Influencers. They’re everywhere these days; craft beer, travel, food, even people who just film themselves opening boxes. Many of them do great work, but let’s be honest… they can also be a cheeky bunch.
I have seen and heard from a number of breweries we often frequent and have previously covered on the blog say that there has been another increase of influencers contacting them and charging a fee to cover there brewery, beer festival/event. Where I understand “business is business“, However I find this leaves a horrible taste in my mouth.
Especially given the current state and costs of the industry where things are becoming increasingly tight!
Now I’ve never really considered us influencers and, arguably, given our small but loyal following, many would say we’re definitely not. However, we don’t have a rate card, we don’t do “packages” and we certainly don’t charge for a review.
The Eternal Hoptimists is, and always has been, a passion project.
We buy our own beers (too many, according to our fridges), we travel to breweries off our own steam, and we write because we love talking about what’s in the glass and who’s behind it. Our only “fee” is the joy of discovering something new and and the additional tickets we have to buy for “missed” trains as we enjoy ourselves too much.
So while the influencer world keeps doing its thing, we’ll keep doing ours: honest opinions, a bit of banter, and the occasional dodgy selfie in a brewery loo. No charges, no agendas, just hops and happiness.
But i want to finish off with a big shout out to the breweries we’ve covered over the past four (and a bit) years, without you, The Eternal Hoptimists wouldn’t be a thing.
You’ve welcomed us in, poured us pints, and put up with our relentless badgering for “just one more photo” or “tell me again what hops are in this?” Despite what some may say, keep doing exactly what you’re doing: making great beer. Many of us so-called beer “experts” are more than happy to pay the price — in both wallet and waistline.
Thank you!
Now the seriousness is over, make sure to check these guys, and your local brewery out pronto!
Meanwood Brewery
Wishbone Brewery
Tartarus Brewing
Bayonet Brewing
Merakai Brewing
Powder Monkey Brewing Co
Amity Brew Co
Piglove Brew Co
SWIC (Sheeps in Wolfs Clothing)
Horsforth Brewery
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 