Alan Sprints, the visionary founder of Portland’s revered Hair of the Dog Brewing Company and a pivotal figure in the craft beer movement, has passed away after a courageous battle with metastatic stage 4 bladder cancer. Sprints, renowned for his creation of "white whale" limited-edition beers that became legendary among enthusiasts, leaves behind a profound legacy of innovation, artistry, and an unwavering dedication to the craft of brewing. His passing marks a significant loss to the global homebrewing and craft beer communities, who remember him not only for his exceptional beers but also for his infectious enthusiasm and boundless generosity.
A Pioneer of the "White Whale" Beer Culture
Sprints is perhaps most famously recognized for pioneering the concept of the "white whale" beer – rare, highly sought-after brews that generated immense anticipation and devotion among beer aficionados. His creations at Hair of the Dog, which he founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1993, became the benchmark for this phenomenon. Among his most celebrated works was "Adam," a robust, four-letter named ale that drew inspiration from the historical German strong ale, Adambier. Michael Jackson, the influential beer writer, had previously documented Adambier in his seminal work, Beer Companion.
First released in 1994, Adam was a dark, 10% ABV Old Ale distinguished by its formidable bitterness, registering 60 International Bitterness Units (IBUs). Its unique profile and remarkable aging potential quickly established it as a coveted rarity. At the time of its debut, few, if any, other breweries were producing beers of such complexity and intensity. Adam’s success paved the way for further innovation, and in 1997, Sprints introduced "Fred." Named in honor of Fred Eckhardt, a distinguished Portland-based beer historian and a significant figure in the craft and homebrew world, Fred was inspired by the Belgian Golden Strong Ale style. This dark gold, 10% ABV brew proved to be even more elusive and desirable than its predecessor, solidifying Hair of the Dog’s reputation for producing exceptional, limited-run beers.
Early Life and Transition to Brewing
Born in the Los Angeles area, Sprints’ early career interests lay in aerospace and music. However, his passion for homebrewing eventually led him to a career as a chef. This culinary background undoubtedly influenced his meticulous approach to flavor development and ingredient selection in his brewing endeavors. His professional journey into the beer industry began in 1991 when he joined Widmer Brothers in Portland.
During his time at Widmer Brothers, Sprints became an active and influential member of his local homebrew club, the Oregon Brew Crew, eventually ascending to the position of club president. After accumulating three years of experience as a chef and two years as a professional brewer, Sprints felt compelled to embark on his own brewing venture. This ambition culminated in the establishment of Hair of the Dog Brewing Company in 1993, situated in an industrial district of southeast Portland.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
Hair of the Dog quickly distinguished itself not only by recreating historical beer styles but also by being at the forefront of emerging brewing techniques. Sprints was an early adopter and innovator in barrel-aging, a practice that involves aging beer in wooden barrels, often previously used for spirits like bourbon or whiskey. This method imparts complex flavors, aromas, and character to the beer. His pioneering work in this area garnered significant recognition from esteemed publications such as Beer Advocate and Whiskey Advocate.
Matt Simpson, founder of The Beer Sommelier, eloquently summarized Sprints’ impact on the barleywine and barrel-aged beer landscape: "Alan Sprints didn’t create the barleywine style – he perfected it. He didn’t invent barrel-aged beers – he curated and melded them like nobody at the time could or would." This statement underscores Sprints’ profound ability to elevate established beer categories to new heights of artistry and refinement.
Anecdotes of Generosity and Homebrew Spirit
The impact of Alan Sprints extended far beyond his professional achievements. He remained deeply connected to his roots as a homebrewer, a characteristic consistently highlighted by those who knew him. Drew Beechum, a Founding Board member of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and an author, fondly recalled Sprints’ enduring spirit: "He was a homebrewer at heart – always super generous with his time and enthusiasm (and his cellar)."
Beechum’s recollections paint a vivid picture of Sprints’ welcoming nature and the unique atmosphere of early Hair of the Dog. He described the original brewery location as being situated in a "weird old half broken down warehouse along the river and the train tracks in Portland." Beechum recounted attending one of Sprints’ annual pre-Oregon Brewers Festival parties as an eager, novice brewer. Despite not knowing Beechum personally, Sprints warmly welcomed him to the gathering and a substantial feast.
"He handled my enthusiastic babble, proudly showed off his 4-barrel steam jacketed kettle that had been used by Campbell’s to boil peas (I think – it was definitely Campbell’s)," Beechum shared. He also noted the amusing contrast between the modest kettle and the massive malt silo beside it, a testament to Sprints’ ambition. Sprints’ generosity was further demonstrated when he offered Beechum a glass of the fabled "Dave," a rare beer from a secret keg.
Another memorable anecdote from Beechum involved a surprise encounter with Sprints during a visit to the Bay Area. While celebrating a homebrew club win in San Francisco, Beechum and his fellow club members were surprised when Sprints appeared at a party at Trumer Brewery in Berkeley. He arrived bearing two magnums of his renowned "Doggie Claws" Barleywine as a congratulatory gift. The humor and generosity of the gesture were amplified as Sprints repeatedly reappeared, like a "mischievously grinning Santa Claus," with more magnums each time a bottle was emptied. These stories consistently illustrate Sprints’ genuine passion for sharing his craft and celebrating the achievements of others.
A Significant Loss to the Brewing Community
The news of Alan Sprints’ passing has elicited widespread sadness and tributes from across the brewing world. Charlie Papazian, a foundational figure in American homebrewing and the founder of the Brewers Association, alongside Sprints and his son Isaac, was pictured at Homebrew Con 2018, a testament to his enduring connection with the community. The photograph captures a moment of camaraderie and shared passion that defined Sprints’ presence in the industry.
The impact of Sprints’ work on the craft beer landscape is undeniable. He not only pushed the boundaries of what was possible in brewing but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their own brewing passions. His dedication to quality, innovation, and the spirit of community has left an indelible mark.
Broader Impact and Implications
Alan Sprints’ legacy extends beyond the individual beers he created. He was instrumental in fostering a culture of appreciation for complex, age-worthy beers, thereby educating consumers and elevating the perception of craft beer. His "white whale" strategy, while initially met with curiosity, ultimately demonstrated the commercial viability and desirability of limited-release, high-quality brews, influencing brewery business models and marketing strategies worldwide.
The practice of barrel-aging, which Sprints embraced and perfected, has since become a cornerstone of many craft breweries’ offerings. His meticulous approach to blending and aging has set a high bar for future brewers seeking to explore these techniques. Furthermore, his active participation and leadership within homebrew clubs underscore the vital role of grassroots communities in driving innovation and fostering talent within the broader brewing industry. The continuation of his influence can be seen in the many brewers who cite Hair of the Dog as a formative inspiration.
In conclusion, Alan Sprints will be remembered as a true pioneer, a master craftsman, and a generous spirit. His contributions have irrevocably shaped the trajectory of craft beer, and his absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives and palates he touched. The enduring quality and character of his beers will continue to be celebrated, serving as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary vision and dedication.
