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Beer In Ads #5099: Kopp’s North Pacific Bock

October 10, 2025 By Jay Brooks Leave a Comment

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.

Friday’s ad is for Kopp’s Celebrated N.P. Bock, which was published on October 10, 1898. This one was for the North Pacific Brewery of Astoria, Oregon, which was originally founded in 1884, and also used the founder’s name, John Kopp, until 1902. This ad ran in The Astoria Evening Budget, also from Astoria, Oregon.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Oregon

Beer Birthday: Alfred Haunold

October 7, 2025 By Jay Brooks

Today is the birthday of Alfred Haunold (October 7, 1929- ). He was born in Hollabrunn, Austria and emigrated to the U.S. in the mid-1950s, eventually settling in Oregon. He worked as hop breeder for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was in charge of a hop-breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon that was a partnership between Oregon State University and the USDA for over thirty years before he retired. He was responsible for Cascade, Willamette, Sterling, Liberty, and Mt. Hood, among at least eighteen additional hop varieties, not to mention his many other contributions to hop sciences.

Dr. Haunold in 1966.

Gary Gilman has the best summary of Dr. Haunold’s life and work with hops in an article on his Beer et seq. blog entitled Dr. Al Haunold — Craft Beer Pioneer.

He arrived from the East Coast to work on the problem of downy mildew in the Cluster hop, then a workhorse of U.S. brewing, as was the Oregon Fuggle, both primarily used for bittering beer. Aroma in beer, at the time, was the preserve of fine imported varieties, at least for premium beers. Hops such as the German Hallertau and Tettnang, Czech Saaz, and various English hops.

Haunold was an Austrian immigrant who had grown up on a farm about 60 miles from Vienna. He joined the USDA after doctoral studies in Nebraska, adding to his extensive Austrian qualifications.

Oregon State also recorded some interviews with him as a part of their Oral History Online program. Check out Al Haunold Oral History Interview #1, from November 18, 2014 and Al Haunold Oral History Interview #2, from August 1, 2017. He also sat down for two audio recordings in 1982, which you can find at the Oregon Hops & Brewing Archives. These resources are great if you want to hear firsthand accounts of the history of craft beer and the hops that made so many modern beers possible. ANd here’s a list of some of his research.

During his career, he was a Member American Society Brewing Chemists (member editorial board 1987-1995, chairman publication committee 1989-1993, board directors 1989-1993), Crop Science Society of America, and the Hop Research Council.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun, Related Pleasures Tagged With: Austria, Hops, Oregon, Science, Science of Brewing

Beer In Ads #5079: It’s Here

September 15, 2025 By Jay Brooks

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 Bavarian Club Bock Beer, which was published on September 15, 1933. from the Bohemian Breweries, Inc. of Spokane, Washington, which was originally founded in 1890 and operated under a variety of names until 1933 when it became known under Bohemian Breweries, the plural indicative of there being a second facility in Boise, Idaho. This ad ran in The Bend Bulletin, of Bend, Oregon.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Oregon, Washington

Beer Birthday: Alan Sprints

September 7, 2025 By Jay Brooks

hair-of-the-dog
Today is the 66th birthday of Alan Sprints. Alan was the founder of Hair of the Dog Brewery in Portland, Oregon. Alan made some of the most unique and wonderful beers, not just in Portland, but anywhere, all the more impressive because he brewed out of an old Campbell’s soup kettle. A few years ago he relocated the brewery, now with a tasting room, to a new location on S.E. Yamhill in Portland. And a couple of years back, he came over to our home and brewed a version of his wonderful Doggie Claws with my son Porter on his brew sculpture. Alan is simply one of the best brewers anywhere and one of my favorite people in the industry. Sadly, he just closed down his brewery although he will continue to do some limited releases and collaborations, at least for the foreseeable future. Join me in wishing Alan a very happy birthday.

Alan and me at OBF in 2011.
Alan, with Portland beer writer Fred Eckhardt, at his annual open house during OBF in 2008.
Alan with his two Washington Cask Festival ribbons at Brouwer’s in Seattle a couple of years ago for the Keene Tasting.
Sean Paxton, the homebrew chef, my son Porter, and Alan, when he brewed a version of Doggie Claws with Porter at my house three years ago.
Alan standing in front of some of his aging beers, in 2007.
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Toasting Fred Eckhardt a few years ago, Alan with the other founders of FredFest.
Fred Eckhardt and Alan at OBF in 2011.

Filed Under: Birthdays Tagged With: Oregon, Portland

Beer Birthday: Ben Edmunds

September 1, 2025 By Jay Brooks

Today is the 44th birthday of Ben Edmunds. Ben is the co-founder and head brewer at Breakside Brewery in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Michigan, he attended Siebel Institute after college and settled in Portland. In 2010, Scott Lawrence opened Breakside with Ben doing the brewing. I don’t remember exactly when I met Ben but I’m pretty sure it was shortly after they opened, and I’ve been seeing him around ever since at various beer events. Ben’s a great advocate for craft beer and fun to hang out with, too. Join me in wishing Ben a very happy birthday.

Ben and me at CBC in Nashville earlier this year.
At FredFest a few years back. [photo by Don Scheid.]
Luc and Ben in Nashville.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: Oregon, Portland

Beer Birthday: Fred Bowman

August 27, 2025 By Jay Brooks

portland-wh
Today is Fred Bowman’s 80th birthday. Fred co-founded the Portland Brewing Co., which was bought several years ago by Pyramid Breweries, which in turn was bought by Magic Hat and then again by North American Breweries. Fred continues to be very active in the craft beer community, and has been supportive of the movement since the beginning. A couple of years ago, he dropped by and stayed with us during his drive ’round the country in a van, visiting old friends and family. Join me in wishing Fred a happy birthday.

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By the Celebrator booth at OBF, from left, John Harris (former head brewer at Full Sail Brewing), Tom Dalldorf, and Fred.
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Dick Cantwell, co-owner of Elysian Brewing Co. in Seattle, with Fred at an after party at the Falling Rock during GABF.
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With Lisa Morrison a couple of years ago in Portland for FredFest.
Frank Commanday, Art Larrance, Fred, and Bert Grant after brewing Portland Brewing’s 1st batch in January 1986.
Fred at the brewery during a party in 1986.

Filed Under: Birthdays Tagged With: Oregon, Portland

Beer In Ads #5050: Gambrinus Bock Beer & Unions

August 11, 2025 By Jay Brooks

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 Gambrinus Bock Beer, which was published on August 11, 1913. This one is for the Gambrinus Brewing Co. of Portland, Oregon, which was originally founded in 1875. This ad ran in The Oregon Labor Press, now known as the NW Labor Press, and is written for the members of over three dozen local unions in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Despite this being an ad for Gambrinus Bock Beer, there were some more ads right next to the Bock ad that were interesting, too. First, there’s an ad for the International Union of the United Brewery Workmen of America. Then, below that, there’s another ad for the Bartenders International League of America (now known as the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union), that also shows a pin for bartender union members to wear at work.

Filed Under: Art & Beer, Beers, Breweries, Just For Fun Tagged With: Advertising, Bock, History, Oregon, Portland

Beer Birthday: Matt Van Wyk

August 2, 2025 By Jay Brooks

alesong
Today is Matt Van Wyk’s 53rd birthday. Matt was the brewmaster at Flossmoor Station when I first met him but a number of years ago moved to Eugene, Oregon, where for a long while he brewed at Oakshire Brewing. He also used to co-write one of the best brewer’s blogs, the Flossmoor Station Blog and again for Oakshire. A few years ago, he left Oakshire to start his own brewery, Alesong Brewing & Blending, which is doing great things. Join me in wishing Matt a very happy birthday.

A self-portrait with Matt, from Oakshire Brewing, Jonathan Surrat, and me at the Goose Island cask event during CBC in Chicago.
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On the floor at GABF in 2007 with Andrew Mason (on left), Matt’s assistant at Flossmoor Station, and Wil Turner (on right) from Goose Island.
Jamie Floyd, from Ninkasi, and Matt Van Wyck, from Oakshire
Jamie Floyd, from Ninkasi Brewing, with Matt at GABF in 2009.
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Matt at the Boonville Beer Festival a few years ago.
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Matt and me, several years ago during a trip to Eugene at the Oakshire tasting room in Eugene.

Filed Under: Birthdays Tagged With: Oregon

Beer Birthday: John Harris

July 24, 2025 By Jay Brooks

ecliptic
Today is John Harris’ 62nd birthday. Until a few years ago — and for a long time — John was the head brewer at Full Sail Brewing and was responsible for many of their excellent beers. He opened his own brewery in Portland, Ecliptic Brewing, but more recently made the hard decision to close the brewery. John also occasionally played washboard with the Rolling Boil Blues Band. Plus he’s a terrific person, so join me in wishing John a very happy birthday.

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By the Celebrator booth at OBF, from left, John, Tom Dalldorf, and Fred Bowman, co-founder of Portland Brewing Co.
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John rocks out on washboard with the Rolling Boil Blues Band at CBC in Seattle, with Marty Jones (left) and Celebrator editor Tom Dalldorf (in the center).
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During a collaboration brew at Gigantic at OBF two years ago, with John and Gigantic’s Van Havig and Ben Love.
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John and his daughter at his 40th birthday party.
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John and the same daughter 10 years later at his 50th birthday party. I’m bummed I didn’t make it to his 60th.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Just For Fun Tagged With: Oregon, Portland

Beer Birthday: Lisa Morrison

July 11, 2025 By Jay Brooks

belmont-station

Today is the 62nd birthday of my good friend Lisa Morrison (a.k.a. the The Beer Goddess). Lisa did a radio show, Beer O’Clock with The Beer Goddess, was the Portland correspondent for the Celebrator, and is also the author of Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest: A Beer Lover’s Guide to Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. More recently, she shifted her focus and became a co-owner of Portland’s best beer store, Belmont Station. Join me in wishing Lisa a very happy birthday!

Me, Alan Sprints and Lisa at Hair of the Dog Brewery in 2022.
Me (behind the camera) Lisa and Luc De Raedemaeker toasting.
Taking Lisa and Mark to Russian River’s new Windsor brewery.
Me, John Holl, Bob Townsend, Don Russell, Lisa, Tony Forder and Jason Alstrom in Boston judging the old Samuel Adams’ Longshot Homebrew Competition in 2015.
Having our daily tea for our annual Tea Advent Calendar, but in person a few years ago.
Lisa enjoying a Westy at the source a few years ago, or at least across the street from the Abbey.
Lisa and me in Iceland a couple of years back.
Having fun with the giant opener at the Brussels Beer Challenge.
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In front of BridgePort with promotional goddess Chris Crabb, who handles PR for the brewery and also the Oregon Brewers Festival.
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Lisa with fellow Portland beer writer Fred Eckhardt.
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With Dick Cantwell at an Elysian event during OBF.
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Me, Celebrator publisher Tom Dalldorf, Lisa’s husband Mark & Lisa in front of the three pink elephants. There’s an interesting story about this mural at Concordia Public House in Portland. It turns out that the building used to be a speakeasy called the Pink Elephant. The mural was discovered during renovations hidden behind several layers of wallpaper and paint along with an old matchbook that gave away the original name.
lisa-and-me-lux
Lisa and me in Luxembourg several years ago.

Filed Under: Birthdays Tagged With: Oregon, Portland

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