Today would have been the 52nd birthday of Jonathan Cutler, brewmaster/co-owner of Piece Brewing in Chicago, but unfortunately he passed away in early May two years ago. According to his obituary, “Jonathan graduated from Southern Illinois University where he found his passion for brewing beer.  He subsequently attended the esteemed Siebel Institute in Chicago and started brewing professionally at Goose Island Brewery followed by a position at Sierra Nevada. In 2001 he started as head brewer at Piece Pizza where he went on to win 29 medals at the GABF and World Beer Cup over the course of 19 years. His most recent venture was at Oy Brewing in the Faroe Islands.” In my experience, he was a terrific, fun person, and a great brewer. He even got a shout-out at the Academy Awards a few years ago, when Quentin Tarantino said “Piece Out” during his acceptance speech. Join me in drinking a toast to his memory.

Accepting a medal at GABF in 2002.

Serving beer and pizza at the CBC Reception at the Field Museum.

At Stone Brewery during CBC in San Diego in 2008. From left: Peter Schell, Eric Rose (Hollister Brewing), Ian Ward (Brewers Supply Group), Jonathan Cutler (Piece Brewing), Chad Kennedy (Laurelwood Public House) and Fal Allen (now back at Anderson Valley).

Jonathan picking up another GABF award for Piece in 2007.

Jonathan tearing up during Dave Keene and Jennifer Smith’s wedding during GABF several years ago.