this Order of the Hop award. It truly means the world to me. A number of others from around the world were recognized as well including (pictured) Leslie Roy, Pedro “Pete” Venegras, Doug Weathers, Matt Lantz and John Reeves who were present in Prague from the USA. I send out my congratulations to them all!! Also a big shout out to Ann George (also pictured) who asked me a decade or more ago to travel and teach for @usahops in support of American Hop Growers. 🍻 Also, traveling the world for the love of hops would not be possible without our amazing @firestonewalker production team! Thanks for holding down and guiding the ship while I’m away!!