The Accidental Beerchaser
My idiosyncratic pursuit of new bars and breweries started as a retirement hobby back in August 2011. Little did I know that over the next decade, it would lead me on a captivating journey, criss-crossing the country and even venturing across the pond to Europe.
My Beerchasing exploits were waylaid for a bit during the pandemic and a bout with major back surgery in 2022. But I’m back in the saddle now, albeit at a slower pace than the breakneck speed that had me visiting and reviewing a total of 366 watering holes by the end of 2019.
While I’ve lost the formal count going back in my files, it appears that during temporary breaks in the lockdown in 2021 and after starting the routine again in 2022, I’ve added 25 more establishments to my repertoire. That puts my grand total of Beerchasing adventures at around 400 remarkable – well, at least most of them – drinking establishments.
A Timely Invitation
Just the other day, I received a fascinating email from a former colleague, Howard Mudrick, who now serves as the Executive Director at Winstead, a large national law firm based in Dallas, Texas. Howard is well aware of my Beerchasing hobby, having co-presented with me at numerous Association of Legal Administrators conferences over the years, where we’d often raise a glass or two.
In his email, Howard shared a link to an article from the October edition of Food and Wine magazine, titled “This Company Will Send You on a Two-Year RV Trip to Visit Breweries.” The premise sounded like something tailor-made for me, and Howard asserted that I would be one of the most qualified individuals in the U.S. to take on this “onerous project.”
As I eagerly showed the article to my wife, Janet, she pointed out the fine print – the company was only offering a daily stipend of $50, meaning the effective salary wouldn’t be much more than $18,000 per year. Janet, ever the voice of reason, suggested I send Howard’s missives straight to the spam folder.
A Beer-Fueled Odyssey
Undeterred, I couldn’t help but let my creative juices flow, contemplating the synergistic possibilities of combining this RV brewery tour opportunity with another recent job posting I had seen. The folks at Oscar Mayer were looking for a new Wienermobile driver, or “Hotdogger,” to escort six giant wieners across the nation. According to Oscar Mayer, there are more people who have gone to space than people who have held the title of Hotdogger.
The dynamic and almost divinely inspired relationship between beer and hot dogs is undeniable. Just look at the examples:
Dog Beer: Remember the morbid fascination we all had with the video of a Yankees fan at the game, who turned a hot dog into a straw for their beer?
Beer Dog: And how about the sacred bond between a brat and a beer, as evidenced by the mouthwatering concept of hot dogs simmered in beer – deliciously tender with a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with beer-infused sauerkraut.
If I had been selected for the RV brewery tour job, I would have proposed starting my journey by driving the vehicle to Toppling Goliath Brewery in Decorah, Iowa. There, I could have immersed myself in their collaboration with Hop Butcher for the World – a double IPA called “Hot Dog Time Machine,” brewed with a fluff capacitor and yeast primed for trans-temporal travel. A hot dog-fueled time travel adventure – what could be better?
Alas, Janet reminded me that my relish for such a job might not be appreciated, and that I should be focusing on making it to our 43rd wedding anniversary. But a man can dream, can’t he?
The Serendipitous Steeplejack
While my Beerchasing adventures may have slowed down during the pandemic, I’m excited to share that the tide is turning. Restrictions have lifted, and the pent-up demand for socializing over a good brew is palpable. And the story of Steeplejack Brewing in Portland, Oregon, is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the industry.
This summer, Steeplejack Brewing is set to open in a stunning 112-year-old historic church building in the heart of Portland’s Sullivans Gulch neighborhood. The co-owners, Brody Day and Dustin Harder, are two college buddies who have assembled an impressive team, including experienced brewmasters Anna Buxton and Anne Aviles.
When I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Brody, I was struck by his upbeat but modest persona, as well as his vision for this remarkable project. Steeplejack’s transformation of the former First Universalist Church of Good Tidings, originally dedicated by President William Howard Taft, is nothing short of breathtaking.
While the menu may be limited at the moment, the Smash Burger and fries I had were excellent, and the beers brewed by the talented team were equally impressive. I indulged in a pint of the Hermit Kolsch, a lemony fermented ale with a delightful taste, and my companion, John, savored the Gravity IPA.
If these initial offerings are any indication, Steeplejack won’t just be known for its architectural splendor, but also for its top-notch suds. I can’t wait to return and explore more of what this remarkable new establishment has to offer.
Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter Comeback
As I mentioned, my Beerchasing hobby has been a bit slower-paced lately, and that includes my favorite feature – the Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter (BOQ). This segment allows me to highlight individuals or groups who have made meaningful contributions to society, regardless of their connection to the world of bars and beers.
In 2021, I was remiss in not publishing any BOQ features. But fear not, dear readers, for I plan to remedy that in the near future. In the meantime, let me provide you with an update on five past BOQ honorees:
Dr. Sam Holloway: Those of you who bemoan the trend of corporate brewery behemoths acquiring or absorbing independent craft breweries will be encouraged to learn that Sam Holloway, co-founder and President of Crafting a Strategy, has entered a new partnership. In August, he joined forces with UniteCraft Corporation, a collaboration of three brewing industry veterans, to launch UniteCraft.com – a platform that aims to level the playing field against Big Beer and help small breweries create healthier businesses.
Jay Waldron and Shane: I featured my former colleague at Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Jay Waldron, as a BOQ in 2016. Jay’s public service contributions, legal accomplishments, and athletic exploits were all worthy of recognition. But these days, his son Shane is making headlines, having been named the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Shane’s impressive career path, from playing football at Tufts University to coaching in the NFL, is a testament to the Waldron family’s prowess.
John Terry: The late John Terry, a long-time history columnist for The Oregonian, was one of my first BOQ honorees. Many in Portland mourned the loss of his superb and interesting weekly accounts of the city’s fascinating and colorful heritage when the newspaper discontinued his column. As another BOQ, attorney Jim Westwood, lamented, “The Oregonian should resurrect John Terry and his wonderful works on the history of our state and its people.”
Jack and Jan McGowan: This dynamic couple, founders and co-directors of the non-profit SOLV (Stop Oregon Littering and Vandalism), were recognized as BOQ in 2020. Their contributions to Oregon’s environmental health and public awareness spanned 18 years, growing the organization from a staff of one and a budget of $12,000 to 26 employees and a $26 million budget. Their actions in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, leading the “Oregon Flight for Freedom” to New York City, exemplify the kind of community spirit and resilience we could all use more of today.
Stay tuned for more inspiring BOQ stories in the near future. In the meantime, let’s raise a glass to these remarkable individuals who have made a difference in their communities and beyond.
Farewells and Fond Memories
The pandemic and its aftermath have taken a toll on the hospitality industry, and it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve had to bid farewell to some of my favorite haunts over the past couple of years. Iconic Portland establishments like Baileys Tap Room and The Upper Lip have permanently closed their doors, victims of the economic devastation wrought by COVID-19 and the civil unrest that rocked the city.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, there are glimmers of hope and resilience shining through. Oregon craft brewers have managed to avoid a proposed 100% tax increase, thanks to a COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress. And in a win for the industry, Oregon lawmakers have passed a bill allowing bars and restaurants to sell mixed drinks for off-site consumption – a long-awaited measure that should provide a much-needed boost.
As we move into spring and summer, the pent-up desire to socialize and enjoy a cold one with friends and family is palpable. Establishments across the state are gearing up to welcome back patrons, with some even offering signing bonuses to entice kitchen staff. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the hospitality industry.
While we’ve had to say goodbye to some beloved watering holes, I’m confident that new and innovative establishments like Steeplejack Brewing will emerge to fill the void. The future may look a little different, but the spirit of camaraderie and the love of great beer will endure.
So, as you venture out to support your local pubs, breweries, and restaurants, remember to stay safe, get vaccinated, and wear a mask. And who knows – you might just stumble upon the next great beer-fueled story waiting to be told at The Up and Under Pub.
