Over the weekend, Dick Young, one of the true icons of Washington brewing passed away from an Aneurysm at his lodge in Lewis County Washington. While the eponymously named Dick's Brewing Company may not be even close to one of the biggest breweries in the state, you cannot consider yourself a lover of great beer if you have never had a Dick's. Their flagship Dick Danger (Dick's favorite) is the perfect beer after day of skiing/snowboarding. A cross between a pale ale and a porter, it is not too heavy, not too hoppy, but dark, complex and satisfying. At present the brewery is producing about 2500 barrels a year, yet still manages to bottle just about everything they make. Dick's variety 12 packs (all twelve beers are different) are the perfect thing to bring to any party. There is a beer in there to please every discerning beer drinker, from Belgian styles to stout, the obligatory big hoppy Northwest IPA, a Hefeweizen, a sublime ESB, and probably one of the most underrated beers, the Rye. While not shying away from high gravity beers when called for, most of their beers hover around the 4-6% ABV range. These are beers that go great with food, and do not weigh you down. Double IPAs certainly have their place, but sometimes a beer with body that you can have a few of hits the spot.
Dick Young founded the Northwest Sausage and Deli in Centralia, Washington in 1982. Dick made his own house smoked meats, sausages and jerky from traditional recipes. An avid hunter himself, Dick also makes custom sausages for hunters bringing in their own game (cleaned and deboned of course!). The business expanded to selling brewing supplies in 1984 while Dick was home brewing in the back. Eventually in the early nineties Dick's Brewing Company became official. Bolstered by the success of the Dick's Danger (which still accounts for 40% of their brewing capacity), Dick and his crew continued the quest to make a beer for every palate. Like the deli, Dick's beers are classic recipes done really well. For a brewery of Dick's size to make sixteen plus varieties of beer, and bottle them is truly remarkable.
There are too many stories about Dick's lust for life to be included here, but suffice it say that although he was taken too early, he lived each day to the fullest. Raise your glass and some homemade jerky to one of the great characters and brewers in Washington, Dick Young. You will be sorely missed.
Comments
You misspelled aneurysm.
A hunter of animals, a skier of mountains, a rider of Harleys, a smoker of meats, and a brewer of beer. The entire WA brewing community is still in a state of shock. He will be missed. He will be remembered.
let's all raise a glass to Dick! a northwest icon that will be truly missed.
Dick has been the local icon for microbrews. His legacy will live on throughout the years in the beer he has created for us. He was always fun to sit down a have a brew and a prime rib sandwich with. He has given me a wealth of knowledge for my microbrewing experiences. We will raise a toast for the local legend. We will miss ya' Dick.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!