Well, the lack of satellite events a mere two hours drive to the east does disappoint me a little but seeing as the planning and now holding of Toronto Beer Week has gone from zero to sixty in such a short period of time it is hard not to be impressed. It's even on TV. Troy Burtch, one of those lucky bloggers who turned their interest into a full time job, gets well-earned recognition in today's National Post:
Troy Burtch, director of sales and marketing for TAPS magazine, and a key organizer of the week-long festivities, is equally excited about introducing suds lovers and newbies alike to the difference craft brewing brings to the table. He’s talking about “going to the next level” in terms of appealing to the existing drinkers who gravitate towards existing mass-market “premium” beers, people who already spend more money on what they drink and serve at parties, but who don’t know what they’re missing in terms of taste, or aren’t aware of smaller producers. “Beer people are always in search of that perfect pint,” Burtch says, “and TBW is about building on the advances of the Ontario Craft Brewers, introducing people to new beers and new pints, and hitting on those individuals who will go to the LCBO afterwards, pick up that product they tried and keep the ‘circle of life’ moving.”
I hardly ever get to Toronto but when I do I seem to have a beer with Troy. I remember last December telling Ralph at Volo (when I sent Troy off to buy something expensive for the next round) that my money was on him to be the guy who was going to make a move in telling the story of beer in this province. I had no idea it was going to be evident so quickly. And, yes, I felt like such an old fart as soon as the praise came out of my mouth. I'd never admit I even said it now that he's going places.
Not this this festival is all his idea or effort. It has taken a lot of other people to push the city known as the Big Smoke in such successful beery leaps and bounds. Mr. B has posted his picks. And look, there's Greg out there drinking while slurping oysters on a school night... for you, if tweeting is the new news. Heck, the taxidermist is even coming by. I do hope the wave of excitement moves further out of the urban core but these things take time. I fully expect it will take Troy until about next June.