the american craft beer hall of fame
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, we’re joined by Marty Nachel—certified beer judge, Beer for Dummies author, and craft beer industry veteran. Marty shares the moment that launched his career, reflects on the industry’s evolution, and dives into the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, including 2026 nominees, future initiatives, and details on the upcoming induction ceremony.
If this conversation sparked your curiosity about craft beer’s past, present, and future, explore more about Marty Nachel’s work and the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame at americancraftbeerhalloffame.org.
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Craft Beer Legend Marty Nachel on the Industry's Evolution and the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame
Marty Nachel is a name synonymous with craft beer. A certified beer judge and author of iconic books like Beer for Dummies, Nachel is a true industry veteran who has been writing about beer since the 1980s. In a recent podcast interview, Nachel shared his incredible journey, insights on the craft beer industry's major turning points, and details on his passion project: the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame (ACBHF).
From Molson Porter to Published Author: A Life in Beer
Nachel's personal journey into the world of "good beer" began in 1982 during a trip to Toronto. After a tour of the Molson Brewing Company, a taste of fresh Molson Porter was "life-changing," sparking a dedication that led him to join the Chicago Beer Society, become a homebrewer, and earn his BJCP beer judge certification by 1986. His first freelance article was published in All About Beer magazine in 1987, and he's been a prominent voice ever since.Navigating the Tides of the Craft Beer Industry
Nachel offers a fascinating look at the history of American craft beer, highlighting two major corrective periods:
The Mid-90s Crash: Nachel recalls a period in the mid-1990s when investors—whom he calls "fakers"—flooded the market with subpar brands. This bubble burst, but ultimately "weeded out the fakers from the real deal," paving the way for the industry's continued growth into the 2000s.
The Modern Correction: While acknowledging the impact of COVID-19, Nachel sees the current climate of brewery closings as a different scenario, believing the industry will make it through due to the dedication of genuine brewers with "their heart in the right place."
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame: Celebrating the Builders
In late 2023, Nachel realized a critical piece was missing from the industry: a Hall of Fame. After confirming that one didn't exist, he rallied an advisory board of 40-50 industry contacts and launched the ACBHF to celebrate "the people who built the craft beer industry."Key Details on the Hall of Fame:
Inaugural Induction: The first class was inducted in February 2025, which included icons like Fritz Maytag, Jim Koch, and Michael Jackson. Nachel is particularly proud of shining a light on unsung heroes like Susie Stern and Jane Zimmerman, partners of Jack McAuliffe (who opened New Albion, the first microbrewery).
2026 Nominees: The 2026 nominees are public knowledge and include Charles Bamforth, Larry Bell, Sam Calagione, Ray Daniels, Terry Fahrendorf, Kim Jordan, Garrett Oliver, Pete Slosberg, Mitch Steele, and Carol Stoudt.
Induction Criteria: Nominees must have been in the industry a minimum of 10 years, be a known entity, and their contribution to the industry must be measurable. The scope is strictly the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, but a foreign-born individual with a significant impact (like Michael Jackson or Pierre Celis) is eligible.
The Future: While currently existing online, a brick-and-mortar location is a long-term goal. The ACBHF is also expanding with new initiatives:
Landmark Beers: A dedicated initiative to recognize historically important beers (e.g., Anchor Steam, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sam Adams Boston Lager).
State Guild Support: A plan to approach all 50 states' craft brewers guilds to encourage and support the opening of their own state halls of fame.
The 2026 induction ceremony will be a live-streamed event on Saturday, February 28th, starting at 3 PM Eastern (12 PM Pacific).
How to Connect with Marty Nachel and Support the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame
Marty Nachel's extensive background in beer writing, home brewing, and judging makes him an invaluable resource for industry insights, speaking engagements, and creative content consultation.
Read His Latest Work: His most recent book, The Beer Story Project, is a collection of industry-sourced stories released in late November. Get your copy on Amazon
He is also toying with the idea of a future book specifically for homebrewers. Find out more on the website
Follow Marty: Find Marty Nachel across social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram @martynachel
Support the Hall of Fame: The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation. You can make a tax-deductible donation or get involved through their official website. They accept financial support via PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo.