I got an e-mail today with the sad news from an old friend, Matt Jamieson, who called on me when I worked as the beer buyer for BevMo. He used to work for Karl Strauss Brewing in San Diego.
Yesterday, Karl Strauss passed away in Milwaukee at age 94. Born in Germany, and a graduate of Weihenstephan, Strauss worked for Pabst for decades before retiring as a vice-president. In 1989, along with cousin Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, Strauss founded the San Diego microbrewery that bears his name. It was San Diego’s first one and today the company operates a brewery and six brewpubs. The brewery website has a nice tribute up and the San Diego Union-Tribune also has an article about Karl Strauss.
Karl Strauss as a young man.
J –
Thanks for posting the notes about Karl Strauss. Working around Karl was one of the best experiences that I have ever had in the beer industry.
Karl’s knowledge was second to none and his ability to communicate across all ages was fantastic. He will be missed.
My condolences to his wife Marjean and to the entire Karl Strauss Brewing Company family, especially Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner.
Matt Jamieson
I too was devastated to hear this news last night. It was very late, I woke my husband too tell him. We hugged and said out loud: ” Auf Wiedersehen Dear Friend ” Although I haven’t worked for the company since 2000, my love for them, and him has never waned. He was truly a special man. Til we meet again, I’ll hold you fondly in my heart, and you’ll always be SIR to me…..