Today is the birthday of Paul Sangster, who was the brewmaster of Rip Current Brewing in San Marcos, California and a co-founder with his partner Guy Shobe. By a strange coincidence, Guy’s sister is our neighbor across the street at the home we bought over ten years ago and his niece is one of my daughter’s best friends. So I’ve met Paul and Guy a couple of time now, and it was great seeing them win big at the 2015 GABF. Last year, we judged together on the final day of GABF judging. Paul is a longtime San Diego homebrewer and won numerous awards before leaving his career in 2014 to turn pro. Unfortunately, they made the hard decision to close the brewery in December of 2023. I’m not sure what Paul’s up to these days, but hopefully he’s still brewing somewhere even if only in his garage.

Picking up a medal at the 2015 GABF awards. That’s Paul in the center next to Charlie Papazian, and his business partner Guy to Charlie’s right.

The Rip Current crew off the stage.

On stage again, winning Very Small Brewing Company of the Year in 2015.