http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/49063/pub-owner-and-beer-legend-jim-mahar-dies/ One of the originators of the import and craft beer craze, Mahar's was an institution and where many of us in upstate NY tried good beer for the first time.
I had a friend in law school who brought me here. This place was ahead of its time and it was in Albany. Two things not often mentioned in the same sentence. R.I.P. Jim Mahar.
A wonderful and unique place. Ahead of its time in a way but also much different than the modern craft beer bar. Everything about it was quirky and mostly comfortable, probably just as Jim wanted it. Felt like someone's basement bar in some ways.
Always told myself that I would try something not on cask the next time I got there. Rarely happened. Bluebird Bitter. Yum. Great place IF you followed the rules. Thanks to MR. Mahar.
pretty amazing to think about the beers he was able to bring in 20 years ago - way ahead of his time and the advent tour was always a fun thing to participate in. He could be an unconscionable ball buster at times, but I always felt welcome and looked forward to thursday visits. RIP
