Jay Brooks

Jay Brooks

Jay Brooks is a renowned beer writer based in Sonoma County, California, with decades of experience chronicling the craft beer industry. Formerly the General Manager of Celebrator Beer News, one of the nation’s leading brewspapers, Jay transitioned into full-time writing while raising his two children. He has contributed to top publications such as the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Ale Street News, and Modern Brewery Age, where his deep industry knowledge and engaging style have made him a respected voice in beer journalism.

In addition to writing for numerous national magazines—including Beer Advocate, The Beer Connoisseur, Zymurgy, DRAFT, and All About Beer—Jay continues to serve as the Blind Panel Tasting Manager at Celebrator Beer News. His blog, The Brookston Beer Bulletin, has become a trusted resource for industry news, tasting notes, and commentary. Passionate about supporting great beer, Jay blends editorial authority with a personal dedication to the craft.

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AUTHOR’S CONTENT

  • Michael Jackson The King of Beer Writers

    Michael Jackson: The King of Beer Writers

    On the morning of August 30th nearly three and a half years ago, I woke up in my hotel room…

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  • What is Brut IPA?

    What is Brut IPA?

    In the seemingly endless ways brewers are trying to make an IPA that’s different, either so they can offer multiple…

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  • The History of Samuel Adams Utopias

    The History of Samuel Adams Utopias

    Every sip of the unique beer Samuel Adams Utopias is quite literally a step back in time, into history. You’re…

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  • Greg Koch at Stone's Berlin location.

    Greg Koch of Stone Brewing Co.

    As the one-day “Sensory Evaluation of Beer” class began, students filed into the UC Davis classroom. Homebrewer Steve Wagner, who’d…

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  • Firestone Walker's "Merlin" of brewing

    Matt Brynildson: Brewmaster of Firestone Walker

    Most former homebrewers who “turn pro” learn the chemistry behind the carboy as they go, but award-winning Matt Brynildson came…

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