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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Ribero del Duero, one of Spain’s Big Three red wine regions is the home to some of the most expensive wines produced in that country. Luckily, Hugh has found some much more reasonably priced bottles that deserve your attention. -
For some reason Pinot Blanc hasn’t caught on as well as cousin Pinot Gris. No matter…it’s still one of the most versatile and likeable easy-going whites out there. -
Chenin Blanc is the premier white grape of the Loire, and its inherent quality is starting to tempt grape growers around the world. Hugh looks at some of California’s efforts. -
Once regarded as lightweight “wannabes” Chilean Cab Sauv has matured into a very useful and budget friendly wine. -
If the word hasn’t gotten around yet, our little state of Maryland is producing some incredible white wines, and right now is the perfect time to enjoy them. -
One of Hugh’s favorite properties in Sonoma is Alexander Valley Vineyards, whose wine he has been following for a very long time. He fills us in on the current offerings. -
If the roses are in bloom, then it must be time for rosé wine. Al has a trio of widely different winners for you to try. -
Red Bordeaux is a world-wide favorite, but it’s sibling White Bordeaux is often overlooked. Here are a few that you should pay attention to. -
First he played Frontier Heroes, then he worked at becoming a California winemaker. The late Fess Parker did all right for himself, as Hugh explains. -
It’s a great time of the year for Pinot Noir, and if you’d like to save some money on a few good bottles, Al has got some hot tips.
