We’ve made it to the end of another year. For many of us, this year has been a doozy. Breweries have been among the hardest-hit industries in Oklahoma. We’ve seen some great ones close their doors, and it’s sad to witness. The good news is that beer is still going strong here in Oklahoma, and the selection remains fantastic. Today, as I sit and enjoy an imperial stout to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Lively Beerworks, I’m reminded that a good beer is a collection of stories. Each story is what brings the beer to life.

You can’t have a good story without knowing where it started. For a large part of the Oklahoma brewery scene, the story often begins in a garage somewhere, with a brewer playing with the equivalent of a chemistry set. With childlike wonder, they mix hops, grains, nibs, and just about anything else they can think of, testing their mad science ideas in the hopes of creating a beer that’s not just drinkable but remarkable. The hours, weeks, and years of turning water into beer forge a certain type of character in these rare individuals. Those who succeed often spend their life savings to share their art with the world. Most are met with criticism from people who prefer the big-name brands I’ll simply call swill. Luckily, not everyone is satisfied with swill. Some recognize the craft and take the time to savor the fruits of this labor. If you’re reading this, I’ll assume you’re one of those people.

The next story is the beer itself. Each beer is inspired by memories, smells, tastes, and sometimes—using the words of Buck Buchanan from Core4 Brewery—“We drink about it.” If you’ve been around the beer scene for long, you’ve likely noticed that brewers are, by definition, ever-evolving. Their evolution comes alive in the beer styles they create. When I started drinking, I knew about lagers, ales, and stouts. Today, if you look at an average brewery menu, you’ll probably see 7–14 different types of beer. Each type signifies a new story, and these stories are as diverse as they are definitive. The more interesting a beer is, the more likely it is that its story began with several failed attempts. Every sip is a window into the life story of that beer. Good beer should be savored, and when you do, it will speak to you—not just because of the ABV.

The real story, however, is the person holding the beer. Are you enjoying it alone, like I am today? Are you unwinding with a few friends after work? Is it part of a celebration? A heartbreak? Or maybe it’s just a “beer for the sake of beer” kind of moment with the people you love. Beer is one of humanity’s oldest creations, and for good reason. It allows us to gather, to live life together. It gives us exactly what we need in the moment. One thing is clear, as a great philosopher once said: “No good story ever started with, ‘I was having a salad.’”

All this to say: here’s your opportunity to get involved in a story of your own. We have some amazing people who have devoted their lives—and much of their life savings—to sharing their story with you. Visit one of our Oklahoma breweries this year before it’s too late. If it’s already too late, visit them next year. Ask questions about the beer. Learn something new about this long and storied craft. I hope to see you at one of these amazing breweries soon. Until then, enjoy the pour and taste the story.