Superior locals and a heartfelt thank-you
The One-Ply Publisher
Behind the scenes of Matthew Janzen’s lifestyle of rich roadside experiences and toothbrush-famous Kwik Trip encounters.
SUPERIOR LOCALS AND A HEARTFELT THANK-YOU
On October 2nd, I rolled into Superior to speak about the impact of craft beer throughout Wisconsin at the local public library. Prior to October 2nd, I had been to the northern-port town two times in my life. Once in 2016, to take photos and interview employees at Thirsty Pagan Brewing, and once this past May, to deliver copies of my book to Thirsty Pagan’s taproom.
In those earlier trips, the only parts of Superior I knew beyond Wisconsin’s “sour beer and pizza mecca” (my coinage) were limited to the drive in and a fill-up at the Kwik Trip on my drive out. This time, I made a point of scheduling an entire evening, and that in and of itself was worth taking some time to reflect on.
From the wonderful people who showed up to my presentation, and the ones who joined me at the reception afterward, to the Monday-night bar crowd I rubbed elbows with early into the next day, it was a true pleasure meeting the fine people of Superior, Wis.
In the craft beer industry, there’s a sense of community that transcends knowing someone. You get the Cheers-type atmosphere where comments from strangers on the opposite end of the bar are always welcome. It’s a community I’ve immersed myself in for the past two-plus years, to the point I forgot this simple act of humanity can exist beyond brewery walls. Not in all places, that I can verify. But in Superior, it existed everywhere I went.
The six hour drive from Milwaukee now feels a whole lot closer to home. For that, I know I will coming back to get to know you even better. Thank you, Superior.
Cheers,
Matthew Janzen
P.S. Thanks to the Fox 21 crew for showing up and spreading the word to those who didn't.
A version of this blog post was featured in a letter to the editor of Superior Telegram.
Photos of Wisconsin Book Tour happenings have been in short supply; SoCB will be making a conscious effort to get its phone photography game on point. In the meantime, here’s a barrel used in Thirsty Pagan Brewing’s sour beer program.
