Happy Trails Charlie P
Updated: Apr 14, 2021
On the occasion of the retirement of Charlie Papazian,
President, Brewers Association, Boulder, CO – 1/19/19
Charlie P, a teacher, born to brew
Was it a vision, a seed, something special that he knew?
He pursued his passion, he blazed a trail
Turning corners, never afraid to fail
He pushed ahead, he followed his bliss
Garnering fans who became hip to this
The joy of homebrew, the impassioned apostle
The intense belief, the perpetual hustle
The lack of beer choice created a void
Only bland suds? People were annoyed
A movement got started, it soon became clear
Charlie wasn't alone in liking good beer
Like a sculptor or potter he shaped this thing
Building, honing, 'til it began to sing
A harmonic convergence stronger and stronger
It took on a life of its own, longer and longer
The lake of craft beer filled by those who came first
Building up pressure until the damn burst
The floodgates were open, craft coursed o'er the land
With Charlie born forth by his merry band
Of artists and chancers and people of vision
Striking out on their own through bold decision
Structure came later, there were bumps in the road
Rules were adopted they established a code
The roots were now deep, a foundation to keep
But with money to be made and profits to reap
The waters turned murky, the beers went quirky
Some breweries just quit, went cold turkey
Now it's up to others to carry the load
To uphold Charlie's legacy, keep craft on the road
In quality rooted, independence saluted,
Brewers brewing to what they're best suited
We wish Charlie the best as he signs off from this show
Where he'll wander to next, who can know
Doubtless still spreading the word, beer in hand
With a cheers global friend, whatever the land
Showman, shaman, 40 years of fun
They'll be many more accolades before he's done
If we ask was he really one of the chosen few?
He'll just tell ya to Relax, Don't Worry, Have a Homebrew
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