In this era of systemic isolation and restriction, we find ourselves reaching out more and more often for old memories, photos, stories...
of trips - it was all just so common in the past, enriching our lives visiting unknown or favourite places to absorb cultural, historical,
social or culinary knowledge, to enrich the image of ourselves and the surroundings.
So what is there left now? When our plans fail and all these dreamy destinations remain just far away pins on the map? Even the nearest
point is just a chimera!
Sitting comfortably in full confinement on our couches, we browse nonchalantly through photo galleries (long live digital photography and the cloud!) even with heavy hearts hoping for a more exciting future.
Due to our profession and just because we love it, we realized that 80% of the reams of picture are portraits - of beers!
We hope it is the same in your case as it is clear that getting to know the cuisine and drinks of a given geographical location, we build a basic
impression of the habits and character of its inhabitants.
Furthermore the key element in any trip is the most social drink of them all: BEER!
In most western countries where craft is highly respected, they publish the most useful craft beer maps with trails guiding you to
small and independent bars, restaurants and breweries. In most cases, the owners and visitors live in a similar social climate as us.
By following these maps, you get experiences that are incomparable - almost like a treasure hunt!
So here's what we thought would be fun: a virtual trip to famous craft destinations, to meet the people we like and who always have
something interesting to say.
Socially distancing does not always have negative consequences, because you find time to talk to people who otherwise sink in our memories only.
Here are a few words from our friends and what they wanted to wish to you all:
Mladen,
The Garden Brewery (HR):
'Thanks to the BG crowd for the support and love for our beers. We really appreciate it.'
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Mario,
The Garden Brewery (HR):
'Last year we were really fortunate to start working with our friends from White Stork.
We started with the right path with an awesome Collab that people loved it.
Also we were part of their lovely Festival in Sofia where we had great time and we were able to share it with a lot of beer enthusiasts.
We hope that this year things will get better and we will be able to make another collab and travel for festivals and events.
We are looking forward to come back!! Lots of love from Croatia and živjeli (Cheers in Croatian)!'
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Máté,
Fehér Nyúl (White Rabbit) Brewery (HU):
'Bulgarian craft beer is growing thanks to breweries like White Stork. International recognition is a big step for the brewer, but also for the beer enthusiast community in its country. Even though we Hungarians have limited knowledge of your beer culture, I believe that is going to change as soon as Covid is gone and we can share pints again.
I raise my glass to you, who are keeping Bulgarian craft beer alive in these hard times!'
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Bart-Jan & Mark,
Oproer (NL):
'We both love breweing hoppy IPA's, thick stouts and wild beers. Cheers!'
*Unfortunately the New Year did not start in a good way for those two - there was a fire in the premises of their beer cafe.
'It's not in our nature to hold up our hand, we prefer to ball our fist and move forward positively from our own strength. ✊'
Here you can read more and show some support: https://www.facebook.com/oproerbrouwerij/posts/2462822280693581
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Patricia & Sergio,
Totenhopfen (LUX):
'We can not wait to meet you all again the soonest! Stay safe!'
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They all sent us a virtual toast, shared human worries and professional troubles,
but in the end there was a sip of optimism. And there is no other way - it lies at the bottom of the of the glass we raised in response.
from PIVOTEKA
