Posted November 7, 2023 – Narrated by Jim

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When we first started out, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for nomadic types
On soft summer nights.
We’d try specialty flights
paired with pub food bites,
In our very First Year.

When in our Second Year, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for joyful treks
To festivals and fairs,
Sharing IPA pairs.
Sure wish you’da been there,
In our Second year.

When in our Third Year, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for sojourners
on the trail for new brews,
towers frothing good news.
It was so hard to choose.
When our Third year.

When in our Fourth Year, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for wanderers
and good local suds
served with decent grub.
“We should start a pub.”
When in our Fourth year.

When in our Fifth Year, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for rubber trampers
Living on the edge
blowing every keg
before the next leg.
When in our Fifth year.

When in our Sixth Year, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for living the dream
beside a campfire
in brewery attire
with a trip to conspire.
When in our Sixth year.

When in our Seventh Year, it was a very good beer.
It was a very good beer for pilgrimage
to Great North terrain.
With God and propane
The brew kept us sane.
When in our Seventh Year.

Now, in our Eighth Year, it’s still a very good beer.
We think of our life as a barrel aged stout,
Nitrogenated.
Uncomplicated.
Emancipated.
Yes, it is a very Good Year.
Adapted from Frank Sinatra’s “It was a Very Good Year“

We brake for microbreweries.

Barhop Brewing - ‎⁨Port Angeles⁩, ⁨Washington⁩

Locally owned breweries are a safe place to enjoy the ancient elixir and make new friends.

Since we’ve been on the road, the number of breweries in America has almost doubled. In 2016 there were 5,780 breweries – last year there were 9,709.

The neighborhood brewery is an unofficial visitor information center. Most are owned and operated by long-term residents who name the brews after the local lore, claims to fame and natural wonders.

People love to talk about their hometown – especially over a beer.

Over a beer, people are more likely to open up and share their deepest insider secrets about the best places to see, eat and shop.

New Belgium Brewing Company - Asheville, North Carolina

Chatting over a frosty beer has revealed some not-to-be-missed sights that most online tour guides completely miss.

Short History of Beer

Beer has a rich, and varied history which began at the dawn of civilization.

It is even hypothesized that beer may be a byproduct of the “Big Bang,” although I can’t seem to find a reference for this theory. 🤪

But it is well documented that beer has remained a part of human culture from the get-go.

*The oldest depiction of beer-drinking shows people sipping from a communal vessel through reed straws*

Archaeologists found a 5000 year old beerstone jug in the central Zagros Mountains of Iran, near Godin Tepe.

A new study finds evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China. The findings are based on an analysis of an ancient pot found at a burial site at Qiaotou.

The 3800 year old Sumerian poem, Hymn to Ninkasi, is a song of praise which includes a beer recipe to the Sumerian goddess of beer.

In addition to Ninkasi, the Sumerians also had Kubaba. She is the only woman on the Sumerians’ list of kings. She earned her ruling role not through her birth-line, but through her art as a brewer.

The Egyptians worshipped the goddess of beer, Menqet, and celebrated sun god Ra’s daughter, Sekhmet, whose bloodthirsty ways were calmed by beer.

A Stanford researcher may have found evidence of beer making paraphernalia dating back more than 13,000 years.

Under a microscope, Professor Li Liu of Stanford University finds and records ancient starch grains.

St. Hildegard of Bingen, the 12^th century German abbess, is the source of the earliest surviving writings on the use of hops in beer, and for that she is the unofficial patron saint of beer.

Patty Hamrick, a writer with a master’s in archaeological anthropology, teaches a class called The Archaeology of Beer.

The Ancient Egyptian Festival of Drunkenness

Hamrick points to the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi from Mesopotamia, one of civilization’s first set of written laws, as evidence of women’s authority in beer.

Code of Hammurabi – circa 1792 to 1750 BC

In the early Middle Ages, men worked out a deal with women. Since women were so busy making beer and running the church, the men offered to step in and take over beer-making. That’s where that old saying, “No men in the kitchen,” came from. Nevertheless, Benedictine Monks are probably responsible for the development of modern beer brewing methods.

1506 AD painting of a Monk brewing beer.

The monks made and served beer for pilgrims and travelers since it was safer to drink than water.

The oldest continually working brewery, Weihenstephan Brewery, started in 768 AD and officially opened in 1040 AD.

Weihenstephan, Germany — Weihenstephan’s Taproom

Modern Craft Micro-Breweries

On a beautiful Autumn day on October 14, 1978, craft brewing experienced a renaissance when President Jimmy Carter signed H.R. 1337

President Jimmy Carter signing a bill in October 1978 (maybe H.R. 1337)

The bill contained an amendment sponsored by Senator Alan Cranston creating an exemption from taxation of beer brewed at home for personal or family use.

This made home-brewing legal on a federal level on February 1, 1979… and the rest is history.

Microbreweries are starting to challenge the huge beer conglomerates.

Every brewery we have visited

So, here it is, a list of the 259 breweries (update 11/25/23 – 262) we have, so far, visited since we started traveling full-time in July 2016. Now, if you’re thinking, “What, 259 breweries!?!?” Remember, we have been on the road more than 2,600 days, so that averages one brewery visit every 10 days. I call that restraint! 🍻🤪

The list is broken down by year and then alphabetized.

Year One – July 2016 to July 2017

4 Hands Brewing Company - St. Louis, Missouri — 4 Hands Brewing Company – St. Louis, Missouri

Alpha Brewing Company - St. Louis, Missouri — Alpha Brewing Company – St. Louis, Missouri

Barrelhouse Brewing Company - Paso Robles, California — Barrelhouse Brewing Company – Paso Robles, California

Bay Bridge Brewing Company - Chula Vista, California — Bay Bridge Brewing Company – Chula Vista, California

Big Bear Lake Brewing Company - Big Bear Lake, California — Big Bear Lake Brewing Company – Big Bear Lake, California

Big Bear Mountain Brewery - Big Bear Lake, California — Big Bear Mountain Brewery – Big Bear Lake, California

Bluesapaloosa - Mammoth Lakes, California — Bluesapaloosa – Mammoth Lakes, California

Bricktown Brewery - Shawnee, Oklahoma — Bricktown Brewery – Shawnee, Oklahoma

Coronado Brewing Company - Coronado, California — Coronado Brewing Company – Coronado, California

Courtyard Brewery - New Orleans, Louisiana — Courtyard Brewery – New Orleans, Louisiana

Covington Brew House - Covington, Louisiana — Covington Brew House – Covington, Louisiana

Duel Brewing - Sante Fe, New Mexico — Duel Brewing – Sante Fe, New Mexico

Dunsmuir Brewery Works - Dunsmuir, California — Dunsmuir Brewery Works – Dunsmuir, California

Fogbelt Brewing Company - Santa Rosa, California — Fogbelt Brewing Company – Santa Rosa, California

Goshen Brewing Company - Goshen, Indiana — Goshen Brewing Company – Goshen, Indiana

Kathrin's Biergarten - Rocklin, California — Kathrin’s Biergarten – Rocklin, California

Lone Peak Brewery - Big Sky, Montana — Lone Peak Brewery – Big Sky, Montana

Magic Valley Brewing - Buhl, Idaho — Magic Valley Brewing – Buhl, Idaho

Mammoth Brewing Company - Mammoth Lakes, California — Mammoth Brewing Company – Mammoth Lakes, California

Miner Brewing Company - Hills City, South Dakota — Miner Brewing Company – Hills City, South Dakota

Morgan Street Brewing Company - St. Louis, Missouri — Morgan Street Brewing Company – St. Louis, Missouri – house-made tater tot

Nature Coast Brewing Company - Crystal River, Florida — Nature Coast Brewing Company – Crystal River, Florida

New Belgium Brewing Company – Ft. Collins, Colorado

Nivol Brewing Company - Panama City, Florida — Nivol Brewing Company – Panama City, Florida

Old Rail Brewing Company - Mandeville, Louisiana — Old Rail Brewing Company – Mandeville, Louisiana

Oyster City Brewing Company - Apalachicola, Florida — Oyster City Brewing Company – Apalachicola, Florida

Pigeon Hill Brewing Company - Muskegon, Michigan — Pigeon Hill Brewing Company – Muskegon, Michigan

Russian River Brewing Company - Santa Rosa, California — Russian River Brewing Company – Santa Rosa, California

Santa Fe Brewing Company - Sante Fe, New Mexico — Santa Fe Brewing Company – Sante Fe, New Mexico

Sick-N-Twisted Microbrewery - Hill City, South Dakota — Sick-N-Twisted Microbrewery – Hill City, South Dakota

Smokey Mountain Brewing Company - Knoxville, Tennessee — Smokey Mountain Brewing Company – Knoxville, Tennessee

Snake River Brewing - Jackson, Wyoming — Snake River Brewing – Jackson, Wyoming

Unruly Brewing Company - Muskegon, Michigan — Unruly Brewing Company – Muskegon, Michigan

Urban Chestnut Brewing Company - St. Louis, Missouri — Urban Chestnut Brewing Company – St. Louis, Missouri

Urban South Brewery - New Orleans, Louisianna — Urban South Brewery – New Orleans, Louisiana

Year Two – July 2017 to July 2018

Asheville Brewing Company – Asheville, North Carolina

Biloxi Brewing Company - Biloxi, Mississippi — Biloxi Brewing Company – Biloxi, Mississippi

Blue Ghost Brewing Company - Fletcher, North Carolina — Blue Ghost Brewing Company – Fletcher, North Carolina

Bosque Brewing Company - Las Cruces, New Mexico — Bosque Brewing Company – Las Cruces, New Mexico

Brewery 33 - Logan, Ohio — Brewery 33 – Logan, Ohio

‎⁨Calusa Brewing Company - Bee Ridge⁩, ⁨Florida⁩ — ‎⁨Calusa Brewing Company – Bee Ridge⁩, ⁨Florida⁩

Copper Point Brewing Company - ‎⁨Boynton Beach⁩, ⁨Florida⁩ — Copper Point Brewing Company – ‎⁨Boynton Beach⁩, ⁨Florida⁩

Crooked Can Brewing Company - Winter Garden, Florida — Crooked Can Brewing Company – Winter Garden, Florida

Culmination Brewing - Portland, Oregon — Culmination Brewing – Portland, Oregon

Depoe Bay Brewing Company - Depoe Bay, Oregon — Depoe Bay Brewing Company – Depoe Bay, Oregon

Florida Keys Brewing Company - ‎⁨ ⁨Islamorada⁩, ⁨Florida⁩ — Florida Keys Brewing Company – ‎⁨ ⁨Islamorada⁩, ⁨Florida⁩

Firestone Walker Brewing Company - ‎⁨Paso Robles⁩, ⁨California — Firestone Walker Brewing Company – ‎⁨Paso Robles⁩, ⁨California

Hell 'n Blazes Brewing Company - Melbourne, Florida — Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Company – Melbourne, Florida

Hilton Head Brewing Company - Hilton Head, South Carolina — Hilton Head Brewing Company – Hilton Head, South Carolina

Humboldt Regeneration Brewery and Farm - ‎⁨McKinleyville⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Humboldt Regeneration Brewery and Farm – ‎⁨McKinleyville⁩, ⁨California⁩

Karl Strauss Brewing Company - San Diego, California — Karl Strauss Brewing Company – San Diego, California

Lonerider Brewery - Raleigh, North Carolina — Lonerider Brewery – Raleigh, North Carolina

Mad River Brewing Company - ‎⁨Blue Lake⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Mad River Brewing Company – ‎⁨Blue Lake⁩, ⁨California⁩

Mills River Brewery - Arden, North Carolina — Mills River Brewery – Arden, North Carolina

Moon River Brewing Company - Savannah, Georgia — Moon River Brewing Company – Savannah, Georgia

New South Brewing Company - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — New South Brewing Company – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Pale Fire Brewing Company - Harrisonburg, Virginia — Pale Fire Brewing Company – Harrisonburg, Virginia

River Rat Brewery - Columbia, South Carolina — River Rat Brewery – Columbia, South Carolina

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - Mills River, North Carolina — Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – Mills River, North Carolina

Sparky's Brewing Company - ‎⁨Salem⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩ — Sparky’s Brewing Company – ‎⁨Salem⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩

Thirsty Monk Taproom - Asheville, North Carolina — Thirsty Monk Taproom – Asheville, North Carolina

Tombstone Brewing Company - Tombstone, Arizona — Tombstone Brewing Company – Tombstone, Arizona

George the famous Instagram Bishon, our wonderful doggie nephew

Year Three – July 2018 to July 2019

5 x 5 Brewing Company - Mission, Texas — 5 x 5 Brewing Company – Mission, Texas

Arrowhead Brewing Company - Invermere, Alberta, Canada — Arrowhead Brewing Company – Invermere, Alberta, Canada

Banff Avenue Brewing Company - Banff, Alberta, Canada — Banff Avenue Brewing Company – Banff, Alberta, Canada

Bayou Tech Brewing Company - Aranudville, Louisiana — Bayou Tech Brewing Company – Aranudville, Louisiana

Big River Brewing Company - Pharr, Texas — Big River Brewing Company – Pharr, Texas

Brewsome Brewery - McAllen, Texas — Brewsome Brewery – McAllen, Texas

Climate City Brewing Company - Grants Pass, Oregon — Climate City Brewing Company – Grants Pass, Oregon

Dageraad Brewing - Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada — Dageraad Brewing – Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Departed Soles Brewing Company - Jersey City, New Jersey — Departed Soles Brewing Company – Jersey City, New Jersey

Fall River Brewing Company - Redding, California — Fall River Brewing Company – Redding, California

Harbottle Brewing Company - Tucson, Arizona — Harbottle Brewing Company – Tucson, Arizona

Hard Knox Brewing Company - Black Diamond⁩, ⁨Alberta⁩, ⁨Canada⁩ — Hard Knox Brewing Company – Black Diamond⁩, ⁨Alberta⁩, ⁨Canada⁩

Jasper Brewing Company - Jasper, Alberta, Canada — Jasper Brewing Company – Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Lorelei Brewing Company - Corpus Cristi, Texas — Lorelei Brewing Company – Corpus Cristi, Texas

Maumee Bay Brewing Company - Toledo, Ohio — Maumee Bay Brewing Company – Toledo, Ohio

Port Orleans Brewing Company - New Orleans, Louisiana — Port Orleans Brewing Company – New Orleans, Louisiana

Prison Hill Brewing Company - Yuma, Arizona — Prison Hill Brewing Company – Yuma, Arizona

Put-In-Bay Brewing Company - Put-In-Bay, Ohio — Put-In-Bay Brewing Company – Put-In-Bay, Ohio

Round 6 Brewing Company - Maryville, Tennessee — Round 6 Brewing Company – Maryville, Tennessee

South Padre Island Brewing Company - South Padre Island, Texas — South Padre Island Brewing Company – South Padre Island, Texas

Steamworks Brewing Company - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — Steamworks Brewing Company – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Threefoot Brewing Comapny - Meridian, Mississippi — Threefoot Brewing Company – Meridian, Mississippi

Wildcard Brewing Company - Redding, California — Wildcard Brewing Company – Redding, California

Year Four – July 2019 to July 2020

Atlantic Brewing Company - ‎ ⁨Bar Harbor⁩, ⁨Maine⁩ — Atlantic Brewing Company – ‎ ⁨Bar Harbor⁩, ⁨Maine⁩

Bar Harbor Beer Works - Bar Harbor, Maine — Bar Harbor Beer Works – Bar Harbor, Maine

Barley Head Brewing Company - Mystic, Connecticut — Barley Head Brewing Company – Mystic, Connecticut

Barreled Souls Brewing - ‎⁨Saco⁩, ⁨Maine⁩ — Barreled Souls Brewing – ‎⁨Saco⁩, ⁨Maine⁩

Beaver Street Brewing Company - Flagstaff⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩ — Beaver Street Brewing Company – Flagstaff⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩

Boothbay Brewing Company - Boothbay, Maine — Boothbay Brewing Company – Boothbay, Maine

Branch and Blade Brewing Company - ‎⁨Keene⁩, ⁨New Hampshire — Branch and Blade Brewing Company – ‎⁨Keene⁩, ⁨New Hampshire

Chrysalis Beer - Paonia, Colorado — Chrysalis Beer – Paonia, Colorado

Cisco Brewers - ‎⁨Newington⁩, ⁨New Hampshire⁩ — Cisco Brewers – ‎⁨Portsmouth, ⁨New Hampshire⁩

Elevation Brewing Company - ‎⁨Poncha Springs⁩, ⁨Colorado — Elevation Brewing Company – ‎⁨Poncha Springs⁩, ⁨Colorado

Elm City Brewing Company - ‎⁨Keene⁩, ⁨New Hampshire⁩ — Elm City Brewing Company – ‎⁨Keene⁩, ⁨New Hampshire⁩

Granite Roots Brewing Company - Troy, New Hampshire — Granite Roots Brewing Company – Troy, New Hampshire

Hog Island Beer Company - ‎⁨Orleans⁩, ⁨Massachusetts⁩ — Hog Island Beer Company – ‎⁨Orleans⁩, ⁨Massachusetts⁩

Idletyme Brewing Company - ‎⁨Stowe⁩, ⁨Vermont⁩ — Idletyme Brewing Company – ‎⁨Stowe⁩, ⁨Vermont⁩

Ipswich⁩ Brewing Company - ‎⁨Ipswich⁩, ⁨Massachusetts⁩ — Ipswich⁩ Brewing Company – ‎⁨Ipswich⁩, ⁨Massachusetts⁩

Lake Placid Pub and Brewery - Lake Placid, New York‎⁨ — Lake Placid Pub and Brewery – Lake Placid, New York‎⁨

Lazy G Brewhouse - ‎⁨Prescott⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩ — Lazy G Brewhouse – ‎⁨Prescott⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩

Live Edge Brewing Company - ‎⁨Burt⁩, ⁨New York⁩ — Live Edge Brewing Company – ‎⁨Burt⁩, ⁨New York⁩

Lonesome Valley Brewing Company - ‎⁨Prescott Valley⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩ — Lonesome Valley Brewing Company – ‎⁨Prescott Valley⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩

Loveland Aleworks - ‎⁨Loveland⁩, ⁨Colorado — Loveland Aleworks – ‎⁨Loveland⁩, ⁨Colorado

Mahogany Ridge Brewing Company – Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Mancos Brewing Company - Mancos, Colorado — Mancos Brewing Company – Mancos, Colorado

Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewery - Ouray, Colorado — Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewery – Ouray, Colorado

Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Company - Newport, Rhode Island — Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Company – Newport, Rhode Island

Odell Brewing Company - ‎⁨Fort Collins⁩, ⁨Colorado — Odell Brewing Company – ‎⁨Fort Collins⁩, ⁨Colorado

Oktoberfest Vermont - Burlington, Vermont — Oktoberfest Vermont – Burlington, Vermont

Ouray Brewing Company - Ouray, Colorado — Ouray Brewing Company – Ouray, Colorado

Pals Brewing Company - ‎⁨North Platte⁩, ⁨Nebraska⁩ — Pals Brewing Company – ‎⁨North Platte⁩, ⁨Nebraska⁩ with Miss Lillian, Jim’s 96 year-old aunt

Prohibition Pig Brewery - Waterbury, Vermont — Prohibition Pig Brewery – Waterbury, Vermont

Ramblin' Road Brewery Farm - ‎⁨La Salette⁩, ⁨Ontario⁩, ⁨Canada⁩ — Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm – ‎⁨La Salette⁩, ⁨Ontario⁩, ⁨Canada⁩

Raquette River Brewing - Tupper Lake, New York — Raquette River Brewing – Tupper Lake, New York

Red River Brewing Company - Red River, New Mexico — Red River Brewing Company – Red River, New Mexico

Rock Coast Brewing Company - Loveland, Coloroado — Rock Coast Brewing Company – Loveland, Colorado

The Alchemist - Stowe, Vermont — The Alchemist – Stowe, Vermont

Taos Mesa Brewing Company - Taos, New Mexico — Taos Mesa Brewing Company – Taos, New Mexico

True North Ale Company - ‎⁨Ipswich⁩, ⁨Massachusetts⁩ — True North Ale Company – ‎⁨Ipswich⁩, ⁨Massachusetts⁩

Year Five – July 2020 to July 2021

3rd Planet Brewing - ‎⁨Niceville⁩, ⁨Florida⁩ — 3rd Planet Brewing – ‎⁨Niceville⁩, ⁨Florida⁩

559 Beer - Clovis, California — 559 Beer – Clovis, California

1718 Brewing - ‎⁨Ocracoke Island⁩, ⁨North Carolina — 1718 Brewing – ‎⁨Ocracoke Island⁩, ⁨North Carolina

1812 Brewery - Cumberland, Maryland — 1812 Brewery – Cumberland, Maryland

Backroom Brewery - Middletown, Virginia — Backroom Brewery – Middletown, Virginia

Barrier Island Brewing – Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Beer and Gear Beer Fest - Ohiopyle⁩, ⁨Pennsylvania⁩ — Beer and Gear Beer Fest – Ohiopyle⁩, ⁨Pennsylvania⁩

Big Beach Brewing - Gulf Shores⁩, ⁨Alabama⁩ — Big Beach Brewing – Gulf Shores⁩, ⁨Alabama⁩

Big Oyster Brewing Company - ‎⁨Lewes⁩, ⁨Delaware⁩ — Big Oyster Brewing Company – ‎⁨Lewes⁩, ⁨Delaware⁩

Burley Oaks Brewing Company - Berlin, Maryland — Burley Oaks Brewing Company – Berlin, Maryland

Cape May Brewing Company - ‎⁨Cape May⁩, ⁨New Jersey — Cape May Brewing Company – ‎⁨Cape May⁩, ⁨New Jersey

CoHo Brewing Company - ‎⁨Burleigh⁩, New Jersey — CoHo Brewing Company – ‎⁨Burleigh⁩, New Jersey

Coronado Brewing Company - Imperial Beach, California — Coronado Brewing Company – Imperial Beach, California

Dogfish Head Brewing Company – ‎⁨Rehoboth Beach⁩, ⁨Delaware⁩

Good Hops Brewing – Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Highway 50 Brewery - ‎⁨Camino⁩, ⁨California⁩, — Highway 50 Brewery – ‎⁨Camino⁩, ⁨California⁩,

Institution Ale Company - ‎⁨Santa Barbara⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Institution Ale Company – ‎⁨Santa Barbara⁩, ⁨California⁩

Junkyard on 66 Brewery - ‎⁨Grants⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩ — Junkyard on 66 Brewery – ‎⁨Grants⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩

Low Tide Brewing - ‎⁨Johns Island⁩, ⁨South Carolina⁩ — Low Tide Brewing – ‎⁨Johns Island⁩, ⁨South Carolina⁩

Mudhen Brewing Company - Wildwood, New Jersey — Mudhen Brewing Company – Wildwood, New Jersey

‎⁨Paonia⁩ United Brewing Company - Paonia⁩, ⁨Colorado — ‎⁨Paonia⁩ United Brewing Company – Paonia⁩, ⁨Colorado

Sinepuxent Brewing Company – Berlin, Maryland

Slack Tide Brewing Company - Clermont, New Jersey — Slack Tide Brewing Company – Clermont, New Jersey

The Monk's Cellar Brewery - Roseville, California — The Monk’s Cellar Brewery – Roseville, California

Thompson Island Brewing Company - ‎⁨Rehoboth Beach⁩, ⁨Delaware⁩ — Thompson Island Brewing Company – ‎⁨Rehoboth Beach⁩, ⁨Delaware⁩

Tilted Mash Brewing - Elk Grove, California — Tilted Mash Brewing – Elk Grove, California

Tri-City Brewing Company - ‎⁨Bangor Township⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩ — Tri-City Brewing Company – ‎⁨Bangor Township⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩

Waterline Brewing Company - ‎⁨Wilmington⁩, ⁨North Carolina⁩ — Waterline Brewing Company – ‎⁨Wilmington⁩, ⁨North Carolina⁩

Weeping Radish Farm Brewery - ‎⁨Grandy⁩, North Carolina — Weeping Radish Farm Brewery – ‎⁨Grandy⁩, North Carolina

Year Six – July 2021 to July 2022

3 Punk Ales - Chula Vista, California — 3 Punk Ales – Chula Vista, California

515 Brewing Company - ‎⁨Clive⁩, ⁨Iowa⁩ — 515 Brewing Company – ‎⁨Clive⁩, ⁨Iowa⁩

7 Devils Brewing Company - ‎⁨Coos Bay⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩ — 7 Devils Brewing Company – ‎⁨Coos Bay⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩

Big Rip Brewing Company – ‎⁨North Kansas City⁩, Missouri

By George Brewing Company - ‎⁨Munising⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩ — By George Brewing Company – ‎⁨Munising⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩

‎⁨Cheboygan Brewing Company - Cheboygan⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩ — ‎⁨Cheboygan Brewing Company – Cheboygan⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩

Chetco Brewing Company - ‎⁨Brookings⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩ — Chetco Brewing Company – ‎⁨Brookings⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩

Chula Vista Brewing Company - Chula Vista, California — Chula Vista Brewing Company – Chula Vista, California

Cinder Block Brewery - ‎⁨North Kansas City⁩, Missouri — Cinder Block Brewery – ‎⁨North Kansas City⁩, Missouri

Coast Mountain Brewing - Whistler, British Columbia, Canada — Coast Mountain Brewing – Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Copper Brothel Brewing Company - ‎⁨Sonoita⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩ — Copper Brothel Brewing Company – ‎⁨Sonoita⁩, ⁨Arizona⁩

Discretion Brewing - ‎⁨Soquel⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Discretion Brewing – ‎⁨Soquel⁩, ⁨California⁩

Door County Brewing Company - ‎⁨Baileys Harbor⁩, ⁨Wisconsin⁩ — Door County Brewing Company – ‎⁨Baileys Harbor⁩, ⁨Wisconsin⁩

Driftwood Brewing Company - ‎⁨Esquimalt⁩, ⁨British Columbia⁩, ⁨Canada⁩ — Driftwood Brewing Company – ‎⁨Esquimalt⁩, ⁨British Columbia⁩, ⁨Canada⁩

Fenders Brewing - ‎⁨Polk City⁩, ⁨Iowa⁩ — Fenders Brewing – ‎⁨Polk City⁩, ⁨Iowa⁩

Great Turtle Brewery - ‎⁨Mackinac Island⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩ — Great Turtle Brewery – ‎⁨Mackinac Island⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩

Greater Purpose Brewing Company - ‎⁨Twin Lakes⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Greater Purpose Brewing Company – ‎⁨Twin Lakes⁩, ⁨California⁩

Groundswell Brewing Company - Chula Vista, California — Groundswell Brewing Company – Chula Vista, California

High Mountain Brewhouse - Whistler, British Columbia, Canada — High Mountain Brewhouse – Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

High Water Brewing Company - ‎⁨Lodi⁩, ⁨California⁩ — High Water Brewing Company – ‎⁨Lodi⁩, ⁨California⁩

Hoyne Brewing Company - ‎⁨Victoria⁩, ⁨British Columbia⁩, Canada — Hoyne Brewing Company – ‎⁨Victoria⁩, ⁨British Columbia⁩, Canada

Humble Sea Brewing Company - ‎⁨Santa Cruz⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Humble Sea Brewing Company – ‎⁨Santa Cruz⁩, ⁨California⁩

Lagunitas Brewing Company - ‎⁨Petaluma⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Lagunitas Brewing Company – ‎⁨Petaluma⁩, ⁨California⁩

Libertine Brewing Company - ‎⁨San Luis Obispo⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Libertine Brewing Company – ‎⁨San Luis Obispo⁩, ⁨California⁩

Lost Coast Brewing Company - ‎⁨Eureka⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Lost Coast Brewing Company – ‎⁨Eureka⁩, ⁨California⁩

Mike Hess Brewing - ‎⁨Imperial Beach⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Mike Hess Brewing – ‎⁨Imperial Beach⁩, ⁨California⁩

Millstream Brewing Company and Brau Haus - ‎⁨Amana Colonies⁩, ⁨Iowa⁩ — Millstream Brewing Company and Brau Haus – ‎⁨Amana Colonies⁩, ⁨Iowa⁩

Misty Mountain Brewing - ‎⁨Brookings⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩ — Misty Mountain Brewing – ‎⁨Brookings⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩

Moon Brewery and Pub - ‎⁨Victoria⁩, ⁨British Columbia⁩, Canada — Moon Brewery and Pub – ‎⁨Victoria⁩, ⁨British Columbia⁩, Canada

One Barrel Brewing Company - ‎⁨Egg Harbor⁩, ⁨Wisconsin⁩ — One Barrel Brewing Company – ‎⁨Egg Harbor⁩, ⁨Wisconsin⁩

Pacifica Brewery - ‎⁨Pacifica⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Pacifica Brewery – ‎⁨Pacifica⁩, ⁨California⁩

Pedro Point Brewing Company - ‎⁨Pacifica⁩, ⁨California⁩ — Pedro Point Brewing Company – ‎⁨Pacifica⁩, ⁨California⁩

‎⁨Potosi⁩ Brewing Company - Potosi⁩, Wisconsin — ‎⁨Potosi⁩ Brewing Company – Potosi⁩, Wisconsin

Redwood Curtain Brewing Company - ‎⁨Eureka, ⁨California⁩ — Redwood Curtain Brewing Company – ‎⁨Eureka, ⁨California⁩

Rusted Spoke Brewing Company - ‎⁨Mackinaw City⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩ — Rusted Spoke Brewing Company – ‎⁨Mackinaw City⁩, ⁨Michigan⁩

Seaside Brewing Company - Seaside⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩ — Seaside Brewing Company – Seaside⁩, ⁨Oregon⁩

Sierra Blanca Brewing Company - ‎⁨Moriarty⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩ — Sierra Blanca Brewing Company – ‎⁨Moriarty⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩

SISU Brewing Company - Seaside, Oregon — SISU Brewing Company – Seaside, Oregon

Strange Days Brewing Company - ‎⁨Kansas City⁩, Missouri — Strange Days Brewing Company – ‎⁨Kansas City⁩, Missouri

Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub - ⁨Paradise⁩, Michigan — Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub – ⁨Paradise⁩, Michigan

The Perch Brewing Company - ‎⁨Chandler⁩, Arizona — The Perch Brewing Company – ‎⁨Chandler⁩, Arizona

Top Rung Brewing Company - ‎⁨Lacey⁩, ⁨Washington⁩ — Top Rung Brewing Company – ‎⁨Lacey⁩, ⁨Washington⁩

‎⁨‎⁨Truth or Consequences⁩ Brewing Company - Truth or Consequences⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩ — ‎⁨‎⁨Truth or Consequences⁩ Brewing Company – Truth or Consequences⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩

Valdez Brewing Company - Valdez, Alaska — Valdez Brewing Company – Valdez, Alaska

Viewpoint Brewing Company – Del Mar⁩, ⁨California⁩

Whistler Brewing Company - Whistler, British Columbia, Canada — Whistler Brewing Company – Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Woodcutters Brewing - Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada — Woodcutter’s Blanket Brewing – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Yukon Brewing Company - Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada — Yukon Brewing Company – Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Year Seven – July 2022 to July 2023

48th State Brewing - Healy, Alaska — 49th State Brewing – Healy, Alaska

Abita Brewing - ‎⁨Abita Springs⁩, ⁨Louisiana⁩ — Abita Brewing – ‎⁨Abita Springs⁩, ⁨Louisiana⁩

Anchorage Brewing Company - Anchorage, Alaska — Anchorage Brewing Company – Anchorage, Alaska

Attitude Brewing Company - Chula Vista, California — Attitude Brewing Company – Chula Vista, California

Balter Beerworks - ‎⁨Knoxville⁩, ⁨Tennessee — Balter Beerworks – ‎⁨Knoxville⁩, ⁨Tennessee

Bandera Brewing Company - Bandera, Texas — Bandera Brewing Company – Bandera, Texas

Big Lick Brewing Company - ‎⁨Roanoke⁩, ⁨Virginia — Big Lick Brewing Company – ‎⁨Roanoke⁩, ⁨Virginia

Chafunkta Brewing Company - ‎⁨Mandeville⁩, ⁨Louisiana⁩ — Chafunkta Brewing Company – ‎⁨Mandeville⁩, ⁨Louisiana⁩

Denali Brewing Company - Talkeetna, Alaska — Denali Brewing Company – Talkeetna, Alaska

Distant Brewing - Mammoth Lakes, California — Distant Brewing – Mammoth Lakes, California

Dru Bru - Cle Elum, Washington — Dru Bru – Cle Elum, Washington

French Broad River Brewing Company - ‎⁨Asheville⁩, North Carolina — French Broad River Brewing Company – ‎⁨Asheville⁩, North Carolina

Girdwood Brewing Company - Girdwood, Alaska — Girdwood Brewing Company – Girdwood, Alaska

Grace Ridge Brewing Company - Homer, Alaska — Grace Ridge Brewing Company – Homer, Alaska

Haines Brewing Company - Haines, Alaska — Haines Brewing Company – Haines, Alaska

Homer Brewing Company - Homer, Alaska — Homer Brewing Company – Homer, Alaska

HooDoo Brewing Company - Fairbanks, Alaska — HooDoo Brewing Company – Fairbanks, Alaska

Innerspace Brewing Company - Huntsville, Alabama — Innerspace Brewing Company – Huntsville, Alabama

Iron Tree Brewing Company - ‎⁨Christiansburg⁩, ⁨Virginia⁩ — Iron Tree Brewing Company – ‎⁨Christiansburg⁩, ⁨Virginia⁩

Latitude 65 Brewing Company - Fairbanks, Alaska — Latitude 65 Brewing Company – Fairbanks, Alaska

Meanwhile Brewing Company - Austin, Texas — Meanwhile Brewing Company – Austin, Texas

NOLA on Tap Beer Fest - Metairie⁩, ⁨Louisiana⁩ — NOLA on Tap Beer Fest – Metairie⁩, ⁨Louisiana⁩

Pinthouse Brewing - Austin, Texas — Pinthouse Brewing – Austin, Texas

Public House 28 Brewery - ‎⁨Chamberino⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩ — Public House 28 Brewery – ‎⁨Chamberino⁩, ⁨New Mexico⁩

Seward Brewing Company - Seward, Alaska — Seward Brewing Company – Seward, Alaska

Skull Camp Brewing Company - ‎⁨Mount Airy⁩, ⁨North Carolina — Skull Camp Brewing Company – ‎⁨Mount Airy⁩, ⁨North Carolina

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Asheville, North Carolina

Snipes Mountain Brewery - ‎⁨Sunnyside⁩, Washington — Snipes Mountain Brewery – ‎⁨Sunnyside⁩, Washington

Straight To Ale Brewing - ‎⁨Huntsville⁩, Alabama — Straight To Ale Brewing – ‎⁨Huntsville⁩, Alabama

The Noble Pig Brewhouse - Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada — The Noble Pig Brewhouse – Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

Twisted Track BrewPub - ‎⁨Roanoke⁩, ⁨Virginia⁩ — Twisted Track BrewPub – ‎⁨Roanoke⁩, ⁨Virginia⁩

Zillicoah Beer Company - Woodfin, North Carolina — Zillicoah Beer Company – Woodfin, North Carolina

Year Eight – July 2023 to Now

Benford Brewing Company - Lancaster, South Carolina — Benford Brewing Company – Lancaster, South Carolina

Bearded Iris Brewing – Nashville, Tennessee

Common Bond Brewing Company - ‎⁨Montgomery⁩, ⁨Alabama⁩ — Common Bond Brewing Company – ‎⁨Montgomery⁩, ⁨Alabama⁩

Cooper House Project - Memphis, Tennessee — Cooper House Project – Memphis, Tennessee

Cooper-Young BeerFest - Memphis, Tennessee — Cooper-Young BeerFest – Memphis, Tennessee

Crosstown Brewing Company - Memphis, Tennessee — Crosstown Brewing Company – Memphis, Tennessee

Dream Catcher Brewing Company - Waxhaw, North Carolina — The DreamChaser’s Brewery – Waxhaw, North Carolina

Fertile Ground Beer Company - Jackson, Mississippi — Fertile Ground Beer Company – Jackson, Mississippi

Fire Maker Brewing Company - ‎⁨Atlanta⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩ — Fire Maker Brewing Company – ‎⁨Atlanta⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩

Ghost River Brewing Company - Memphis, Tennessee — Ghost River Brewing Company – Memphis, Tennessee

Golden Grove Farm and Brew - ‎⁨Piedmont⁩, ⁨South Carolina⁩ — Golden Grove Farm and Brew – ‎⁨Piedmont⁩, ⁨South Carolina⁩

Gypsy Road Brewing Company - ‎⁨Kernersville⁩, North Carolina — Gypsy Road Brewing Company – ‎⁨Kernersville⁩, North Carolina

Hidden Gate Brewing Company - ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina — Hidden Gate Brewing Company – ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina

High Cotton Brewing Company - Memphis, Tennessee — High Cotton Brewing Company – Memphis, Tennessee

Inner Voice Brewing Company - ‎⁨Decatur⁩, ⁨Georgia — Inner Voice Brewing Company – ‎⁨Decatur⁩, ⁨Georgia

Joy Mongers Brewing Company - ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina — Joy Mongers Brewing Company – ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina

Lore Brewing Company - ‎⁨Fort Mill⁩, South Carolina — Lore Brewing Company – ‎⁨Fort Mill⁩, South Carolina

Memphis Made Brewing Company - Memphis, Tennessee — Memphis Made Brewing Company – Memphis, Tennessee

Monday Night Brewing - Nashville, Tennessee — Monday Night Brewing – Nashville, Tennessee

Oden Brewing Company - ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina — Oden Brewing Company – ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina

Outrun Brewing Company - ‎⁨Stone Mountain⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩ — Outrun Brewing Company – ‎⁨Stone Mountain⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩

Pig Pounder Brewing Company - ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina — Pig Pounder Brewing Company – ‎⁨Greensboro⁩, North Carolina

Siluria Brewing Company – Alabaster, Alabama

South End Brewing Company - Greensboro, North Carolina — South End Brewing Company – Greensboro, North Carolina

TennFold Brewing - Nashville, Tennessee — TennFold Brewing – Nashville, Tennessee

Three Taverns Brewery - ‎⁨Decatur⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩ — Three Taverns Brewery – ‎⁨Decatur⁩, ⁨Georgia⁩

Wiseacre Brewing Company - Memphis, Tennessee — Wiseacre Brewing Company – Memphis, Tennessee

Yazoo Brewing Company - Nashville, Tennessee — Yazoo Brewing Company – Nashville, Tennessee

Yee Haw Brewing Company – Knoxville, Tennessee

As time goes on, we will update this post with new breweries.

Let us know in the comment section below if you’ve visited any of these breweries, or let us know of any breweries you think are worth the drive or, hey let’s just talk beer.

Cheers! 🍻

If you want to see our exact route, click here.

*photos in this post (unless otherwise noted) were taken and copyrighted by Living In Beauty.

28 thoughts on “It Was A Very Good Beer”

Phil and Tricia says:

November 7, 2023 at 9:55 am

We’ve been on the road for just over 2000 days (as of Nov 1) and I don’t think we’ve visited 259 of anything, except maybe grocery stores and gas stations. Thanks for taking the time to put all this info in one place, I know what a chore that can be. Phil and Tricia – TwoPeasAndThePod

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:04 pm
  
  Phil and Tricia, congratulations on your more than 2000 days on the road. Carmen and I enjoy your blog, http://www.twopeasandthepod.com. I have been working on this blog post for months, compiling the photos and tracking where we visited. It did take a long time to put together. Thanks for your comment. Jim 🍻
  
Bonnie Wertz Everhart says:

November 7, 2023 at 10:02 am

Was pleased to see so many along the west coast that I am familiar with. Santa Rosa, CA my home. So many more here.

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:07 pm
  
  Bonnie, we loved Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. Great beer, especially Pliny the Younger when it is available. We agree, the west coast is filled with great breweries. Pliny the Younger. Can’t wait for it to come back! Jim 🍻
  
Bruce Davidson says:

November 7, 2023 at 10:47 am

I met you two one July day in 2016 at Fiddler’s Cove Campground on San Diego Bay as you were preparing for your long awaited for retirement trip
of a lifetime. I was surprised with the calmness in the air once you related
your plan for an open-ended trip in Beauty. I wished the two of you a
Vaya con Dios and peddled my bike back to Coronado thinking this couple,
as eager as they were, won’t be celebrating Christmas in Beauty.
This fellow trailer camper, though a mere teardrop, sends much admiration
and congratulations!

Bruce Davidson

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:09 pm
  
  Bruce, wow! we met you almost 7 ½ years ago! We remember that day, and you, as if it were yesterday. The day we actually started traveling full-time. Thanks for following us all these years! Stay safe out there! Jim 🍻
  
Funniest Man in S.D. says:

November 7, 2023 at 11:43 am

Without a doubt one of your best blogs. Once I got over my initial disappointment that it was not Carmen’s voice I was hearing I realized that a blog post about beer had to be done in the dulcet tones of Jim’s voice (especially since I was not available)
Let me offer you praise, admiration and several atta boys (girls!) for the incredible job of compilation and editing you undertook to complete this quite worthy missive. Secondly, I truly appreciated the abundance, the plethora, nay even the whole bunches of humorous inclusions (I think my favorite was changing milk into beer!)
I was hoping for an ultimate ranking. Maybe a top five all time breweries and what qualifies them as such
Lastly, I am as proud and pleased as punch (although I’m never sure what punch has to be pleased about) to be included in your rogue’s gallery while partaking at The Copper Brothel Brewery (although as I recall, I was drinking hot chocolate).
Keep up the good work, enjoy the South and looking forward to seeing you back in Paradise next year
P.S. Still trying to sell Sam on the move but not having much luck
As always, obediently yours
Funniest Man in S.D.

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:10 pm
  
  Jim, Jim, Jim, Jim, what can I say! Thank you! Jim 🍻
  
Gary Tilton says:

November 7, 2023 at 12:08 pm

I love good craft beer. Unfortunately my pancreas hates alcohol.

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:13 pm
  
  Gary, I understand. Hope it never comes to deciding between my pancreas and beer. Jim
  
2. Larry Macemore says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 6:44 pm
  
  Gary I know a man from Philadelphia that used to say, he had rather be a good liver, than to have a good liver.
  
Karen Lippes Manglass says:

November 7, 2023 at 12:14 pm

I don’t drink beer, but lots of breweries have great food and u can sit for a long time

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:20 pm
  
  Karen, Agreed! Many of the breweries we have visited offer non-alcoholic beverages. Many are actually family friendly with food for everyone, games to play, and lots of outside places for the youngsters to run and play while the adults watch them from a safe distance. We have sat at tables for hours and have never been told to leave. Jim 🍻
  
  1. Karen Lippes Manglass says:
    
    November 8, 2023 at 4:43 am
    
    Ours has pinball, skee ball, the claw machine and video games. Just bring lots of quarters the grands love it.
    
Claudia says:

November 7, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Great list, I found just 3, where we have been as well. Many still to discover.
Didn’t you miss Elevation Beer company in Poncha Springs, Colorado in your summary. We stopped there this summer because we saw it in one of your blogposts some time ago. Nice beer and barfood as well.

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 12:57 pm
  
  Claudia, for a minute I was “Oh my, how did I forget Elevation, but thankfully it is there. Whew! We did list Elevation Beer under our 4th year between July 2019 and July 2020. Loved their beer AND they let us spend the night behind the brewery! Hope you enjoyed your stop as much as we did! Stay safe out there! Jim 🍻
  
Anonymous says:

November 7, 2023 at 5:29 pm

What joy I had in reading this! My husband and I (of 43 yrs) also enjoy traveling and visiting breweries 🍻. We have had our airstream almost 1.5 years and have been to many breweries! We live outside of Memphis and enjoy all the locals y’all visited! Great beer in Memphis 🍺. Thank you for sharing…such a rich treat…CHEERS!

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 7, 2023 at 5:41 pm
  
  We loved all of the breweries we visited in Memphis. It would have taken more than another week or so to visit them all, but we sure enjoyed the ones we did visit. Jim 🍻
  
Lindsay Jorgensen Shropshire says:

November 7, 2023 at 6:24 pm

Great read!

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 8, 2023 at 4:45 am
  
  Glad you enjoyed it. We sure enjoyed doing the research for this blog post. 🤪🍻🍺🍻🍺. Jim
  
Dean says:

November 8, 2023 at 10:32 am

Enjoyed the humor and envious of your shared passion for exploring good food, beverages and adventure together.

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 8, 2023 at 10:45 am
  
  Dean, great to hear from you! Glad you enjoyed the humor we tried to insert into this blog post. Nothing quite as good as great food and great beer. Stay safe out there! Jim
  
Anonymous says:

November 8, 2023 at 2:30 pm

Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth, WA!

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 8, 2023 at 2:51 pm
  
  That is a town we have not yet had the opportunity to visit. Thanks for the tip! Jim 🍻
  
Liesbet @ Roaming About says:

November 10, 2023 at 6:38 pm

Wow, you guys! This is crazy. In so many ways. But, mostly in a good way. Did you ever visit Belgium? Beer capital of the world? There is a joke going around that I’m the only Belgian who doesn’t drink beer. Sorry! But, your post cracked me up, especially all the little quotes. And, I had to think “Thank, God we have Starlink now, or your post would have never loaded with all those photos!!” 🙂 Proost!

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 11, 2023 at 10:51 am
  
  Liesbet, we have never been to Belgium yet. One day!! Glad you enjoyed this post. Jim
  
Anonymous says:

November 13, 2023 at 6:30 am

I’d like to hear about your visit to South Padre Island.

1. Living in Beauty says:
  
  November 13, 2023 at 8:38 am
  
  We do not have a blog post exclusively about our visit to South Padre Island, but we do mention some of the things we enjoyed there in our blog post: Texas Border Wrap-Up. Jim 🍻