The Better Beer Authority revamps website, new content

The Better Beer Authority (BBA) was one of the best enthusiasts’ websites for craft beer (their videos in particular are some of the most insightful on YouTube). Earlier this year, founder James Knott stepped down. Now some of his friends are revamping the site, which we think is pretty cool.

“After James suddenly announced that he was ending the BBA, a few of us thought it was too soon to let it die, so after some planning and some people stepping forward we have found a way to keep the BBA alive,” said David Hartogs, BBA producer. “The first thing you should know is that the BBA is moving from Columbus, Ohio, to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Our mission is and always will be to provide honest reviews and have a good time. We won’t be swayed by what the marketing of a beer tells us what to think.”

While the site won’t be able to replicate the luxurious Columbus set that video expert Knott put together, the group does plan on bringing something different to the table. First, the BBA will continue the panel reviews, most of them will be done blindly. They will do more onsite shoots and reviews. “For example, we’ll shoot episodes from bottle shops with the beer curators introducing beers to us,” said Hartogs “We’ll also be doing beer reviews at breweries with owners and brewers taking us through their range of beers, and lastly going to beer events. Above all else, it will be a fun ride, and we are open to any ideas.”

We suggest you subscribe now to the new BBA Youtube page. Please note that they will release their first video in early January at www.youtube.com/TheBetterBeerAuth. Enjoy one of their great videos above, and then, learn about the three main players below.

David Hartogs has been social media director and producer with the BBA since October 2011, and has appeared on a few episodes of BBA. A college roommate of Knott, David Hartogs loves beer and surfing. He lives in Arlington, Va., and has been homebrewing for two years. Favorite styles include west coast style IPAs and big stouts, but he loves all styles and is not picky.

Richard Hartogs has been a travel writer for the BBA since 2011 and a constant contributor to the BBA Facebook page. Richard Hartogs has appeared in a few episodes of the BBA when visiting Knott in Ohio. He is also the organizer for the D.C. area MeetUp Group, Beer Heads with over 600 members. Rich Hartogs loves all styles of beer and can somehow get his hands on many a rare beer. He travels to Europe twice a year and is always on the go.

Andrew Lewandowski grew up in Toledo, Ohio (same city as BBA founder Knott) and is as avid a beer geek as they come. Currently living in Northern Virginia, he has enjoyed searching and trying as many different styles of beer as possible through beer trades, brewery tours and large tasting with friends. A homebrewer for nearly 2 years, Lewandowski likes to put his personal spin on what he brews while informing others about how beer can more than just the standard BMCs.