On The Topic Of Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner and, as we take a pause from the bustle, we can’t help but think about the year gone by.

In the last year, we’ve seen quite a few milestones. We took delivery of a pilot system, dropped in a number of 300-barrel tanks, won some awards, expanded the Tap Room, hosted the largest GD Anniversary Party on record and one of the biggest GABF weekends we’ve ever had. Those things are all great. But, we can’t help but think that the best parts of 2011 were a bit quieter.

We’ve always said it and we always mean it—you are what makes this brewery great. You—the beer drinker, the beer connoisseur, the beer newbie, the beer writer, the Tap Room customer. It’s not the delivery of a hulking stainless steel vessel that signals our success; it’s the fact that every day people take time out of their schedules to stop by and share a pint with us. It’s the fact that, on any given weekend, you can stop by and find friends simply enjoying good beer and good company. It’s the fact that our staff chooses to stay after work and hang out with each other.

In a decidedly volatile economic time, we’re grateful to be growing. But, we’re also grateful for those blessings that are a bit harder to quantify with a dollar amount.

We’re thankful for a Basic Kneads Pizza party on the patio on a warm June evening.

We’re thankful for a team of brewers who do what they love and are great at it.

We’re thankful for a pint of Hibernation when it’s snowing outside.

We’re thankful for those who come by and grab a growler on a Friday to share with their buddies.

We’re thankful to be able to share a night of beer and cheese in the Tap Room.

Awards are great. Brewery expansions are exciting. But we couldn’t do it without you. Thanks for supporting Great Divide in 2011 and we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons.

Cheers from all of us.