02 March 2010

Clay Pipe Down the Pipes?

Reports are trickling in from a Beer Advocate posting that Clay Pipe Brewing has called it a day.  Originally brewing out of an industrial location in Westminster (that was later sold to DOG Brewing/the Dog Pub chain), it had been brewing its last couple batches as needed at the Flying Dog/Wild Goose facility in Frederick the past couple of years.  Supposedly the company founder, Gregg Norris, just lost interest/will.

I'm not calling up Norris at night to ask.  But if you love Hop-Ocalypse or Pursuit of Happiness or Backfin, you just might want to stop and stock up en route to or from work tomorrow.  Provided, of course, that you still know a retailer that has it on hand.

If so--sorry to see it go, mate.  It was a great couple beers and a good run.

(PS:  Read the schedule again, guys:  you're only supposed to pull this stuff after I submit my column, preferably during the three to six hours the %*&*)#@ editor gives us to proofread and change the proofs!)

7 comments:

Andrew said...

Hop-Acalypse was a gateway beer for me a few years ago when I first started straying from the swill merchants. Haven't had it in a while, but I think I'll pick some up on the way home today.

Unknown said...

I think I remember them at the Timonium Fairgounds during October Fest when I first moved here. Bad news, but at least it was the owner losing interest, not that he was going broke.

http://bartimore.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

My neighbors claim he lives a few doors down from me in Eldersburg... maybe I should go ring the bell... sad.

The Oriole Way said...

Backfin Pale Ale was the first or second Maryland-brewed beer (along with Clipper City Gold) I had when moving to town five years ago. Since I was just 23, that means it was also one of my first craft beers. I picked up a six pack last night to taast one of the breweries that got me started down this wonderful beer road.

Stillwater Artisanal Ales said...

very sad news! Greg was always a great help and inspiration to me..

Unknown said...

Did you ever get validation that this is happening?

Alexander D. Mitchell IV said...

Funny you should ask.

Actually, no, but just try to find any in the market or distribution channels. We could always just say it's "on hiatus"........