Beer Writer Jack Curtin Has Passed

Discussion in 'Beer News' started by woodychandler, Sep 1, 2020.

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  1. woodychandler

    woodychandler Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,184) Apr 9, 2004 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I am saddened to have to make people aware of the passing of my foil, Jack Curtin.

    Jack was a beer writer of some renown, appearing in Celebrator Beer News & Mid-Atlantic Brewing News as a frequent contributor.

    https://deaddeath.com/jack-curtin-death-jack-curtin-obituary-cause-of-death/

    He was often described as "curmudgeonly", and I CANnot disagree. He had a strong dislike of my irreverence, both garb & behavior & would not miss an opportunity to exchange barbs & jibes with me. Our exChANges often made others within earshot unCANfortable & led to some wondering if it was not all a practiced act. It definitely was NOT!

    Word has it that he has saved a place for me at the bar - at the opposite end, as far away from him as possible.

    R.I.P., Jack.
     
    #1 woodychandler, Sep 1, 2020
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  2. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Woody, thank you for starting this thread. I really did not know Jack Curtin but I used to regularly read his blog Liquid Diet Online. Through his writings I felt like I had a chance to sorta know him.

    Cheers!

    @rotsaruch
     
    #2 JackHorzempa, Sep 1, 2020
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  3. slander

    slander Pooh-Bah (2,568) Nov 5, 2001 New York
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah

    Jack was an OG Philly beer guy.
    Curmudgeon as a title of honor.
    RIP, JC.
     
    #3 slander, Sep 1, 2020
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  4. woodychandler

    woodychandler Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,184) Apr 9, 2004 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    To read Jack is to know Jack:

    http://jackcurtin.com/
     
    #4 woodychandler, Sep 1, 2020
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  5. oneraindog

    oneraindog Crusader (464) Oct 6, 2003 Pennsylvania

    He was one of a kind, and it was an honor to know Jack.

    My seat at the bar will be near you Woody!
     
    #5 oneraindog, Sep 1, 2020
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  6. John_M

    John_M Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,849) Oct 25, 2003 Washington
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Talk about a blast from the past. Thanks for posting this Woody.

    RIP Jack.
     
    #6 John_M, Sep 1, 2020
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  7. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    And to provide a differing perspective: it is your garb and behavior that I love about you. You definitely march to the beat of a different drummer and I think that is just great!

    Cheers to you!!
     
    #7 JackHorzempa, Sep 1, 2020
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  8. steveh

    steveh Grand Pooh-Bah (4,174) Oct 8, 2003 Illinois
    Society Pooh-Bah

    My first thought was, "I wonder what Lew has to say?" Off to check his BLOG now.
     
    #8 steveh, Sep 1, 2020
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  9. rotsaruch

    rotsaruch Pundit (874) Jun 18, 2002 Pennsylvania

    I had known Jack for almost 20 years. JC can only be described as a "piece of work" in the kindest way. He had an opinion on just about everything and loved to share that opinion with anybody willing to listen. We had many disagreements about many things, but usually we were unanimously in agreement about most things beer. I started a Monday Night Tasting Session in 03 of 8-10 people including Jack. Every Monday, everybody in attendance brought a new beer to share. Jack would always bring something special or unique. Between being employed part-time at the BeerYard and being a beer writer, he had assess to new and different brews or was receiving beers from both domestic or overseas brewers that for us as group only heard about but never seen let alone sampled. It was great fun and presented an opportunity to really get to know Jack. All of us that knew him, will remember him and his need to share his opinion on just about any topic sometimes whether you wanted to hear about or not. I'd usually would say, "Ok, Ok, if I buy you a beer can we change the topic." That usually worked. Rest In Peace Friend.
     
    #9 rotsaruch, Sep 1, 2020
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  10. jmalex

    jmalex Savant (1,061) Jul 7, 2005 Pennsylvania

    I discovered Jack's blog back when I was a wee 20-something just discovering the scene in Philly. Many of the area's staple events back then (Firkinteenth, Goat Races) I only heard about through his writings. He was a daily read with a remarkable way with words. A beer celebrity before there were beer celebrities. RIP to a brilliant writer and fantastic beer ambassador.
     
    #10 jmalex, Sep 2, 2020
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  11. ejimhof

    ejimhof Grand Pooh-Bah (3,689) Apr 12, 2004 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Jack Curtin and Lew Bryson are my two favorite Beer Writers. Never met them but saw them at Festivals and bought Lew's books. Raising a glass tonight in honor of Jack.
     
    #11 ejimhof, Sep 2, 2020
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  12. mobud

    mobud Pundit (892) May 28, 2003 Delaware

    It has been a while since talking to Jack. I enjoyed his writing and take on beer; not always on board with his take, but he always had me coming back for more. Thanks for sharing, Woody.
     
    #12 mobud, Sep 2, 2020
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  13. memory

    memory Zealot (700) Oct 2, 2005 Pennsylvania

    Thanks for posting. Read his blog and articles. Mentioned I think he hung at Sly Fox at times.
    Will be missed.
     
    #13 memory, Sep 7, 2020
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