In honor of the debut of Sam Calagione’s new Discovery Channel series, Brew Masters, Anat Baron (the director/writer/producer of Beer Wars) posted this short video of Sam and his Dogfish Head Craft Brewery that was originally shown at the “Alamo Draft House in April 2008 as part of the Dogfish Head Off-Centered Film Festival.” In the post, A Star Is Born, Anat reminisces about her first meeting Sam and working with him on her movie. Thanks for sharing, Anat.
The Many Sides of Sam Calagione and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery from Beer Wars on Vimeo.
Jay, your site is great. I love the new brew masters show. Finally some reality television that entered my demographic of beer, geekiness and weird approaches.
I judged a competition with you 5ish years ago at Drakes in San Leandro for the Washoe Tourney. Thanks for your contribution to the beer industry.
#respect
Jay – your comment (after seeing a preview) about Mr. Dogfish’s TV show on Discovery being a big plug for Dogfish was spot on (at least for episode 1). However, the “teasers” I saw for next week may cause us to rethink.
In Oct, I spent 3+ hrs @ his original place in Rehoboth Beach DE – brew was what I expected – excellent. I was there on a Thurs; 4:30 each Thurs they pop a “cask” (in reality a pony stainless 1/4 keg w/Sanke fittings – I was at the bar & saw it brought in), served off a hand pump of “75 Minute” IPA (a blend of 60 & 90).
As for “Brewmasters” – it’s definitely like ABC’s “Nightline” occasional “Sign of the Times” bits. I don’t know if Sam approached Discovery Channel for this (I suspect he did), but I hope that “old school” guys like Anchor’s Fritz Myatag & Sierra Nevada’s Ken Grossman will appear later on. I’d think that Lagunitas & Stone might be in future episodes – for sure Stone, given that they were in “Beer Wars” (as was Dogfish).
Sam’s taken craft brewing to a different level – & that Discovery (assuming it was their idea for “Brewmasters) chose him over the pretentious Jim Koch of Sam Adams (I’d think that Fritz or Ken would have bailed once they saw the “extremes” that this show wanted).
Good for Sam & something interesting to watch on Sunday nite!
I generally think Sam does a great job championing the whole craft beer industry while at the same time doing what’s best for his own individual business — a fine line to be sure. The Discovery channel approached him, of that I’m sure. At least two years ago I was asked to suggest industry people who might work well on TV. I’m not sure where that list is, but I know Sam was at least one of the people on it.
Jay – Lagunitas had to have been on your list! Never have been to the Petaluma brewery, but I’ve had fun talking to their guys at beer events & have always loved their attitude & most of their output.
I saw “Beer Wars” opening night – Sam & the good Koch (Greg) stole the show (Papazian pre-dates Jim Koch as a pretentious twit). I, being one, love iconoclasts, which Sam certainly is. I’m OK w/his occasional self-aggrandizing – if you’re good, flaunt it! (unless you’re not good at acknowledging your f-ups when someone takes you to task on them).
If you get “sneak previews” of future episodes beyond what’s in the “trailers”, pls clue us in as to what to expect (I’ll watch to satisfy my curiosity, but some may not care about the topic).