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This is a somber episode as we celebrate the life of Alan Sprints, the founder of Hair of the Dog brewery who died last weekend at age 66. The cause was bladder cancer.
His family posted the following obituary:
Alan was born on September 7, 1959, in Culver City, California, to the late Lila Entis and Martin Sprints. In 1988, following his passion for the culinary arts, Alan relocated to Portland, Oregon, to attend the Western Culinary Institute. After honing his craft for several years in the food and beverage industry, Alan took a bold leap in 1993 by founding the Hair of the Dog Brewing Company. Over the next three decades, he built a legendary business celebrated by beer enthusiasts worldwide. Alan was a true pioneer in the American craft brewing movement, introducing an old-world approach to beer making and creating uniquely complex, barrel-aged, and high-gravity beers that challenged and redefined the industry.
Beyond the brewery, Alan was a man of diverse talents and boundless curiosity. He was an avid gardener, a skilled stained-glass artist, a ceramicist, and a tinkerer extraordinaire who found joy in creating things with his hands and nurturing the world around him.
Alan was born on September 7, 1959, in Culver City, California, to the late Lila Entis and Martin Sprints. In 1988, following his passion for the culinary arts, Alan relocated to Portland, Oregon, to attend the Western Culinary Institute. After honing his craft for several years in the food and beverage industry, Alan took a bold leap in 1993 by founding the Hair of the Dog Brewing Company. Over the next three decades, he built a legendary business celebrated by beer enthusiasts worldwide. Alan was a true pioneer in the American craft brewing movement, introducing an old-world approach to beer making and creating uniquely complex, barrel-aged, and high-gravity beers that challenged and redefined the industry.
Beyond the brewery, Alan was a man of diverse talents and boundless curiosity. He was an avid gardener, a skilled stained-glass artist, a ceramicist, and a tinkerer extraordinaire who found joy in creating things with his hands and nurturing the world around him.
Alan’s greatest devotion was to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Eliana Temkin, and their three sons, Elijah, Isaac, and Gabriel Sprints. He also leaves behind his sister, Wendy Sprints (Dan Kaempff); sister-in-law, Dina Temkin (Dominic Green); in-laws Dvora Temkin and Howard Temkin, aunt and uncle, Judie and Michael Rickus; step-mother, Madeline Sprints as well as a close-knit circle of nieces, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends.
The family will hold a private burial service, with a public celebration of life to be planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alan’s memory to New Avenues for Youth, an organization close to his heart.
To remember Alan, host John Holl is joined by Lisa Morrison, the publican of Belmont Station and Jeff Alworth, the writer, author, and host of All About Beer’s One Iconic Beer podcast.
To remember Alan, host John Holl is joined by Lisa Morrison, the publican of Belmont Station and Jeff Alworth, the writer, author, and host of All About Beer’s One Iconic Beer podcast.
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This Episode is Sponsored by:
All About Beer
At All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.
Host: John Holl
At All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.
Host: John Holl
Guests: Lisa Morrison, Jeff Alworth
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Portland, Oregon, Hair of the Dog, History, Legacy
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Creators and Guests
What is Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl?
Drink Beer, Think Beer is a weekly conversation with brewers, growers, and other brewing industry professionals that explores the art, culture, and business of craft beer. Hosted by John Holl and recorded on location, this podcast gets to the bottom of every pint and offers insight into the dynamic world of beer.