I am saddened to learn that one of our own, Tucker Keene, passed away over the weekend. In response to this tragedy, we have decided to raffle off his ten Honor Society bottles, once they are all ready (still a ways out, as 8 of them are still in the barrels). We will donate all the proceeds from his bottles to our animal charity at the time. Rowley Farmhouse Ales rotates animal charities quarterly, so we aren't sure who it will be until the bottles are ready. Tucker loved his dog, and posted about her regularly, so I think that is a fitting donation. Tucker was a energetic young man, and was heavily involved in the craft beer trading world. I originally traded with him for some Jester King genie bottles on Beer Advocate before he moved to New Mexico. About a year later, he had moved here to work, and I traded again with him for more genie bottles (yes I am a genie bottle hoarder, who wants to go to Jester King this weekend to get me some MvB?). He then asked to join the Rowley Farmhouse Ales Honor Society, which of course I let him hop in, as we had openings at that point in time. He always had a smile on his face, and was a welcome addition at the bar at Rowley Farmhouse Ales. He will be missed. Please consider a donation to his raffle fund when it comes time to do so. We will host an event at our tap room and welcome donations at that time to be raffled off in his honor. All the best, John
Tucker was a damn fine individual, very genuine, and always willing to open up his cellar and share some awesome beers. I got to know him when I moved to DFW almost 7 years ago at a share we had near downtown Dallas. From then we traded, drank beers, etc. He was a great BA and the community lost a good man.
You know, I'd heard the news this morning through good friends of his passing, and admittedly I too was wondering a way we could post it on BA. So kudos to ya @Irrenarzt for doing this... The beer community is overall very small, and as new as it is, being an "old timer" like Tucker he got into the game at the right time. The man never had "the bottom 100", instead at 21 he drove over to Spec's in Dallas and asked the beer guy to sell him a mixer of 12 solid ones that he could develop his taste for- some were a hit, most were a miss, but because the majority were a miss, he started his research and discovered some brewery in Austin that was releasing some beer called Atrial... @jesterkingbeer @WTKeene (I feel like the tag here is super necessary) is an awesome awesome human. Sure he liked beer, and having drank w him 100+ times, I grew to appreciate our friendship. When I first met him, I had randomly reached out to him through BA asking him if he'd like to team up to search for BCBS which was making its first Texas drop. Without a moment notice, he was willing to help- Here in Texas, he had a tough crowd at times to deal with. You know who you are, but knowing who you are, you also know that he had very thick skin- I'd often times remind him that his gangly Yankee appearance/arrogance was gonna get his ass kicked, but the guy had faith in beer, and would often respond w a dismissal believing that beer unites, the rest is for the birds. <the scene from The Big Lebowski of Walter dumping Donnie's ashes comes to mind for some reason here>. I shit you not, he rarely rarely hated on folks that hated on him, he just didn't care. That's baller AF. A long time ago, when Tucker graduated SMU he was gonna be moving to Austin, certainly the beer capital of our state and he was excited about the prospects to drink, and trade. At that time, I thought long about writing a satirical good bye (being shallow minded, I thought his move would be the end of a good run, and our friendship would end) titled "An Oude to Tucker" in this SW Forum- it was a play on words to bust on him for bringing some crappy beer called "Oude Fermier" to our then weekly tasting. Never thought I'd say this, but the guy was Notorious Legend. Hated by some (for something likely petty), respected by a bunch. My fellow partner in crime @PC_Principal said it best about WTK: the man drank more whales before age 25, than most folks do in a lifetime. For Dallas folks reading this, there'll be a Tucker Memorial Share at some point, but tonight, I'm a pour one for our long lost hommie. @Nuggetz @Compton25
Never got to meet Tucker in person but did a trade with him a few years ago. Incredibly generous with the trade. This is a big loss for the craft beer community. I send my condolences to his family and friends. I will for sure donate once this raffle gets going, thank you @Irrenarzt for doing this.
That's very sad news. I'm really sorry to learn this. I always enjoyed Tucker's friendliness and enthusiasm. I know he loved Jester King, which always meant a lot. John, Jester King would be happy to donate. - Jeff
I will reach out when we are ready Jeff. Some of the beers are still in barrels so it might be awhile still. I have reached out to his mother to offer my condolences and to inform her of our intentions to host a raffle/donation in his name. I also reached out to Troy Casey as I know Tucker was in Extended Family this year.
The beer community is awesome. Cheers to everyone's generosity, and cheers and prayers to Tucker, his family, and friends.
I never have met the guy but had some conversations with him online on more than a couple of occasions. Always seemed like a good guy and happy to help out whenever I had a question for him.
I've been in contact with his mom, and she was really happy with the idea about the raffle and subsequent donation in his name. Please consider donating any bottles. We will be shooting for a September timeframe as this will allow us some time to gather up a nice pool of bottles and other items.
Tucker was a good guy and I was shocked to learn of his passing. Back when you could post on people ISO's, we went round and round a few times, lol. Years later, we finally made a trade...it was then that I learned of how much of a stand up and generous guy he was. My best to his family and friends.
For those of us who are local enough, Tucker's memorial service will be held tonight in Albuquerque. I will be there to show my respects.
Tucker's mom Cindy posted this up in case anyone is willing to help her out. https://www.gofundme.com/45qg9cw
