Testimony:
"Thank you for your help at the Standard. I think everyone had a great time and your Sommelier abilities made it much more interesting. We raised over $2500, to plant trees in the area. You helped us make this a success."
Joe Staley
Special Events Director
Trees Atlanta
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"Matt presented a "Beer 101" to our wine group and did a wonderful job. He made a group of wine lovers appreciate the finer points of skillful brewing. He got rave reviews from our members!"
Richard Kaplan
Atlanta, GA
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"Social 360 wants to thank you so much for your contribution to our recent event. Having the "Beer Sommelier" at our event definitely added some extra pizzazz and a nice educational touch to beer drinking! I have heard many compliments about your friendliness and depth of knowledge about beer from participants at our event. It was definitely a great move to have you come out and we appreciate your willingness to be flexible with our crazy schedules!
Best wishes with the business and we hope to work with you again in the future!"
Sincerely,
Brooke Baxter
Social 360
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"When it comes to beer, I have never met anyone with more passion, knowledge or energy than Matt Simpson. He possesses the heart of a teacher and the likability of, well....of beer."
Joey Redner
Tampa Bay Times/St. Petersburg Times Beer Columnist
Founder, Cigar City Brewing
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“In the many years I’ve known Matt Simpson, I’ve been fortunate enough to reap the liquid benefits of both his Cellar and brewing, on numerous occasions. And behind every beer shared, was (and still is) a story!
In the days of Dogwood Brewing, Matt would often host meetings and tastings at our facility, wherein, dozens of different beers would be sampled and discussed in one evening. These meetings continue to this day, in the form of Ale Atlanta…of which, I’m a proud member.
Tastings such as these have demonstrated Matt’s unique ability to not only describe the origins of the beers provided, but the flavor profiles and palates as well. I’ve found his depth of knowledge in these areas absolutely exceptional.
Having also had many beer-related discussions with Matt, I can certainly attest to his understanding of all aspects of the brewing process. In fact, intellectual dialogue, across the entire subject, has occasionally become lively debate. But all along, I have always considered him a fellow professional.
And if he ever had a question regarding anything in the arena of craft brewing, he’s never been afraid to ask those of us in the trenches, just to get a valid answer, without any speculation. His passion has always been evident, almost to the point of fanaticism!
There’s no question in my mind that Matt has the expertise, understanding and vigor to impart his beer knowledge to anyone so inclined to listen. Whether it be an education in beer, or simply a fun time, Matt’s your man!”
Crawford Moran
Co-Owner/Brew Master
5 Seasons North
Owner/Brew Master
Dogwood Brewing
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“I’ve found his knowledge of beer and brewing to be quite competent, and have had many conversations with him about brewing techniques and methods.
I have also attended several of the tastings he’s hosted through Ale Atlanta and RateBeer. I am always amazed at the wide selection and variety of exclusive and rare beers his groups are able to acquire. After the thousands of different beers and vintages he’s sampled through the years, I’m certain his perception and appreciation of beer are on a much higher level than most.
All that being said, I consider Matt a great resource for everything beer. His place in the Atlanta beer community is one that has brought insight and education to the fore front.
Brian “Spike” Buckowski
Co-Founder/Brewmaster
Terrapin Beer Company
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“I have never thought of “entertaining” during a Thanksgiving holiday with my family. But I enlisted a pro, Matt Simpson in “brewology, to do something simple, like a beer tasting. In my layman thinking, I thought he could use his expertise to talk about all the interesting beers I had seen in the local specialty stores. This, to pass time while the turkey dinner came together and bring the adults in a circle for some fun and MAYBE a little knowledge.
In no way did I expect the end result of what I thought would be just a time passer. Mr. Simpson, came armed and erudite with a collection of beers we’ve all seen but didn’t dare buy. We learned just enough chemistry to be fun, yet not overwhelming. We walked away knowing the difference between an ale and a stout. We knew we preferred an amber verses a lambic. Ask Matt about lambics-his knowledge of these obscure brews is endless. Some even walked away with new nicknames, such as a Hop Head, etc. It was the most fun any of us ever had learning. Matt Simpson is the consummate professional in his field, an enthusiast of all hop libation and an incredible host of barley carbonated events.
Thank you for a great event. Can’t wait to enlist your extensive “brewology” services at our next gathering!”
Suizan Osvick
Square Peg Marketing
Dallas, TX
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“I have been a professional brewer for 14+ years and having known Matt Simpson since 2002, I can attest to his finely trained palate for beer and food matching and his ability to know good beer when he drinks it. He is well versed in working with the media and has superb people skills.
He is definitely one of the ‘movers and shakers’ in the Atlanta group of beer cognoscenti and whoever hires him for his knowledge will be very lucky indeed.”
Julie Baggett
Brewmaster, New Vulcan Alehouse
Former Brewer, Anheuser Busch
Former Brewer, Abita Brewing
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“I have known Matt for several years and have been impressed with his pervasive passion and enthusiasm for fine beer. Matt has worked hard over the years in helping produce the beer website known as www.thebeercellar.com that endeavors to promote the world of Southern beer. He is also an active member of Atlanta’s premier beer taster’s organization – Ale Atlanta.
Matt is extremely personable and well-versed in beer styles and beer culture. He contributes reviews of commercial beers to www.ratebeer.com and rarely misses a gourmet beer tasting in the Atlanta area. He is also a valued contributor to the Atlanta Beer-Talk email discussion group.
Matt Simpson is truly fervent in his love for exceptional beers. You would be hard-pressed to find someone more deserving of your careful attention and consideration.”
Owen Ogletree
Founder & Editor – www.ClassicCityBrew.com
Staff Writer – Southern Brew News
Founder & Director – Classic City Brew Fest and Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting
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“I wish to express my appreciation to you for your contributions to the BrewMasters of Alpharetta. You add more content than many of those who claim the BrewMasters as their only (brewing) club. You take an active role in discussions, demonstrating advanced home-brewing knowledge, as well as knowledge of the many beer styles. You were, time and time again, able to describe specific beers, in terms of malt and hop flavor and aroma, as if you had intimate knowledge of the (BJCP) guide and were able to correctly compare them to the style. You obviously have many years of experience and it shows.
In addition, we see you month after month, bringing samples that demonstrate your advanced ability to brew great beer. These are not examples of standard styles. These are beers that are difficult to brew and on the forefront of brewing trends. One memorable example was a Double IPA that you shared with me. It demonstrated a thorough understanding of this new style and the techniques needed to brew such a complex ale. Only an advanced home-brewer would take on such a challenge and be successful in his efforts.
I would also like to thank you for volunteering to give presentations at our meetings, sharing your understanding of beer. From the unique Belgian styles, with their widely varying sub-styles, to creating and explaining Eisbock beers, you have willingly given presentations that have been thought provoking and original in content. It is my hope that you continue to attend our meetings and share more of your knowledge.
Craig Sikes
President
The BrewMasters of Alpharetta
