The End of an Era, and the Beginning of a New Mutinous Chapter


My Fellow Mutineers,

I hope you’ve had an exceptional start to the new year. All is most certainly well with this merry band of mutineers, and on behalf of our team, I hope you had a truly exceptional holiday season.

It’s been eight years since we began working on Mutineer, and we’ve exceeded our wildest expectations to see the magazine come to life in the ways that it has. So many beverage companies, organizations and individuals have worked with us in a multitude of ways, whether it’s advertising in the mag, sponsoring a Mutineer event, supporting the Clean Water Crusader project, or collaborating with Mutant Drink Marketing, the beverage industry has been our partner in this endeavor, and we’re lucky to be in such an inspired industry. We’ve taken the opportunity to specifically thank folks down below in this letter.

And our readers…wow. They are the audience for this grand experiment, and we’re grateful to everyone that has shared in our whimsy and fine-beverage fueled adventures and taken a stake in the next generation of beverage culture.

We love fine beverages: the aesthetic, the characters, the creativity, the inspiration, the art and expression, and most importantly, the experience. Beverage is unlike any other culture and form of human expression. You can still drink cognac from the 1700s. That absolutely blows my mind, to experience something created prior to the existence of the United States, and to be able to experience it in such a personal way. Even everyday spirits and wines offer the opportunity to drink from all over the world. It’s just…awesome.

With all that being the case, we have come to the conclusion that we’ve accomplished what we’d like to accomplish with the magazine, and in true Seinfeld-ian fashion, we are opting to leave the party a bit early rather than late. If you have remaining issues on a subscription, you can submit for a refund here.

There are a couple key reasons behind this decision, which I’ll elaborate on now:

  • It’s really hard to produce a quality magazine. We’ve made creative and artistic quality our number one priority. After 2,442 pages and 30 issues, we just can’t keep up with it. It’s grown bigger than our ability to execute.
  • We’ve achieved the artistic vision we set out to and now find ourselves inspired with other mediums and projects, most notably being Drink Careers 101, which we’ll be making some big announcements about in coming weeks.

The evolution of beverage culture in the United States over the last five years has been exponential and revolutionary, and the beverage culture of today and tomorrow is in very good hands. I think Imbibe is the best beverage magazine. Ever. Punch is setting the new standard for inspired beverage editorial. Small Screen Network is doing incredible stuff with bartenders and cocktail videos, the Second Glass wine events are on another level, and Wine Folly is so amazingly cool. The Wine Bloggers Conference and Beer Bloggers Conference have given structure to the drink blogging revolution, and Zane Lamprey has positioned himself to be the guy that finally takes beverage culture mainstream. (If you’re reading this letter, you are most likely a beverage enthusiast and feel that beverage culture has become mainstream. It hasn’t. Which is a good thing, because sooner rather than later, things will go mainstream and get very, very cool.)

Bottom Line: All great artistic endeavors have a life span, and we’ve hit ours. Which is the best thing we could ever wish for. While we’re done with the magazine, we’ll continue with other Mutinous projects.

That said, THANK YOU!

Mutineer is an extension of the long list of individuals and organizations that bring it to life, and I’d like to recognize those individuals to the best of my ability at this time. Part of me is hesitant to attempt this list, as I’m doomed to leave off more than I should, but I’ll do my best to include everyone.


The Mutineers

  • Alan Kropf (Founder): I’m your humble narrator of this post, and even humbler spiritual leader of the Mutineer journey. My brilliance is in the people that surround me, and I’m forever thankful for everything everyone has put into this.
  • Jeff Dorenbush (Founder): Jeff is the selfless engine and business leader that has been our consistency and ability to execute on a daily basis. A brilliant business mind, Jeff is as mutinous as it gets. While I’ve gotten a lot of the attention for Mutineer’s success, it should be noted for the public record that Jeff Dorenbush was a huge part of every single thing Mutineer has done right. He’s an absolute genius.
  • Brian Kropf (Founder): Brian helped found Mutineer while serving in Iraq with the Army’s 82nd Airborne, and he’s done Mutineer proud as its Editor in Chief, bringing to life new ideas and voices and taking the magazine to another level. Brian is a wizard of beer and spirits culture, and it’s been incredible to see his evolution over the last half a decade.
  • JJ Bagley (Founder): While he’s moved on to other things, JJ will always be a part of the Mutineer family. His leadership and friendship played an important part in helping us become the team we became.
  • Julie Hadjinian: Julie is the sassy aesthetic mastermind behind the visual Mutineer experience. A true visionary of fine beverage magnificence, Julie truly brought our ideas to life like no one else could. If there is one common creative thread to Mutineer Magazine, it is Julie.
  • Ian Andreae: Ian is a rock star photographer that I believe to be one of the most prolific beverage photographers. All who have worked with Ian instantly know they got to experience something special, and the trail of photos he’s left behind has blown minds.
  • Doug Bitto: Our Ari Gold. What a stud. Known for his patience and positivity, he brought our rebel publication to the masses.
  • Chris D’Amico: Chris is a tremendously gifted writer, and he contributed so much to Mutineer during his time as Managing Editor. Now an adventurer, I hope he continues to write and bring his ideas to life.
  • Erin Jimcosky: Erin is a dark horse that has made a dent in the space time continuum of beverage, yet still only scratched the surface of her potential. A den mother and drill sergeant; a culinary creative capable of great inspirations in the kitchen.
  • Phil Jimcosky: Phil is a talented and passionate photographer who has never been afraid to get ambitious. His creative courage and enthusiasm set him apart.
  • Andy Norsen: Julie Hadjinian's partner in crime, always coming up clutch for us. Well done.
  • Ashley Nicole Teplin: Known as the Media A.N.T., Ashley amplified our Mutinous message in grand and glorious ways, most notably the Clean Water Crusader project with the Blue Carpet Dinner for Water Relief at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and the Blue Carpet Comedy Festival. This is one loud lady in the best way possible.
  • The Wolf: Difficult to describe, The Wolf is a combination of Winston Wolf and Q. Always lurking in the shadows, and always only a phone call away from appearing, The Wolf is a Mutineer to the core.

Mutineer Magazine Contributors


  • Sam Alexander
  • Arianna Armstrong
  • Emily Ball
  • Tyler Balliet
  • Phil Barber
  • April Bloom
  • T.A Breaux
  • Derek Brown
  • Stacey Briscoe
  • Dawn Bristor
  • Victoria Bunch
  • Rebecca Chapa
  • Anja Cheriakova
  • Adriann Antonia Coen
  • Michael Lee Cook
  • Ken Cornish
  • Bryan David
  • Liz Demakos
  • Damon Dischler
  • Remy Drabkin
  • Dan Dunn
  • Brent Estabrook
  • Chris Faher
  • Jenn Farrington
  • Shelley Flanders
  • Ryan Freeman
  • Andrew Friedman
  • Marvin Gapultos
  • Nick Gerber
  • David Germano
  • Matt Gottlieb
  • Clare Goggin
  • Amy T. Granite
  • Sarah Gross
  • Rachelle Hacmac
  • Laura Holmes Haddad
  • Natalie Hall
  • Douglas Harenchar
  • Robert Hess
  • Bobby Heugel
  • Damian Hevia
  • Sherri Houtz
  • Emily Hutto
  • Lam Huynh
  • Kay Inoue
  • Amir Jabari
  • Georges Janssens
  • Glen Johnson
  • Leah Jorgenson
  • Ward Kadel
  • Layla Kajer
  • Chess Katier
  • Tim Keith
  • Sean Kenyon
  • Jerry King
  • Plaid Klaus
  • Drew Langley
  • Zane Lamprey
  • Michael Lazar
  • Tim Lemke
  • Hunter Lea
  • Jeff Lefevere
  • Irene Loomis
  • Olivia Loy
  • Jordan Luckman
  • Barrie Lynn
  • Josh Mackey
  • Mark Malijan
  • Norman Mark
  • Lance J. Mayhew
  • Duggan McDonnell
  • Vanessa Mcgrady
  • Callie McHugh
  • Katarine Meerson
  • Chris Montgomery
  • Ben Morrison
  • Rob Moshen
  • Ted Munat
  • Lindsay Nader
  • Glenn Newcomer
  • Anthony Nicolo
  • Matthew Noel
  • Jean Norton
  • Darcy O’Neil
  • Harris Oranges
  • Marina Orlova
  • Chris Osburn
  • Robert Haynes Peterson
  • Katie Pizzuto
  • Kevin Poleskie
  • Jesse Porter
  • Charly de Pottere
  • Lisa Randolph
  • Amy Reiley
  • Chris Reis
  • Brian Robinson
  • Joe Roberts
  • Ashley Routson
  • Farhad Samari
  • Michael Scaffidi
  • Hugh Schiels
  • Justin Sielbach
  • Eric Sheets
  • Erik Simkins
  • Ryan Sloan
  • Brooke Smith
  • Andrew Snavely
  • Benjamin Spencer
  • Jeff Stai
  • Eric Stowe
  • Rick Stutz
  • Gwydion Stone
  • Bill Sysak
  • Jenna Szabo
  • Ashley Nicole Teplin
  • Ruth Tobias
  • Angie Tomson
  • Francesco Vigorito
  • Matt Villano
  • Tom Wark
  • Ronald Washam
  • Benjamin Weinberg
  • Ryan West
  • SeanMike Whipkey
  • Steven White
  • Megan Wiig
  • Brian Yaeger
  • Kari Zander

Mutineer Magazine Advertisers & Partners


  • Abbot Ale
  • A Child’s Right (aka 'Splash')
  • Allagash
  • Amarula Cream
  • Anchor Distilling Co.
  • Arnold Black Bear Inn
  • AmericanWinery.com
  • ArtisanalCheese.com
  • Artisanal Imports
  • Aviation Gin
  • Ballast Point Brewing
  • Banfi Vintners
  • Bar Louie
  • Bard’s Tale Beer Company
  • Bear Republic
  • Bear Valley Mountain
  • Beer Bloggers Conference
  • The BenRiach
  • Berry Bros. & Rudd
  • Bieren Omer
  • Blk Water
  • Blood Into Wine
  • Bluecoat Gin
  • Blue Palms Brewhouse
  • Bonny Doon Vineyard
  • Bordeaux Le Wine Buff
  • Boston Cocktail Summit
  • Bottlerock
  • Bottle Shock
  • Brazin Wine
  • Brewer’s Association
  • The Bruery
  • Calaveras Winegrape Alliance
  • California 37
  • Campo de Encanto Pisco
  • Canfest
  • Carlotta Cellars
  • Carmen Wines
  • Celebrity Wine Review TV
  • Cellar Angels
  • Cellarpass
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle
  • Chatom Cellars
  • The Cheese Impresario
  • Chimay
  • Chinaco Tequila
  • Cocktail Kingdom
  • Combier Rouge
  • Concha y Toro
  • Continuum Estate
  • Coronado Brewing Co.
  • Craftbeer.com
  • Cruvee
  • Curtis Circulation Company
  • Custom Wine Source
  • D’aristi Xtabentun
  • Delirium Tremens
  • Deschutes Brewery
  • Delgadillo Cellars
  • The Divining Rod
  • Dobbes Family Estate
  • Dogfish Head
  • Don Roberto Tequila
  • Double Decker Wines
  • Dragon Pearl Green Tea
  • Dry Soda Company
  • EBSCO Industries Inc.
  • English Harbour
  • Envolve Winery
  • Fairhope Vintners
  • Falling Rock Taphouse
  • Fireman’s Brew
  • Firestone Walker
  • Flasq Wines
  • Frog’s Leap Winery
  • Friends of Ardent Mixology
  • The GlenDronach
  • The Glenrothes
  • Gouden Carolus
  • Grant’s Whisky
  • Hahn Family Wines
  • Hamilton’s Tavern
  • HINE Cognac
  • Hip Taste
  • Hirsch Selection
  • Hophead Vodka
  • Hospice du Rhône
  • Hotlips Soda
  • Hornsby’s Hard Cider
  • Ironstone Vineyards
  • J Vineyards
  • Jacuzzi Cellars
  • The Jäger Girls
  • Jones Soda
  • Jordan Vineyard & Winery
  • Junípero Gin
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
  • Kasteel
  • Kendall Jackson
  • King Estate
  • The King’s Ginger
  • K Vintners
  • Zane Lamprey
  • LA Beer Week
  • LA Wine Fest
  • Lagunitas Brewing Company
  • La Jota Vineyards
  • Left Coast Libations
  • Lineage Import
  • Longmeadow Ranch
  • Lost Coast Brewery
  • Luxardo
  • Magazines.com
  • Maker’s Mark
  • Mandarine Napoleon
  • Maurin Quina
  • Media Ant
  • Merlove
  • Midtown Cocktail Week
  • Miner Family Winery
  • Murphy-Goode Winery
  • Momokawa Sake
  • Murrieta’s Well
  • Naked Winery
  • Napa Valley Film Festival
  • Napa Valley Vintners
  • Napa Valley Wine Academy
  • New Belgium
  • New Holland Brewing
  • NewAir Wine Coolers
  • Newsome-Harlow
  • NY International Spirits Competition
  • The Next Generation in Wine
  • Nikka Whisky
  • No.3 London Dry Gin
  • Nolet’s Dry Gin
  • Novelty Hill / Januick Winery
  • Obsello Absinthe
  • Old Speckled hen
  • Out in the Vineyard
  • Paraiso Vineyards
  • Paso Creek
  • Perfect Puree
  • Pink Out!
  • Pink Pigeon Rum
  • Pizza Vino
  • Pizzulli Family Winery
  • Ploom
  • Plumbline Studios Inc.
  • Port of Barcelona Gin
  • Quad/Graphics
  • The Ranch Winery
  • Red Bull
  • The Red Bull Girls
  • Redhook Brewery
  • Redrum
  • Ribera del Duero
  • Ritual Tavern
  • Robert Oatley
  • Rocket 88
  • Roi Rene Rouge Cherry Liqueur
  • Rosa d’Oro
  • Russian River Valley Winegrowers
  • Sacre Bleu
  • Sake2Me
  • Salute Celebration
  • San Diego Beer Week
  • San Diego Brewing Company
  • San Francisco Cocktail Week
  • Schneider Weisse
  • Seastar
  • Second Glass
  • Six Sigma
  • SF Vintners Market
  • Shaw Vineyards
  • Shiner
  • Sierra Nevada
  • Sip Awards
  • Small Screen Network
  • Snooth
  • Sort This Out Cellars
  • The Spirit of Italy
  • St. Louis Microfest
  • St. Supery
  • Stone Brewing
  • SubRosa Spirits
  • SubscriptionAgency.com
  • Tales of the Cocktail
  • Tanner Vineyards
  • Tanqueray
  • Taste of Howell Mountain
  • TAPAS
  • Teplin+Nuss
  • Tercero Winery
  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • Toutsuite Social Club
  • Tripel Karmeliet
  • Twisted Oak
  • Two Oceans Wine
  • United States Bartenders Guild
  • Universal Pictures
  • Vezer Family Vineyard
  • Vicious Vodka
  • Voss Water
  • Vynebar
  • Waiwera Artesian Water
  • Warner Bros.
  • Waving Tree Wines
  • Wente
  • Wine and Hospitality Network
  • Wine Biz Radio
  • Wine Blog Awards
  • Wine Bloggers Conference
  • Wine Channel TV
  • Wine Guerrilla
  • Wine Spies
  • Wisconsin Cheese
  • Women & Wine
  • World Wine Tour 2010
  • Young Winos of LA
  • X Winery
  • Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival
  • Ypióca Cachaca
  • Zephyr Adventures
  • Zinfandel Advocates and Producers

Special Thanks


  • Mutineer Subscribers
  • Tiffany Adamowski
  • Eric Asimov
  • Tyler Balliet
  • Julie Brosterman
  • Liz Brusca
  • Ryan Clinton
  • Courtney Cochran
  • Martin Cody
  • Mitch Davis
  • Ignacio Delgadillo
  • Liz Demakos
  • Chris Eldridge
  • Jonathan & Sarah Elliman
  • Ben Flajnik
  • Mike Freidrich
  • Cornelius Geary
  • Jonathan Goldsmith
  • Jim Gordon
  • Chris Hall
  • Terry Hall
  • Andrew Healy
  • Steve Heimoff
  • Amy Hoopes
  • Matt Hughes
  • Jen Jarboe
  • John Jordan
  • Sasha Kadey
  • Maynard James Keenan
  • Kenna
  • Kaethy & Tim Kennedy
  • Colin Kimball
  • David King
  • Scott Klann
  • Nitsa Knoll
  • Todd Knoll
  • Francesco Lafranconi
  • Zane Lamprey
  • Hunter Lea
  • Tim Lemke
  • Didier Loustau
  • Jordan Luckman
  • Lisa Mattson
  • Lisa Mayo
  • Patsy McGaughy
  • Chris Merino
  • Cindy Molchany
  • Ben Morrison
  • Matthew Noel
  • Christian Oggenfuss
  • Harris Oranges
  • Laura Levesque Page
  • Stone Playter
  • Ronald Plunkett
  • Rachel Poer
  • Rusti Porter
  • Alyssa Rapp
  • Andrea Immer Robinson
  • Ashley Routson
  • Leslie Russell
  • Joel Quigley
  • Susan Quinn
  • Christophe Smith
  • Corbie Smith
  • Jeff Stai
  • Holly Stiel
  • Eric Stowe
  • Nanette Tanner
  • Ann Tuennerman
  • Gary Vaynerchuk
  • Joel Vincent
  • Reno Walsh
  • Tom Wark
  • Allan Wright

Extra Special Thanks


  • Jim & Julie Kropf
  • Richard & Marcia Dorenbush
  • Jerry & Pamela Bagley

And in closing this whimsical era of beverage voyeurism, I’d like to bring things full circle and leave you with my very first 'Letter from the Editor' from Issue No. 1 of Mutineer Magazine:

Dear Fellow Mutineers,

It has been almost a year now since the concept of the Mutineer was born from the loins of raw passion, blind optimism, and reckless resolve. Since then, it has grown faster than any of us expected, ultimately culminating into www.mutineermagazine.com and the magazine you are holding in your hands at this very moment.

The Mutineer is based on the idea that the world of wine, beer, spirits, and all fine beverages has been somehow perverted within the void that exists between maker and drinker. This is a void that has overstayed its welcome, and it is a void that has now found itself in our crosshairs.

It is of our opinion that the people, ideas, and culture surrounding the world of fine beverage are far more relevant and interesting than count-less pages of beverage ratings. We, the Mutineer, will NEVER reduce something as complex and beautiful as a fine beverage to a mere number.

Our editors are some of the brightest young minds in their fields, and our writers have been given the creative freedom necessary to bring you the most cutting edge and compelling stories possible.

We don’t presume that we will change the landscape of fine beverage, but we can do our damnedest to try, and you’d be surprised at what you can accomplish with a little raw passion, blind optimism, and reckless resolve.

Welcome to the Mutineer.


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