Some of the best craft brewing images of 2014

Rogue Ales loves dogs, and its dog history dates back to Brewer, the longtime companion of Rogue Brewmaster John Maier.

Sometimes words can be unclear. So, let us focus on a few images to sum up 2014. It was yet another insanely prolific year for the craft brewing industry, and each of these images showcases a big moment in those last 12 crazed months. Read the cutlines if you want or just gaze in wonder at these beautiful moments captured in time. We’ve got a little bit of everything here: Glorious hop harvest images; craft beer festivals turned dance parties; owners and brewmasters raising pints; and even the Photoshop magic of a wooden beer bottle (right below). If you have a favorite image, let us know about it in the comments below.

Dougal Sharp bought a lathe and taught himself the art of woodturning to create the first wooden bottle.

SweetWater Brewing Co.’s Head Brewer Nick Nock poses with a Delta flight attendant. Sweetwater beers can now be found on certain Delta flights.

You can just tell Goose Island’s Ian Hughes is always thinking safety.

Weighing in at 100+ international bitterness units and 10 percent ABV, Oskar Blues Brewery‘s GUBNA is a complex and chameleonic concoction that packs a wallop.

For several years, Dogfish Head has commissioned rock ‘n’ roll artists to create a series of posters to accompany Dogfish Head’s annual seasonal releases. Jermaine Rogers looks to be our favorite so far.

Cheryl Hunter, owner of Hunter’s Ale House, discusses the brewing process with Cordell DeMattei, Central Michigan University’s director of fermentation science. CMU now has an undergraduate certificate program aimed at filling regional brewing needs. Photo by Steve Jessmore/Central Michigan University

The New Holland/Carhartt Road Home crew might be pulling into your neighborhood soon.

This might be all 49,000 attendees that came in droves to the 2014 Great American Beer Festival.

So many eye-popping, hops-porn pics from our photo blog on the British hops harvest.

New Belgium Brewing Co. once again partnered with Boulder-based Namasté Solar to add an additional 96.525 kW of photovoltaic solar paneling at its Fort Collins facility.

$95,000 in fundraising accomplished at Beau’s 6th Vankleek Hill Oktoberfest

Alaskan Brewing Co. recently hosted the Brew Dogs in Juneau, Alaska, where they collaborated on a beer that would allow them to survive in the rugged wilderness.

Alaskan Brewing Co. hosted the Brew Dogs in Juneau, Alaska, where they collaborated on a beer that would allow them to survive in the rugged wilderness.

Master Cicerone Patrick Rue loves his beer. In 2008, Rue founded the Orange County, Calif.-based brewery, The Bruery.

Bend Brewfest raises more than $13,000 for local charities

Indiana farm aesthetics mix with wonderful Indiana crafted beer. Bravo CODO.

What should a brewery think about before deciding to run its own event?

What is throughput you may ask? Bill Garvey explains in this article.

Brewmaster John Maier at Rogue Farms Honey Harvest 2014.

Harpoon Brewery goes employee-owned August 1.

You can just tell Fred Bueltmann exudes style.

There was considerable growth in new shop openings, with 37 percent of respondents indicating they have been open for three years or less. Photo credit: Brewers Association

There was considerable growth in new homebrewing shop openings. Photo credit: Brewers Association

New Belgian Brewing Co’s Tour de Fat.

These guys are supposedly working at the 2014 Craft Brewers Conference.

Brewers smiling craft brewers conference

Show attendees enjoy the keynote and general session at the 2014 Craft Brewers Conference. Photo credit: Brewers Association.

This year, Mitch Steele accepted the award for his innovation and execution in brewing and also his work to share his knowledge and experience with the entire craft brewing industry. Photo credit: Brewers Association.

SweetWater Brewing Co. revamped its bottles inside and out.

Enjoy these Briess Specialty Malts.

The Mitten Brewing Co. — where the checks are as big as their hearts.

Mission Brewery does a million things in 2014.

After enjoying this wonderful image, go learn how to craft a hop contract.

The Jelly Belly Draft Beer jelly bean pays homage to beer’s German ancestry with a Hefeweizen-inspired ale flavor.

According to Crisp Maltings, beers brewed with Clear Choice Malt benefit from improved haze stability, extended shelf life and enhanced flavor stability.