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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Everybody seems to hold a grudge against oaky chardonnays. So what is the alternative? Al looks into some very drinkable un-oaked chards. -
Some of us prefer not to drink alcohol, but still think about drinking wine. Hugh reviews a few tasty non-alcoholic wines that are impressive. -
First was Australia making great wines Down Under; then came New Zealand. It’s the home of world class Sauvignon Blanc and refreshing Pinot Noirs. -
Santa Barbara is one of California’s premier regions for the Burgundy varietals. Hugh looks at their chardonnay. -
Fast becoming one of our favorite whites, pinot grigio is growing all over the wine world. Al takes a look at some recent finds. -
As Hugh and Al can attest, Portugal is a fabulous country to visit, not least because of the amazing abundance of high-quality low-cost red wines -
It’s time to pour a little pink wine into your glass and enjoy a warm summer evening. -
Baltimore wine retailer Michael Fishman is importing a line of informal and delicious wines from South Africa, intended for easy drinking. -
Just in time for barbecue season, the hearty red wines of Washington State combine intense flavor with notable finesse. -
With the season for celebrations upon us, it’s good to have affordable options for quality sparkling wine.
