Alan Sprints, a pivotal figure in the American craft beer movement and the visionary founder of Hair of the Dog Brewery, passed away at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with metastatic stage 4 bladder cancer. Sprints, renowned for his audacious and meticulously crafted ales, particularly those he christened with four-letter names, leaves behind a profound legacy that reshaped the landscape of craft brewing, popularizing the concept of highly sought-after, limited-edition "white whale" beers long before the term became ubiquitous. His passing, confirmed by sources close to the brewing community, has sent ripples of grief and remembrance throughout the industry he so deeply influenced.
A Pioneer of Bold Flavors and Elusive Brews
Sprints’ most celebrated creation, "Adam," emerged in 1994, a potent 10% ABV Old Ale inspired by the historical German strong ale, Adambier, a style he encountered through the writings of the late beer authority Michael Jackson. Adam distinguished itself with a formidable 60 International Bitterness Units (IBUs) and an extraordinary capacity for aging, a characteristic that quickly elevated it to cult status among discerning beer enthusiasts. At a time when most breweries focused on more conventional styles, Sprints’ willingness to explore and revive such robust, historically significant brews was revolutionary.
Following the success of Adam, Sprints introduced "Fred" in 1997. This 10% ABV Belgian Golden Strong Ale, named in honor of Portland-based beer historian and luminary Fred Eckhardt, proved to be even more elusive and coveted than its predecessor. The release of these intensely flavorful, high-alcohol, and long-aging beers established Hair of the Dog as a beacon for those seeking beers that defied convention and offered a complex, evolving drinking experience. Sprints’ ability to create beers that were not only technically brilliant but also imbued with a sense of occasion and rarity cemented his reputation as an innovator.
A Deep Dive into the Hair of the Dog Genesis
The origins of Hair of the Dog Brewery can be traced back to Sprints’ diverse professional journey. Originally hailing from the Los Angeles area, his early career spanned the aerospace and music industries. However, his passion for homebrewing eventually led him to a different path. After honing his skills as a chef, Sprints transitioned into professional brewing, joining Widmer Brothers in Portland, Oregon, in 1991.
During this period, Sprints was an active and influential member of the local homebrewing community, notably serving as president of the Oregon Brew Crew. This hands-on experience, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, paved the way for the establishment of Hair of the Dog Brewery in 1993. Located in an industrial sector of southeast Portland, the brewery quickly became synonymous with Sprints’ distinctive brewing philosophy.
Beyond his mastery of historical styles, Sprints was also an early adopter and innovator in the realm of barrel-aging. His meticulous approach to wood-aging beers earned Hair of the Dog widespread acclaim from publications such as Beer Advocate and Whiskey Advocate. Matt Simpson, founder of The Beer Sommelier, reflected on Sprints’ impact, stating, "He 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 sentiment underscores Sprints’ profound influence on developing techniques and raising the bar for complex beer maturation.
Anecdotal Evidence of a Generous Spirit
The personal accounts of those who knew Sprints paint a vivid picture of a brewer deeply passionate about his craft and exceptionally generous with his knowledge and his beer. Amahl Turczyn, the author of the original article, recalls visiting Hair of the Dog in the mid-1990s with esteemed figures like Fred Eckhardt and former Zymurgy editor Jim Parker. She describes being awestruck by the brewery’s imposing steam-jacketed brew kettle and Sprints’ infectious enthusiasm as he shared aged bottles of his creations. The experience of discovering his beers at local establishments like Burlingame Market and the iconic Horse Brass Pub further illustrates the integral role Hair of the Dog played in the burgeoning Portland craft beer scene of the 1990s.
Drew Beechum, a founding board member of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and a respected author, echoed these sentiments, describing Sprints as "a homebrewer at heart—always super generous with his time and enthusiasm (and his cellar)." Beechum’s recollections vividly illustrate Sprints’ approachable nature and his commitment to fostering a sense of community.
A Memorable Encounter at the Original Hair of the Dog
Beechum’s memories of the original Hair of the Dog location further highlight the brewery’s unique character and Sprints’ welcoming demeanor. He describes the brewery as being situated in a "weird old half broken down warehouse along the river and the train tracks in Portland." Beechum, as an eager, novice brewer, stumbled upon one of Sprints’ annual pre-Oregon Brewers Festival parties. Despite not knowing Beechum, Sprints graciously welcomed him to the gathering and a lavish feast. Sprints proudly showcased his 4-barrel steam-jacketed kettle, which he humorously noted had previously been used by Campbell’s to boil peas. Beechum observed that the malt silo adjacent to the kettle dwarfed the brewing equipment, a detail that amused Sprints. The encounter culminated with Sprints sharing a glass of the legendary "Dave," poured from a clandestine Golden Gate keg.
The "Doggie Claws" Gift and a Legacy of Sharing
Beechum also recounts a particularly memorable instance of Sprints’ generosity during a visit to the San Francisco Bay Area. While celebrating his homebrew club’s win as Anchor Brewing’s California Homebrew Club of the Year, Beechum and his fellow club members were at a party when Sprints unexpectedly arrived. He presented them with two magnums of his highly acclaimed "Doggie Claws Barleywine" as a congratulatory gift. The generosity didn’t stop there; as each bottle was emptied, Sprints would reappear, "like a mischievously grinning Santa Claus," with another pair of magnums. This repeated act of kindness cemented the memory of Sprints’ effervescent spirit and his dedication to sharing his craft.
The Impact and Enduring Influence of Alan Sprints
The passing of Alan Sprints represents a significant loss to the global brewing community. His innovative spirit, dedication to quality, and willingness to push the boundaries of beer flavor and complexity have left an indelible mark. The "white whale" beer phenomenon, characterized by highly anticipated, limited-release brews that generate immense collector interest and often command premium prices, owes a considerable debt to Sprints’ early pioneering efforts with beers like Adam and Fred. This model has since been adopted and adapted by countless breweries worldwide, fundamentally altering marketing strategies and consumer engagement in the craft beer sector.
Sprints’ emphasis on historical styles and the art of barrel-aging has also inspired a generation of brewers to explore deeper, more nuanced brewing techniques. His work demonstrated that beer could be as complex and age-worthy as fine wine or spirits, encouraging a more sophisticated appreciation for the craft.
A Community Mourns a True Beer Lover
The outpouring of tributes following the news of Sprints’ death underscores the profound impact he had on individuals and the broader industry. "Seriously, we lost a hell of a beer lover and educator," remarked Drew Beechum, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many. Alan Sprints will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless homebrewing and craft brewing enthusiasts whose lives and palates he enriched. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire brewers and delight beer drinkers for generations to come.
