Brewing Beer Like Those You Buy
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 9:15 pm
I still love my early print "Dave Line - Brewing Beers Like Those You Buy" Think he died when he was around 38?
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Don't know how true it is but I heard somewhere he died of liver damaged caused by brewing with plastic bins that were not food grade.BarnsleyBrewer wrote:I still love my early print "Dave Line - Brewing Beers Like Those You Buy" Think he died when he was around 38?
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Liver damage possibly, but damage caused by brewing with plastic bins that were not food grade is pure supposition and quite unlikely in my view. At the time when a previous publisher of his books was extant, and that publisher suggested that I might like to revise The Big Book of Brewing, the publisher told me that he thought that Dave Line died of a heart attack. However Dave Line's successors are still about, because had I accepted the commission there would then have to had to have been an arrangement made with the copyright owner (daughter-in-law, I think) to allow me to do so (but I declined the offer). So a definitive reason for Dave Line's death should be obtainable with a little digging around amongst those who knew him personally.Dennis King wrote: Don't know how true it is but I heard somewhere he died of liver damaged caused by brewing with plastic bins that were not food grade.
Perhaps not rumour; it is highly probable that he did die from a liver complaint, at least that is what Wikipedia says (yes I know), but the reference given is a bit vague. Over the years I have come across several people that have met him (he used to do talks and demonstrations at home-brew clubs/shops) and invariably I ask that question, I have also asked others who have been in the hobby for years and who might have remembered his passing or have seen his obituary, and it seems that no-one seems to know for sure. Even his publisher said "he thought it was a heart attack" which is not a definitive answer. He is one of those people that I would like to have met, and certainly would like to know more about.Dennis King wrote:Thanks for the insight Graham, another internet rumor. Good to see you back on here again.
I must confess that I have had the occasional free gift from home brewing shops, or trade suppliers, and I naturally assumed that Dave Line would have enjoyed similar treatment. As a result of my age, physical condition, and because these circumstances have forced me to downsize my living accommodation, I am gradually getting rid of my accumulated brewing paraphernalia, just keeping a few bits back to photograph for the new book. After that it all gets disposed of and that will be the end of brewing for me.GrowlingDogBeer wrote:Does that mean you have more food grade brewing bins than you know what to do with
In fact, I admired Ken Shales' enthusiastic writing style; I wish I could imitate it. I know his books had major flaws, but don't we all? There were a lot worse home brewing books out there than those by Ken Shales.Dennis King wrote:I am certainly grateful to him for moving me on from the recipes of the Ken Shales books to making really decent beers.
Ken Shales was very local to me. Two of my friend's Dads were amongst he's tasting gang and told me a few stories. Another one who died to young.Graham wrote:In fact, I admired Ken Shales' enthusiastic writing style; I wish I could imitate it. I know his books had major flaws, but don't we all? There were a lot worse home brewing books out there than those by Ken Shales.Dennis King wrote:I am certainly grateful to him for moving me on from the recipes of the Ken Shales books to making really decent beers.
It's an age thing, I am not yet, not quite, official retirement age, but I have the fitness of a man twice my age. I still have an issue with balance and an unpredictable left hand; not as unpredictable as Doctor Strangelove's hand, but it makes lifting and moving full vessels around a risky business. Time to call it a day I think. I have been at it since 1979 and the enthusiasm is not as strong as it used to be.Dennis King wrote:Good news there may be a new book but sad to hear you are stopping brewing.
Me too. But there again poor Ken died an early death. Perhaps is a homebrew hazard. Really good to see Graham posting alsoDennis King wrote:I am certainly grateful to him for moving me on from the recipes of the Ken Shales books to making really decent beers.