It’s with sadness that we recognize the passing of two craft beer publicans. Ric Hess, the owner of Sheffields in Chicago passed away suddenly at the age of 48. From the facebook page dedicated to raising a toast to him:
Ric Hess was the owner of Sheffield’s in Chicago. He was a craft beer fan, a Cubs fan, a writer, …
Ric, passed away suddenly of a heart attack while walking upstairs to his home, located above Sheffield’s. …
As Greg Hall of Goose Island said – “In my mind his was the first craft beer bar. In the early 90s, when imports still ruled, he took a chance on all the crafts, and really pushed Goose and Bell’s in particular, Anyone who opened a brewery regionally went to Ric first and got a handle. He was extremely supportive of the local beer scene.”
Mike Roper, owner of The Hopleaf said – “When most saloons in Chicago poured only Old Style and the like, Sheffield’s was way, way ahead of the curve in offering the best of the emerging American craft beers. He introduced Chicago to Bell’s beers. So much of the aesthetic that I sought for my venture came from what Ric had brought to Sheffield’s.
Monday The 31st of January @ 8pm Central if you have a glass in front of you raise it and toast to Ric.
We also lost a craft beer pioneer in Don Younger. He was the owner and proprietor of the famous Horse Brass pub in Portland. Jay Brooks at Brookston Beer Bullitin wrote a very nice remembrance that I encourage you all to read.
from oregonlive.com
Cheers to two craft pioneers that will be missed…