Written by Ken Carman
I actually had two of these special bladder-like beer vessels, but I think my Newman’s disappeared. I still have one from Lexington, KY. I actually had one of the Brown Ales before he started marketing it as “Winter Ale.” When I met Bill he was stirring a mash tun with a big paddle. The bottle he gave me had no label. I seem to remember, for the time, it was a pretty substantial Brown Ale malt-wise, though it would be considered a bit low on hops for an American Brown these days.
I do have several of the following labels in my collection. Pictures courtesy of http://jesskidden.googlepages.com
I remember that warehouse. The white car in the picture sure looks like our old white Subaru. Wouldn’t that be ironic? That’s about where I parked and I know that I did park it opposite everyone else. (Do I remember it correctly that it was down a one way street? Not sure.) But I do remember getting out of that car, wondering if we should climb back in. Not the nicest part of Albany.
Before Bill stopped marketing he contracted F.X. Matt to brew for him so he could concentrate on sales. During our last interview Fred Matt and I talked a bit about Bill. Expect another interview with Fred about November. I’m hoping he can also help me turn my annual Beaver River Station Beer Tasting (see previous post) into a full blown festival, complete with vendors and competition.
Stay tuned.