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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Elegant, aromatic, and wonderfully food-friendly, White Côtes du Rhône wines offer a unique blend of richness and freshness. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we explore the character of these Rhône whites—featuring grapes like Viognier, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc—and why they’re a standout choice for spring and summer sipping. -
Bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition, Spanish red wines deliver complexity and character from every corner of the country. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we explore standout varietals like Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Monastrell—diving into the regions, aging styles, and earthy elegance that make Spanish reds a staple for any serious wine lover. -
When a major French winery decides to invest in California wine country, you know that something good is bound to happen. -
It’s been several decades since South Africa earned a place at the wine table, and now we look forward to new releases with great anticipation. -
The Cotes du Rhone has long been a source of high quality reasonably priced wines, and Hugh is here to tell you there’s good things on the way. -
Petite Sirrah is one of California’s oldest grapes, but it has fallen by the wayside. Al presents three arguments as to why it should be more appreciated. -
If you love big fruity, powerful red wine, then you should get to know the offerings of Australia, where big is always better. -
Some beers are great for mowing the lawn, others are built for the chills of winter. Al looks at some of our favorite “winter warmers.” -
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.
