Hugh Sisson
Host, Cellar NotesAs General Partner of Clipper City Brewing Company, L.P., Hugh J. Sisson is among Baltimore's premier authorities on craft brewing and a former manager of the state's first pub brewery, Sissons, located in Federal Hill. A fifth generation Baltimorean, Hugh has been involved in all aspects of craft brewing.
In the mid-eighties, Hugh Sisson saw the potential for a small brewery in Baltimore, an historically "big beer" town. After researching the industry at its heart - in Germany, England, and the U.S. west coast - Hugh, with the help of Senator George W. Della, Jr., successfully lobbied the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation required to open a brew pub in Maryland.
After the inception of craft brew in Baltimore, Hugh immersed himself in the development and market recognition of both Sisson's and its beers. He is a member of the Master Brewers Association of America, the Institute for Fermentation and Brewing Studies, and sits on the Executive Committee for the Brewers Association of Maryland. He has served as President of the Cross Street Irregulars Home Brew Club and along with Al Spoler, he has been co-hosting Cellar Notes since 1992.
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Once the most venerated wine in Maryland, Madeira has sadly fallen out of flavor. Hugh does his best to revive interest in this superb treasure -
Oyster lovers in Maryland are rejoicing that the season is now upon us. Al offers some suggestions for pairing bottles and bivalves. -
Alentejo in Portugal has become of the world’s most exciting wine regions, and Hugh explains why… -
It started with Kendall-Jackson and now the Jackson Family of wines has grown to include some of California’s best and most reliable brands. -
Winemaker Greg Brewer has devoted his career to getting the most out of chardonnay and pinot noir grown in the Santa Rita Valley. -
The proof is in the glass: Maryland is now producing world-class Cabernet Franc. Al reviews a tasting of home-grown wines that got full marks.
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Whether you are looking for a gift or you want to grace your dinner table with something special, Hugh has a list of red wines that are sure to please.
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We never seem to lose our taste for white wine, even during the chilly months. Hugh has a shopping list for you in case you are looking for gifts.
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The wines of Washington State continue to impress, and we catch up with a few new releases that show you why. -
Al has fallen in love with these full-flavored white wines produced with great skill on the island of Sardinia. And they are perfect for the season.
