September 15, 2012 11:52 PM UTC

John Hickenlooper...er...Michael Hancock to be brewmaster at Denver Beer Fest

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• by: Colorado Pols

In one of his first steps into the national spotlight at the Democratic National Convention last month, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper — whose Wynkoop brewery is largely credited with starting the microbrewery craze — proudly announced that he was the “the first governor since Sam Adams to get his start brewing beer.” The “former brewer” angle is one of those quirks of Hickenlooper’s personality that, oddly, give him national potential. It’s charming, right? Hick is the guy who accidentally became governor after he accidentally became mayor after he accidentally revitalized a city by brewing beer after he lost his job as a geologist. He’s the reluctant politician, the governor who’d rather be slinging craft brews than speaking to cheering throngs. And who doesn’t like beer? Well, aside from Mitt Romney.

Following in Hickenlooper’s footsteps is admittedly rough for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. His last elected predecessor works across the street, after all, and as one of the most popular governors in the country, Hick clearly knows how to make both voters and the media swoon. It’s probably the beer angle.

Still, Hancock is committed to making his own mark on the city, no matter how tempting it would be to emulate John Hickenlooper. It’s far too early to determine what Hancock’s legacy will be, but as far as mayors go, he’s the perfect guy to succeed Hickenlooper: the administratively-minded former city councilman who’s lived in Denver for all his life and has always dreamt about being mayor. Hick had his quirks, Hancock has his narrative. Both are compelling on their own.

When Hancock does something that’s more in line with Hick’s personality, then, it can’t help but seem a little forced. Take, for example, the recent announcement that Hancock would be “brewmaster” at the upcoming Denver Beer Fest:

The Great American Brew Fest revealed Friday September 14, that Mayor Michael B. Hancock will be tapped as the brewmaster for Specialty Denver Brew which will be launching the Denver Beer Fest 2012.

Mayor Hancock will be showcasing his mad skills with the hops, malted barley and yeast on September 19, 2012. His special brew will be served while supplies last throughout Denver Beer Fest at the Denver Beer Company.

It’s not that Hancock shouldn’t be participating in events like this: presiding over a “beer fest” is one of those perks of being Denver’s mayor. And it’s not like Hickenlooper has a monopoly on mixing politics and beer. But by acting as “brewmaster,” Hancock invites direct comparisons between him and his predecessor. And, if Hancock wants to be celebrated on his own right and not as the “mayor after Hick,” he should avoid letting those comparisons be drawn.

Even if that means missing out on a beer fest or two.