Free Copy of Issue 1

So, we have our premiere issue done, and it's totally out there. We know that it's been a bit hard to find -- the markets we're in seem to have sold out of them. That said, if you want a free issue, let us know. This is a limited-time offer (in that, of course, we don't have a ton left to give away). But, send any requests for magazines to Sally...and maybe even include a nice note to her because she's horribly overworked these days...and we'll get it into the mail for ya. Please include your address cuz it's kind've hard to send mags without it.

Send requests to: Sally.semegen@draftmag.com.
Also, please include the words "Issue 1" in the subject line.
Enjoy!!!!

America The Beer-tiful

Hello all!
Wow, what a month. We all just returned from the Great American Beer Festival -- a truly inspiringly amazingly mammoth beer event. Was fun to see some old friends and make more than a few new ones. Special shout out to Chris Pryor from the BA (awesome event) and Don Russell (beer writer of the year! congrats!) Check out his stories in both the Sept/Oct. issue and the Nov/Dec issue of DRAFT, and definitely go to his website...www.joesixpack.com.
One other special shout-out to the dude that peed under the table in our VIP lounge. You know, we were pretty mad, as were the unwitting victims who were sitting at your table when you quietly urinated on their feet...but, let's face it, it's now one of the most popular tales we share from the event.

On top of that, special thanks to all of the breweries that brought in some completely fantastic brews. It's a reminder to all of us to get out and visit our local brewpubs -- no matter where you live, there's likely an awesome spot nearby serving up a beer you can't get too many other places.

We naughty few at DRAFT...

So its been a (long) while since I last posted, and I feel no small amount of shame for it... but not to worry- as punishment, the entire staff will be chugging warm sixers of bunk 5-year-old beast ice. That should teach 'em.

Its been a crazy few weeks finishing up the first issue, lining up our printing and distribution, setting our fulfillment into order, bla bla bla... but having seen the final product, its been worth it! We've got a great issue in store for everyone, covering everything from beer to travel to sports and more... and did I mention Beer Fest? Hilarious!

And, to top it off, we've got launch season to look forward to, including, much to my delight, the impending launch of our final website- stay tuned. Between launch parties around the country (aka, excuses for this humble writer to publicly embarrass himself), appearances at a bunch of beer festivals (we are particularly excited to be presenting the 'Best of Fest' award at Telluride Blues & Brews on September 15-17- and no, the chance to listen to Bruce Hornsby, Lou Reed and John Mayer have nothing to do with it!) and, of course, our big "hello" to the word as top-level sponsors of the GABF, its going to be one hell of a fun month or two. And that's just the beginning, because DRAFT will continue to pop its head in on festivals around the country, wherever and whenever they're held.

I'll post soon on some of our fun beer goings-on soon, but wanted to pop by and say hello to all three people who read this.

Cheers!
DRAFT

Last week, issue one of DRAFT was sent to the printer...and, if we don't mind saying so ourselves, it looks pretty darn good. We're confident that you'll dig it. (Enormous thanks to our very talented designer, Kevin, who is a miracle worker.)

So -- the update:
Scott, our esteemed beer director, has been getting into the holiday spirit and tasting winter brews for issue 2. In fact, despite the 100-degree heat, he was spotted donning a Santa hat and big furry boots. (We think some of those Xmas ales are a little stronger than even he expected).
Austin, our publisher, is recovering quite nicely from an experimental surgery in which he had his phone permanently attached to his ear. But, it seems to be working out well as he is in the midst of planning two really cool DRAFT sponsorships in September: The Great American Beer Festival and Telluride Blues and Brews.
Erika, our editor, just returned from a month-long stint in LA, putting the final touches on the launch issue. It appears that she has fallen in love with traffic and has already finagled a few stories that will bring her back to La La land at the end of the month.
Kris, our sales maven, has managed to do her job, plus catch nasty errors in editorial, plus do marketing, plus become a new mommy...to a puppy named Ajax. Not quite sure how she manages it all...

So, that's us. And, when the mag actually comes out, we'll use this forum to talk a lot more about the things that really matter -- the stories, the reviews and the wonderful world of beer.
Until then, keep your fridge full and your expectations high -- DRAFT is coming very soon!

Nashville... and beer

Well, its been a busy few weeks, but rest assured, the posts WILL come more frequently. There's that small matter of publishing our first issue to deal with...

Needless to say, we've been diving into so many amazing brews! Under the watchful eye of Scott, our resident Beer Guru, we've just put the finishing touches on in-depth reviews for 40 outstanding beers. Tough work, indeed, but SOMEBODY has to do it...

In addition, Austin, our Publisher, has just returned from a trip to Nashville and was pleased to report on some important goings-on at local favorite Yazoo Brewery. Worth a visit if you are in the area and can pry yourself away from *listening* to up-and-comers Jypsi. Austin learned the hard way that airlines don't particularly enjoy Growlers in carry-on baggage...

Erika, our Editor-in-Chief, was recently spotted carousing about in several L.A. bars at, ahem, 5 in the morning, ostensibly watching the World Cup. The only problem with that story is that she claims she's excited to see Pele...

Catch you soon!

Cheers,
DRAFT

Welcome to Draft Magazine!

Welcome to Draft Magazine, your definitive resource for Life On Tap. Over the days and weeks ahead, we will share with you our adventures in the world of beer. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Cheers,
Draft