Today marks the official debut of a brand new The New School website developed by Heavy Craft and the announcement of a new site editor and contributors.

Since The New School debuted in January 2010, we have always tried to be the best source for industry insider news and reports as well as business, opinion and criticism. Part of the site expansion includes new features to do that better, including a new events calendar, professional job listings board and the ability to create a user/reader profile and even tip your favorite writer.

Perhaps the most important new change is the feature that allows readers to login to customize their site experience. With an account profile you can receive alerts on your phone, tablet or PC about new articles, story comments, even new job listings or events. It's up to you to decide what you would like to receive updates on, and once you are logged in you can also choose your region from a list of options that will curate the website content to serve you relevant stories. For instance, if you are in Seattle you can choose that region to see just articles related to the greater metro area and not see articles from Eugene, OR, per se. This will allow readers from anywhere to read the website and view curated content to their area. Last, if you choose to connect a payment method to your user profile you can easily purchase ads, promote event listings, and even "tip" your favorite author. Please note, all of these are optional features.

With the new site come new contributors, some of whom you have already seen their work here, and others are brand new. Many beer writers work for little or no money and it's our goal to better get them paid. That's why one of the cool new site features is the ability to leave a "tip" for individual writers at the end of the story where their profile is. We are also looking for more site sponsors and have a competitive new advertising platform. Email us at newschoolbeer@gmail.com for more info.

The New School is excited to announce new website content editor Aaron Brussat to the team, as well as new Washington contributor Ben Keene and Central Oregon contributor Heidi Howard.

Aaron Brussat is a longtime New School contributor who most recently served as editor for Northwest Brewing News. When that print publication ceased publication earlier this year, the opportunity seemed ripe to become the new content editor for The New School. Brussat brings his many years of experience in the industry both in retail for Eugene’s famed The Bier Stein and freelance writing for other outlets like Eugene Weekly.

"Being part of a beer news outlet with an established reputation of informative, timely coverage as well as investigative and entertaining content has been a pleasure. The work Ezra has put into building The New School over the years should not be overlooked. As editor, my duties will be to ensure the content reads well; to help gather news 'of record' from an expanding geography from fresh and established writers; to keep The New School one of the best beer news websites in the country; and to expand the depth and breadth of our readers' knowledge of beer in different ways." 

Ben Keene is an industry expert and commentator known for his impressive stint as editor for Beer Advocate Magazine from 2014 until its last issue #134 released in May. Keene also has contributed to the likes of USA Today, Travel + Leisure and The Oxford Companion to Beer. Keene hails from the east coast but relocated with his wife to Seattle, Washington. Keene’s much in demand skills will keep him busy, but he has made time in his schedule to become The New School’s new Washington contributor.

Heidi Howard is a Bend, Oregon-based journalist covering Central Oregon for The New School. Howard got her start in beer writing with The Source Weekly, where she still regularly contributes articles on the local craft beer industry. She’s been a beer enthusiast and began judging competitions in 2015.

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Please take some time to peruse our website, bookmark it on your phone, and create a user profile and login. We look forward to hearing your feedback on the new site, features and contributors as we grow our regional coverage and contributors. You can email us with questions and comments at newschoolbeer@gmail.com. Cheers!