"The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing." – Socrates Johnson

As with most important things in life, my time at Dogfish can be whittled down to a quote from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure."

I am a craft beer geek. I travel through time and space to experience the greatest that fermented beverages have to offer. I am good. I know them. I can critique them. And I love them. They offer an insight into the minds of geniuses. But I know nothing.

My coworkers literally work around the clock to produce a world-class product. They put their figurative blood, sweat, and tears into a beautiful concoction that is second to none. I pass them in the halls, with a general idea of how they brew and test and package and pour and distribute the ales that I am so in love with. But, honestly, I know nothing. I am just a guy trying to get Eddie Van Halen to play lead guitar. I learn something new from them every day.

They are the personages of historical significance.

They are Bob Genghis Khan. The brutal no-holds-barred warriors of craft beer.

They are Maxine of Arc. The strong women of our industry refusing to give up amidst opposition.

They are Herman the Kid. The outlaws. The bad-boys. Guns drawn and stone faced.

They are Dennis Freud. The intellects, the scientists, the analysts.

They are Dave Beethoven. The composers. The creators. The prodigies.

They are ... Abraham Lincoln. The emancipators from restriction.

Napoleon was at the waterslide for the purposes of this analogy.

As much as I would like to think I know about great beers, I realize that I know nothing at all. They teach me the difference between 'knowing' and 'learning.' It is a continuous effort, an ongoing trip through time (looking at you Dr. Pat), and a beautiful cast of characters that makes it all possible. I love that I am able to continue this truly triumphant journey with each and every one of my coworkers.

That being said, be excellent to each other...

And party on, dudes!