FLAT12 Blog

We’ve had a number of requests to determine is something, or someone is Hopstar worthy. Rather than make snap judgments, we’ve decided to publish the Twelve Levels of Hopstar Awareness, the goal of which is to achieve Beer Nirvana and allow you to determine yourself.

When one contemplates and becomes self aware, one can only then recognize the need for Hopstardom. From there (Level Three), a Hopstar can achieve any other level in any order, with two exceptions.

To achieve Level 11, a Hopstar must be nominated and voted in by the existing members of the Circle of Trust.  The Charter Circle will be selected by Flat12 and members of the Group of Five.

The Circle’s members will view the Level 12 nominees deeds and determine, in their own infinite wisdom, if these deeds (activities and achievements associated with the other ten levels of Hopstar Self Awareness) are Hopstar Karma-like.  If they are, the Circle is extended.

With Level 12, a Hopstar must first master all eleven levels and is be chosen by Flat12 to enter Beer Nirvana.  This is the only level that Flat12 has any direct control over.  There is a reason for this.  In Level 12, members are charged with an awesome responsibility-which only a handful of you now know but is associated with Craft Beer Social Responsibility and Paying It Forward…all of which is tied to Hopstar Karma and is not marketing or just plain fun stuff.  It can and will actually change people’s lives.  We will announce what this is soon and you will be pleased.

Twelve Levels of Hopstardom – achieving an ever-higher-oneness with flavorful craft beer and the good people of Flat12.

1.     Hopstar Contemplation

You’re aware of Hopstardom. You’re thinking: ‘Is it right for me? Is this who I am? I see macrobrews everywhere I go…what does it all mean? Is Hopstardom a key to unlocking flavorful beer? Is that lint in my navel?’

2.     Hopstar Self-Awareness

There’s something eating at you now. Maybe it’s that friend you’ve seen glumly nursing a can of macro-brew light. Where’s the enjoyment? Something stirs – you realize it’s time your friend was introduced to a better beer – and you’re just the one to do it.

3.    Becoming a Hopstar

Give the pledge: “I do hereby declare, from this day forward, I will faithfully carry out the duties of Hopstardom. I will introduce my friends to flavorful beer, provide honest feedback to Flat12, and offer all Hopstars my wholehearted support as an ambassador-at-large for Flat12 Bierwerks and the Hopstar Nation.” You may now kiss the foamy head.

4.    Hopstar Event Participation and Craft Ambassador

You’ve hopped on the Flat12 train. No longer content to just follow the brand, you’ve hit that recognition point –there’s opportunity in socializing with other Hopstars and opening the door for new Hopstars. It’s a social thing. Craft beer is something meant to be shared and Hopstardom sets the table.

5.    Hopstar Activity Leadership

You’ve established yourself within the Hopstar community, either through the insights you share online or the efforts made at Hopstar events or informally with other Hopstars. Is there a new specialty beer being tapped? Or a seasonal unveiling? Not only are you on that like white on rice, you’re putting the word out and marshaling your network to share in the good time, descending on the event with all your favorite peeps in tow, where all enjoy the fruits of your brilliance and insight. You are now approaching uncharted territory in Hopstardom.

6.    Craft Beer Subject Matter Expert

You’ve earned your Masters in Craft Beer. How? Well, it’s a lifelong pursuit. Brewery tours. Hosting tastings, a beer fridge that resembles a retail cooler. Lurking around online craft beer chat sites. Attending Cicerone* classes. Acting as a judge in a competition. Writing about beer in print. You believe in flavorful beer and we believe in you!

* Looking up what the heck a Cicerone is is the first step in expertdom.

7.    Generating a Cult Following

It may come on without warning. You’re getting quoted back to yourself. T-shirts with your image appear on the streets. People retweet you – in droves. People show up at the events you’re hosting and assume you’re on the Flat12 payroll. In fact, you can’t convince them otherwise. because you are just too dang much in the know! Amongst Hopstars, you have established yourself as one to watch. All bow down.

8.    Spousal Conversion

For months your spouse has wondered what you’re doing, talking about craft beer all the time;. “Flat12 this. Barley and hops, that…” Friends and neighbors have tried to keep a safe distance knowing that a marriage hangs in the balance. And then, like a perfect storm, it hits. You’re in this together. Flat12 has taken its rightful place in the family – a shared love. Cheers to shared good taste!

9.    Hopstar Higher Awareness Activation (i.e. winning a contest)

You’ve won an impossibly difficult Flat12 contest. It’s on. Your Hopstar credentials are there for all to see. Top of the hops heap, you’ve reached that higher level of awareness. Awareness, that you are a Hopstar and you’re willing to display it for some free swag. As long as it’s something good, like shirts, hats, coasters or free barware, y’know. Of course, the real value of Level 9 is being able to pick contest prizes and of course create new diabolical contests, causing the brains of non-Hopstars to melt into mint jelly.

10.    Hopstardom PhD status. (Honorary Doctorate of Hopstardom)

Like Alex Trebek, you know the pronunciation of every obscure beer term. Like a budding young doctoral candidate, you’ve sat at your computer and expounded on craft beer in volumes that could easily equate to a PhD dissertation. You note and footnote. You research. It’s clear that you are serious about Hopstardom. This honorary doctorate offers kick-ass Flat12 VIP (aka Premium and Customized) swag in the place of heraldic medieval dress or floppy hats with tassels along with access to Flat12’s version of the Faculty Lounge. OK?

11.     Hopstar Inner Circle (aka: “The Circle of Trust”)

You have passed through the levels of Hopstardom with blinding speed. With a level of pomp and circumstance that befits the occasion, your beautiful visage will now grace the Flat12 Bierwerks Hopstar Wall of Fame. Never again shall someone pass the men’s room without knowing your name. Please don’t cry at the induction ceremony, it dilutes the beer.

12.    Attaining Hopstar Nirvana

This is your lifetime achievement award. You’ve gone so far above and beyond with Flat12, there is little more we can do to express our undying gratitude other than to etch it in stone, or brick in this case. Hopstardom writ large! At least one or two notches above having your star on Mann’s Theater Walk of Fame.