John Holl’s love affair with journalism and beer started at a tender age. When he was just 16, Holl began his path in the realm of journalism, embarking on a summer internship at a local newsroom. His rapid ascent was marked by a somewhat daunting task on only his second day: interviewing New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman. This moment was a pivotal starting point for Holl, foreshadowing a career characterized by bold steps, in both the field of journalism and brewing culture.
Holl’s transition into the craft beer world kicked off on a significant milestone – his 21st birthday. Instead of opting for generic fare, he made a choice that would shape his future: he ventured into a local brewpub and sipped his first India Pale Ale (IPA). This moment sparked a commitment to explore the nuances of better beer and laid the groundwork for his extensive contributions to beer literature.
Two years following that fateful birthday, Holl found himself writing about beer for the New York Times, his first byline discussing the burgeoning craft beer scene in New Jersey. It was a prophetic moment as he soon became a trusted voice in a rapidly changing industry. His versatility became evident as he steadily wrote for notable publications such as All About Beer and Ale Street News, which represented the pinnacle of beer journalism at that time.
However, the landscape of journalism was shifting, and some of Holl’s favorite publications struggled to keep pace with the digital revolution. Despite the fall of these storied outlets, Holl carved his niche, becoming synonymous with the craft beer narrative during his years as editor of All About Beer from 2012 to 2017. His leadership at the publication cemented his reputation as a significant voice in beer, and demand for his insights ballooned, leading to speaking engagements around the globe.
Holl’s journey did not stop with his editorship. In a bold move in 2022, he purchased and resurrected All About Beer alongside compatriot Andy Crouch. Their collaboration represented not just a revival but an acknowledgment of the need for focused beer journalism in an era saturated with culinary and beverage discourse. Today, Holl’s work encompasses the intricate art of brewing while fostering a community of beer lovers keen on discovering more.
Additionally, he hosts or co-hosts several podcasts, including “Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl,” “BYO Nano Brew Podcast,” and “Steal This Beer.” Each of these platforms serves as an avenue to bridge the world of beer enthusiasts with practical insights and engaging conversations. He also produces the All About Beer Podcast and Brewer To Brewer, nurturing a narrative-centric approach to the beer world.
Adding to his prolific career, Holl has authored six books focused on beer, ranging from travel guides like “Indiana Breweries” to cookbooks, including “American Craft Beer Cookbook.” His texts reflect not only his passion for brewing but also his desire to educate readers about the intricate relationships between food and beer, showcasing recipes that celebrate each.
Despite the wealth of knowledge and appreciation for beer among enthusiasts, Holl acknowledges a troubling trend in the industry. He laments the decline of dedicated beer publications, which once thrived amidst burgeoning interest. With few platforms dedicated to exploring the complex narratives of beer’s business dynamics, personalities, and flavors, Holl recognizes a disservice to the very community he seeks to inform and cultivate.
John Holl’s influence on the craft beer scene is profound. His trajectory from a young intern nervously interviewing a governor to the reigning voice of American beer illustrates both personal dedication and a broader movement within the brewing industry. As he continues to create content and nurture dialogues around beer, Holl’s work stands as a testament to the evolving narrative of the beverage that brings people together. The future of beer writing, like Holl himself, calls for innovation, resilience, and a relentless commitment to sharing the joys of craft beer with the world.