It was Saturday, April 24th, and the streets of downtown Manayunk were abuzz with sidewalk café-ers, window shoppers, and those seeking out local food and drink.

We all have talents and aversions, and my Beer Fox Brain simply did not accept the challenges necessary to process the fundamentals of electromagnetic bronzing. But that was before I knew Phil Farrell and his famously-photographed rubber chicken.

Thanks to Apple and a lost iPhone, those of us on the East Coast of the United States are primed for a new adventure to Silicon Valley.

The Brewers Association has released their 2009 production stats for Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewing Companies and Overall Brewing Companies. I prefer to microscopically review these lists from my own perspective to determine patterns that matter to me, as an enthusiast of craft beer.

For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold award allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best of that beer style in the world.

Judges may taste as many as 50 beer samples in a day. Their assessment of each beer follows the Style Guidelines developed by the Brewers Association for description and specifications, while selecting beers with qualities that propel them into the category of true World-Class prominence.

The Opening Session of the 27th Craft Brewers Conference 2010, held on Thursday, April 8th featured a treasure trove of leaders in the professional brewing community. Look below for the most recognized faces in the beer industry.

The Brewers Association (BA) sounds-off as the most passionate voice for craft brewers in the United States - defining craft brewers as small, independent and traditional. View the CBC gallery for a look at some of the famous beer-industry faces that dotted the sea of brewers.

We are fortunate to see the gleam in the glass, to feel the golden elixir slosh across our lips, and to laugh with the pleasurable effects for hours afterward. But within that pleasure lays a complexity that few understand.

As an adult, I still find joy in chocolate and cellophane, but look for the added pleasure of a substantially-woven basket filled with Easter beer.