- SUCCESS- The year flew by quickly and yes I was able to meet the challenge and win the bets. However, the quest become so much more than meeting the goal and proving I could do it. The quest was a great transition into retirement and even though Joann is not a true craft beer lover, it gave us many hours of quality time together. I was reminded by numerous people during this quest that I have a very special wife to agree and participate with the quest. I already new that and I could not think of anyone that I would have enjoyed sharing the quest with more than her. We discovered how beautiful and diverse this country is. We only visited 32 states ( the goal was 30) so we have 18 more to visit and we will. I also had many people ask me why I wasn't rating or critiquing the various breweries that we visited and the beers that I enjoyed. That wasn't the purpose of the quest and I believe that ratings are very subjective. We all have different tastes and yes there are a few breweries that I wouldn't visit again, however, everyone needs to determine the good breweries from the bad by visiting them. Of the 300 breweries I visited, only one was not an enjoyable experience. I have never experienced an industry ( craft Brewing ) where there are so many friendly people ( yes many were jealous that I was able to be on a quest). Your age, politics, religion or gender does not matter, all are welcome. How many competitive businesses actually collaborate, help one another and brew beer together? Yes there are a few outliers who do fit in with the group, but very few. OK enough of the editorial...........the bottom line is go out and start your own Quest. I promise you will not regret it.
- What's Next?....Is the Quest Over? - I know The Quest was for 300........NO the Quest is not over, maybe I need to update the website cover page title to " Welcome to the Quest". I believe there were 3,418 craft breweries in operation, year end 2014, with many more planned to open in the future, With this growing industry ( craft beer is 11% of the beer market and increasing), the Quest will never end as long as I can keep drinking beer. Yes, priorities have been re-directed, my new twin Grandsons, Connor & Brayden ( they are 20 1/2 years away from sharing a beer with Pap) and other family commitments will always be on top of the list. However, I still plan to visit breweries that I missed or recently opened and re-visit breweries that I enjoyed during Quest -300. The pace will be slower, but the quest will go on. Gee... I wonder how long it will take me to get to 1000? Just kidding Joann.............
- The Website- First, I want to thank all of you that visited the site, made comments and sent me messages. I can not believe how many people viewed the site ( 9,000 the past year). What is even more surprising are the number of people that are continuing to view the site. What I have been told is that some people use it as a guide to help them find or decide which breweries to visit when they are in a certain area. I also really enjoy writing the blog and keeping the log updated. So I'm going to keep the site updated and I hope people continue to use it and send an occasional message. ON WITH THE QUEST........... I look forward to hearing about your Quest!