Tops on Hops   

For some journalists, ethics panels and discussions on the fate of journalism just can't compare to fine pilsners.

While hundreds of reporters and editors nodded and smiled at speakers during October's Society of Professional Journalists convention in Denver, Philadelphia Daily News staff writer Don Russell was being toasted up the road, swilling lagers and ales at the Great American Beer Festival.

At the brew brouhaha, the loosely knit North American Guild of Beer Writers named Russell the best beer columnist in America for his 18-month-old biweekly column, "Joe Sixpack." Instead of a plaque or a certificate, his trophy, in honor of columns like "Suds for your buds: How to entertain with beer," was a tap. And it unscrews from its base for emergency use.

With 1,800 kinds of beer to sample and 400 brewers to schmooze at the fest, Russell didn't even stop by the SPJ powwow. "Was that in Denver while I was there?" asks the 42-year-old Russell.

But beer isn't Russell's only beat at the Daily News, where he's worked for a decade as a general assignment reporter. "I don't ever see beer becoming a full time beat," he says. "It's an interest of mine and of readers, but I'm still a news person."

The column is featured, along with video clips of Russell drinking beer, on the Philadelphia Online Web site ( www.phillynews.com ).

Given numerous choices among domestics, imports and microbrews, his beer recommendations, the guru of Guinness says, depend on who's asking. Russell says he tailors his advice: "If you're a print reporter, probably something bitter," he says, deadpan. "And if you're in TV, I'd say stick with the lite beers."