Brookston Beer Bulletin

Jay R. Brooks on Beer

Socialize

Historic Beer Birthday: John the Fearless

By

gambrinus
Today is the birthday of John the Fearless (May 28, 1371–September 10, 1419). He was “also known as John of Valois and John I of Burgundy, [and] was Duke of Burgundy from 1404 to 1419. He was a member of the Burgundian branch of the Valois Dynasty. For a period of time, he served as Regent of France on behalf of his first cousin King Charles VI of France, who suffered from severe mental illness.”

Here’s another short biography from the University of Ohio’s eHistory:

Philip the Good John earned the moniker Fearless during a crusade he attempted to lead against the Turks in Nikopol in 1396. The Crusaders were defeated and John was captured. He was ransomed a year later. At the age of 33 he succeeded his father as duke. During the battle of Agincourt he was noticeably missing. During the next few years he negotiated with Henry V but no firm alliance was ever struck. He was assassinated in 1419 by partisans of the the dauphin Charles (later King Charles VII) during a negotiation session.

The origin of Gambrinus is “most widely believed to be John the Fearless (1371–1419), who some also believe to be the inventor of hopped malt beer.”

This speculation is written by Hugh Evans for the Homebrew Emporium:

The second historical figure who may have been mythologized into Gambrinus was John the Fearless (1371-1419), Duke of Burgundy. While Burgundy was known then as now more for wine than beer, it too produced a lot of ale. More surprising, John the Fearless is credited with being influential in the introduction of hops to European brewing. Prior to the use of hops, European brewers used a collection of herbs called Gruit to provide a bitter component to beer, as well as to help stabilize it. John Duke of Burgundy appears to have encouraged brewers in his fiefdoms to switch to using hops during his reign, reinforcing a trend that was already spreading across the continent.

And this is from the Lord of the Drinks:

An alternative name is John the Fearless (1371-1419), who was Duke of Burgundy. This John was also quite fond of long drinking sessions. Plus under his reign the use of hops in beer was legalized in several areas in Belgium. Since the mythical Gambrinus is said to have introduced hops, this could be a clear indication. Although hops was already used in nearby areas before John, and all together it took about 500 years before this ingredient had found its way to all corners of “the Lowlands”.

John_the_Fearless

Historic Beer Birthday: Charles Green

By

hop-leaf

Today is the birthday of Charles Green (May 28, 1811-July 31, 1901). He was born in upstate New York and in the early 1840s became a hop merchant with his son, calling the business Charles Green & Son. According to the Brewers’ Journal, he was “one of the earliest and most widely known hop merchants of Central New York.”

Charles-Green-mini

This short biography is from his Find-a-Grave page:

Hubbardsville farmer, speculator and hop dealer, supervisor 4 terms, school director and assessor. In 1835 taught school at Hamilton Center, 1836 at Hubbardsville, 1837 again at Hamilton Ctr. 1838 entered store of Gideon Manchester, assignee of Hart & Hunt, Hubbardsville. Bought the stock and continued the business three years. Since that time has been in the hop business and in company with his sons, Walter J. & Charles G. Married 1839 Mary Jane Hubbard and had 4 children, the above sons and Eliza Jane & Mary G.

Charles-Green-Son-Dealers-In-Hops-Extra

And this fuller biography is from the Michael Brown Rare Books site, which had for sale some letter to and from Charles Green and his company.

Charles Green was a Hubbardsville farmer, speculator and hop dealer, one of the earliest and most widely known hop merchants of Central New York with dealings from the east coast to the Midwest and as far south as Virginia and Kentucky. Charles Green was born 28 May 1811, at Sangerfield, New York. He was the son of David Green (1769-1853) and Deliverance Hatch (1769-1862). The Greens at some point moved to Hubbardsville, New York, in Madison County. Charles Green led an active life at Hubbardsville. He was a supervisor 4 terms, a school director and an assessor. In 1835 he taught school at Hamilton Center, in 1836 at Hubbardsville, and in 1837 taught again at Hamilton Center.

Charles Green married on 30 October 1839 to Mary Jane Hubbard (1822-1902), daughter of Oliver Kellogg and Mary (Meacham) Hubbard. Together the couple had four children: Eliza Jane Green (1841-1916); Charles Germain Green (1845-1923); Walter Jerome Green (1842-1885); and Mary Genevieve Green (born 1847).

In 1838 Charles Green entered the store of Gideon Manchester, assignee of Hart & Hunt, Hubbardsville. He bought the stock and continued the business three years. Afterwards he got into the hop business eventually bringing into business his sons, Walter J. and Charles Germaine Green. Green first started in the hop business in 1850. In 1865 a partnership was formed with his son Walter Jerome Green, under the firm name of Charles Green & Son, with headquarters at Hubbardsville. The company later appears as Charles Green & Sons when Charles Germaine Green joined the firm.

1870-Charles-Green-Son-Hops-New

Charles Green & Son established a private bank in 1872, and in 1875 it was moved to Utica and continued until 1884. The firm was then changed to Charles Green, Son & Co., as O.W. Kennedy and J.W. Hayes joined the business. In 1891 the bank was removed back to Waterville, and the firm became Charles Green, Son, Brainard & Co., through the purchase of the interest of Mr. Hayes by I.D. Brainard, Charles Green’s son-in-law.

I. D. Brainard was born in Hubbardsville, New York, September 27, 1846, the son of Ira and Jemima (Beebe) Brainard. He was educated at the Clinton Liberal Institute, after which he engaged in the hop business. In 1891 the firm of Charles Green, Son & Co., hop merchants and bankers was formed. The banking house is in Waterville, and was in charge of Brainard. He had been president of the village two terms, and had been a member of the Board of Education for ten years. In 1870 Mr. Brainard married M. Geneva Green, by whom he had one son, Charles Green Brainard. M. Geneva Green was the daughter of Charles Green and the sister of Walter Jerome and Charles Germain Green.

Charles Green died at the age of 90 in 1901 and was buried in the family burial plot at Graham Cemetery, Hubbardsville, Madison County, New York.

NY-New-York-HUBBARDSVILLE-1940s
This postcard of Hubbardsville is from the 1940s.

Beer In Ads #4982: Wiener Bock Beer

By

Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Tuesday’s ad is for Wiener Bock Beer. The ad was published on May 27, 1912. This one was for H. Kostenbader & Co. of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, which was originally founded in 1867 and often known as the Eagle Brewery. This ad ran in the Morning Call, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. No word as to why they called it “Wiener Bock Beer,” or what makes it “The Real Beer.” But at least they “also Bottle and Sterilize it at the Brewery for Family Use.” For “Family Use?” What does that mean?

Beer Birthday: Shaun Hill

By

hill-farmstead
Today is the 46th birthday of Shaun Hill, who founded the Hill Farmstead Brewery. After learning to homebrew, he took a job at a local brewpub, the Shed, and eventually became its brewer. After a stint brewing in Copenhagen at Nørrebro Bryghus, he returned to his hometown of Greensboro, Vermont and founded his brewery in 2010. His brewery and beers have gone on to win many accolades. Certainly, the ones I”ve tried have been terrific. I first met Shaun when he was visiting Russian River Brewing a couple of years ago and again at the last two Rate Beer Best events here in Sonoma County. Join me in wishing Shaun a happy birthday.

shaun-and-me-2
At the Rate Beer Best Awards dinner several years ago.
IMG_2609
At Rate Beer Best’s first beer festival in 2016.


Beer Birthday: Jim Koch

By

sam-adams-new
Jim Koch, the founder of Boston Beer Co., known primarily for their Samuel Adams beers, is celebrating his 76th birthday today. Jim was instrumental, of course, in spreading the word about craft beer, especially in the early days when Samuel Adams was often the first one to be available in many pockets of the country. Join me in wishing Jim a very happy birthday.

Jim and me at the annual media brunch and Longshot winner announcement at GABF in 2009.
Vinnie Cilurzo, Jim, Jack McAuliffe and Natalie Cilurzo at the Russian River Brewpub in 2013.
sambrunch-3
Daniel Bradford and Amy Dalton, both with All About Beer, sandwiching Jim Koch, and flanked by drinks writer Rick Lyke, who writes online at Lyke 2 Drink.
longshot09-4
After judging the finals for the Longshot Homebrew Competition in Boston. From left: Jason Alstrom (from Beer Advocate), Tony Forder (from Ale Street News), Bob Townsend (a food & drinks columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Jim Koch (founder of the Boston Beer Co.), yours truly (on assignment for Celebrator Beer News), Julie Johnson (from All About Beer magazine), and Todd Alstrom (also from Beer Advocate).
P1000136
Jack McAuliffe and Jim at Boston Beer’s annual media brunch during GABF week several years ago.

Beer In Ads #4981: Christian Moerlein’s Bock Beer

By

Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Monday’s ad is for Christian Moerlein’s Bock Beer. The ad was published on May 26, 1903. This one was for Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, which was originally founded in 1853. This ad ran in the Omaha World Herald, of Omaha, Nebraska. The ad is promoting all of their beers, and it’s hard to see, but on the seven wooden barrels along the bottom there’s a different style on each one, with the second from the right listing their “Bock.”

Beer Birthday: Masaharu Morimoto

By

morimoto
Today is the 68th birthday of Masaharu Morimoto, who “is a Japanese chef, best known as an Iron Chef on the Japanese TV cooking show Iron Chef and its spinoff Iron Chef America.”

morimoto-knives

He’s also collaborated with Rogue Ales to create a line of beers known as “The Signature Series.” They were launched in the Spring of 2003.

The Pan Asian restaurant is also celebrating Spring by featuring a Morimoto Sakura beer, $9 that is a cherry blossom Kolsch exclusively brewed at Winter Garden-based Crooked Can Brewery and available for a limited time. The brewers at Crooked Can used imported Sakura (cherry blossoms) to dry hop their award-winning Kolsch to create this specialty brew.

This is his biography from the Food Network:

Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Iron Chef Japanese Masaharu Morimoto trained in a sushi restaurant before moving to the U.S. in 1985 at the age of 30. After working in several restaurants, he joined the highly acclaimed Nobu restaurant in New York City.

Morimoto polished his craft in New York’s melting pot and became a state-of-the-art world chef. His cutting-edge cuisine attracted the attention of Iron Chef producers, who invited him to become a Japanese Iron Chef. His skill, which outshines the trademark diamond stud in his left ear, has been recognized all around the world. While his cooking has Japanese roots, it’s actually “global cooking” for the 21st century. His unique fusion cuisine takes advantage of Japanese color combinations and aromas and uses Chinese spices and simple Italian ingredients, while maintaining a refined French style of presentation.

“Cooking is entertainment,” proclaims the revolutionary. Morimoto’s attitude is evident in his dishes, which retain a sense of fun and a bit of spice.

Morimoto opened his own restaurant, Morimoto, in Philadelphia in 2002 and a second one in New York City in 2006.

Iron_Chef_Masaharu_Morimoto

Beer Birthday: Joe Stange

By

Today may be the birthday of Joe Stange (May 26, 19??- ). A mutual friend posted this morning that it was, and in an absence of better — or any — information, I’m going to assume it is. Joe rarely shares much personal information, so you never know. His wife is in the state department so he’s lived abroad in different locations over the years, while writing about beer wherever he is. Joe is originally from Missouri, and studied journalism in college before becoming an AP reporter. He later studied politics in graduate school, where he met his diplomat wife and he began freelance beer writing wherever they were posted. More recently, he’s been the managing editor of Craft Beer & Brewing magazine, one of the few left concentrating on beer. Join me in wishing Joe a very happy birthday.

Joe and me at GABF in 2024.
In Namur for Brussels Beer Challenge judging in 2017.

Historic Beer Birthday: Nicholas Kessler

By

kessler
Today is the birthday of Nicholas Kessler (May 26, 1833-December 11, 1902). Kessler was born in Luxembourg, but came to the U.S. in 1854, eventually settling in Montana, where he bought into a brewery there, which was eventually known as the Kessler Brewery.

kessler-nick-engraving

From “A Luxembourg Pioneer in Montana,” by Fausto Gardini:

Nic(h)olas Kessler, originally the name was spelled Kesseler, is born, the youngest of a family of six children. He arrives in New York on January 10, 1854, continues on to Sandusky, Ohio and settles for a while at Detroit, Michigan. Later, he removes to Chicago, Illinois and is active in the feed business. Like many other immigrants, he succumbs to the gold fever and heads west prospecting in Colorado before heading to Montana in August of 1863. In Virginia City, Nick starts a bakery, restaurant and liquor business. In 1864, Nick travels back to Luxembourg to visit with family and friends. When returning to America, according to a contemporary, he had learned that back in Luxembourg men had to relax and when they relaxed many of them found solace and entertainment with friends over a stein of brew. So rather than continuing panning for gold in 1865 he acquires a brewery at Helena, Montana. Over the years, he grows the Kessler Brewery into one of the most prosperous breweries far and wide. His Lorelei beer is a favorite for many decades. Nicholas Kessler, dies on December 11, 1902, in Helena, Montana.

Fausto has more about Kessler, the Montana Pioneer from Luxembourg, and there’s a lot of great information at Helena As She Was.

kessler_brewery_1890

Their most popular beer was called Lorelei Beer.

kessler-lorelei

And this account is from the “History of Montana,” by Joaquin Miller, 1894:

Nicholas Kessler, one of the prominent and enterprising businessmen of Helena Montana, is a native of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Germany, born May 26, 1833. His youth and early manhood were spent in Germany and in 1854 he emigrated to America, landing there in January of that year and locating in Sandusky Ohio. In 1856 he removed from Sandusky to Chicago, where he was engaged in the commission business until the winter of 1859-60, then starting for Pikes Peak, Colorado. He arrived in Colorado in time to aid in the elections of the first Recorder of California Gulch, where Leadville is now located. During the summer and fall of 1860 he was engaged in mining there, then mined in Montgomery, Colorado until 1862 and from that time until August 1863 he landed in Virginia City Montana and for one year was engaged in the liquor business at that place. In 1864 he made a visit to his old friends in Germany but returned to America the following year, and gain took up his abode in Montana, this time in Helena. Since April 1865 he has been identified with the interests of this city.

Mr. Kessler built and is the proprietor of the largest brewing establishment in Montana. He owns and operates the
brickyards which have furnished nearly all the brick that have been used in the buildings in Helena. He is also largely interested in Helena real estate and lands in Lewis and Clarke and Cascade counties and has extensive stock interests besides. With the various commercial and fraternal organizations of the city he is prominently connected.

Mr. Kessler was married in New York, April 2, 1873 to Louisa Ebert, who died December 18, 1880 leaving three children, two sons and one daughter. Both sons are now efficient help to their father in the management of his extensive business while the other children are attending school.

kessler_brewery_ward_bros_1892


An etching of the Kessler Brewery around 1892.

And here’s Kessler’s obituary from the Anaconda Standard:

Beer In Ads #4980: Daeufer’s Celebrated Bock Beer

By

Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, may have originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Sunday’s ad is for Daeufer’s Celebrated Bock Beer. The ad was published on May 25, 1917. This one was for Daeufer-Lieberman Brewing Co. of Allentown, Pennsylvania, which was originally founded in 1869 but was known by this name betweenn 1915-1938. This ad ran in the Allentown Leader, also of Allentown, Pennsylvania.