History of the SBR

The idea for the Springfield Beer Review web site originated with a festival. A beer festival, of course. Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June, 2001, was the second day of the 5th annual Old Dominion Beer Fest (held in Ashburn, Virginia). Having attended the 3rd and 4th Beer Fests, I anxiously awaited my shot at the 5th. I recalled, however, that after the prior festivals were over, I had a difficult time remembering the beers that I had really liked (and, no -- this had nothing to do with all of the 'sampling' I had done each day...). I wanted to be able to recall these brews when next I sought a good beer (for the weekend or whenever). What to do, though? What else? I determined that for this year's festival, I (Brewmeister G) would diligently take notes on the brews I tried. Who made the beer? What was its name? What did I think of it? At the time, I was not thinking of writing a full-scale review for each beer -- just a few simple notes to guide me on future visits to the beer section of the local grocery store (or neighborhood beverage outlet). Five hours and thirteen samples (6 oz each) later, I had my notes.

A couple of friends who had made the trek out to Old Dominion that day requested that I write up and distribute a formal report on these beers I had tried. Having had some prior HTML knowledge (and having been looking for a good web page idea), I decided to post my beer reviews on the web for all to see, friends and strangers alike. The more I thought about the concept for the page, the more ideas and potential characteristics that came to mind. The result is here before you. I typed in the first code on July 7, 2001, with my reward a trip that night out to Old Dominion for 32 oz of good, microbrewed beer (eight (different) 4 oz samples). The first reviews were posted and the SBR was on its merry way!

My original intent was for the SBR staff to review any beer we could get our hands on (macro or micro brewed, domestic or import, specialty brew or not-so-special standard Joe Beer). Shortly after the onset of this page, Dopplebock -- one of several guest reviewers for the SBR -- suggested that I "should focus on obscure, microbreweries, or imports," a suggestion I heartily agree with! There are many other sites out there which have reviewed the common brews of America (the Buds, the Coors, the Millers). The Springfield Beer Review will set itself apart from these repositories of the ordinary, focusing on the harder-to-find brews. Ones you might have to expend a little (or a lot of) effort to track down. Beers you can then appreciate all the more for having had to go that extra mile to enjoy them. Beers that will mean something to you. Beers that will linger with you -- not like a viral infection or a bad meal lingers, but like a pleasant memory lingers.

The staff of the SBR (at this time, July 24, 2001) resides in the Washington DC metro area - predominantly in Northern Virginia. Thus, while we will select beers from across the country (indeed, the world!), our list of reviewed beers will no doubt reflect the region where we work, play, and drink. This is not a bad thing, however, as the region boasts an impressive list of microbrewers. For the out-of-the-area beers, we are fortunate in that the metro area boasts several businesses which carry a great selection of brews. Bars and restaurants will also be patronized in search of new fermented beverages to share with you, our loyal internet visitors. No sacrifice will be too great - our hearts and livers are in this all the way!

So sit back. Relax (with a beer in one hand and the mouse in the other, of course) and let the staff of the SBR open their tasting notes for your reading pleasure. These reviews reflect what that particular reviewer thought of that particular beer. You may agree whole-heartedly! You may disagree whole-heartedly! However, we sincerely hope that you do (whole-heartedly) Enjoy!

Cheers,
Brewmeister G

July 24, 2001

For more information about the SBR, please contact Brewmeister G. All fermented contributions are cheerfully accepted.

The Springfield Beer Review's Site History page has had happy visitors since the idea for it was first brewed up!

Layout, design, & revisions © 2001, Brewmeister G
Revised -- 27 September 2003
URL: www.angelfire.com/dc/beer