From the Editor (Issue 38)

While temperatures remain high in many parts of the country, the first vestiges of fall are making their debuts.

Leaves are falling and breezes are blowing, so that means it's time for a new issue of The Beer Connoisseur!

First, we have a detailed history of the life and brewing pedigree of Bruce Dickinson, a true renaissance man whose talents in both music and beer make him a perfect subject for us.

Next up, Owen Ogletree delves into The 9 Most Influential Hops of All Time. From Fuggles to Saaz to Mosaic to Citra, Owen gives us all the details on the lupulin-laden goodness that makes beer so interesting and flavorful.

Following that, we have a trio of education pieces about various facets of beer. First, we explore the most-used acronyms ascribed to a beer in Beer's Vital Stats: ABV, IBU, SRM and OG; though everyone recognizes these abbreviations, how do they add up to provide a clear picture of a beer that's being imbibed?

After that, Pat Evans defines what a Vertical Tasting is, while also providing examples of some of the best seasonal or limited-release beers to enjoy via a vertical tasting. Finally, Bryan Richards provides the history and fascinating backstory of The Lambic Basket, while also providing examples of tremendous soured Belgian ales that can be enjoyed via this wicker beer holder.

Rounding out our Fall Issue is a story by Jim Dykstra exploring the health of the craft brewing industry through the lens of the tertiary businesses that have sprung up surrounding (and augmenting) the industry at large.

Josh Weikert provides The Pros and Cons of Pumpkin Beers, and then I close out the issue with a walking tour of 4 Historic London Pubs.

Of course, no issue of The Beer Connoisseur would be complete without our trademark beer reviews, industry news and brewer Q&As, which are all included in their entirety.

We hope you enjoy reading our Fall Issue #38 as much as we enjoyed making it.

Cheers!

- Chris Guest