Some songs are written to honor people. Others commemorate places or moments in history. Masters of Astoria was written to celebrate craftsmanship.

For years, Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon has been my favorite brewery in the Pacific Northwest. Long before writing this song, I spent years reviewing craft beer and even hosted a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing my passion for great breweries. Out of all the breweries I visited and reviewed, Fort George consistently stood at the top.

This song is my way of saying thank you.

Rather than creating a commercial or a traditional jingle, I wanted to write something that could actually be played inside the brewery, during an event, or while people are sharing pints with friends. The goal was to capture the energy, pride, and culture that make craft beer special.

Musically, Masters of Astoria blends old-school hip hop with hard rock influences inspired by Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. The song opens with whispered chants of "Hops..." that slowly build beneath a fingerpicked acoustic guitar before the band suddenly drops into silence. A single shouted "HOPS!" ignites the full band, creating the same anticipation and release as that first sip of an exceptional beer.

Lyrically, the song celebrates what makes great beer more than just a beverage. References to Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops, balanced ABV, chemistry, artistry, and precision brewing acknowledge the science and craftsmanship behind every glass. Brewing is presented as both technical discipline and creative expression.

The title, Masters of Astoria, reflects more than a brewery's location. It is a statement of respect. To me, Fort George has earned a reputation for consistently producing some of the finest craft beer in the Pacific Northwest. The chorus transforms that admiration into an anthem, with "Fort George!" becoming the rallying cry celebrating the people behind the beer.

Throughout the song are nods that longtime Fort George fans will immediately recognize. Vortex, City of Dreams, Magnanimous, Field of Greens, Suicide Squeeze, Short Sands Lager, Cavatica Stout, and Three Way are more than beer names. They are milestones in the brewery's history and memories shared by countless beer lovers who have gathered around a pint.

One of my favorite lines is:

> "Chemistry... with artistry."

Those four words capture what great brewing has always represented to me. Brewing is equal parts science and creativity. Precision and passion working together to create something memorable.

The bridge reinforces another idea I have always associated with the craft beer community:

> "Everyone that comes is family."

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime regular, the best breweries have a way of making people feel welcome. Great beer starts conversations, creates friendships, and builds community.

The ending of the song shifts into celebration, calling out some of Fort George's most iconic beers in rapid succession before finishing with one final declaration of the brewery's name. It is meant to feel like the closing moments of a live anthem, where everyone in the room is chanting together with a glass raised high.

Ultimately, Masters of Astoria is not about selling beer. It is about recognizing excellence. It is a tribute to the brewers, the staff, the loyal patrons, and the culture they have built over the years.

Sometimes the highest compliment you can give a company isn't a review.

Sometimes it's writing them an anthem.