In the misty, hop-scented streets of Portland, Oregon, where the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer revolution simmered like a perfectly conditioned barleywine, Alan Sprints emerged as one of its most uncompromising pioneers. Born on September 7, 1959, Alan was not destined for the corporate grind or the predictable paths of his generation. Instead, he found his calling in the alchemy of fermentation—a craft that blended science, art, and a rebellious spirit against the bland lagers dominating American shelves in the late 20th century.
Alan’s story began in the vibrant homebrewing scene of the 1980s and early ’90s. A dedicated member of Portland’s Oregon Brew Crew, he honed his skills under mentors like the legendary beer writer Fred Eckhardt. Those early experiments weren’t just about making drinkable beer; they were about pushing boundaries. Alan dreamed of beers with soul—strong, complex, and built to evolve with time, much like fine wines or aged spirits. He wasn’t content with sessionable pints alone; he wanted beers that demanded patience, reflection, and celebration.
In 1993, that vision materialized with the founding of Hair of the Dog Brewing Company in Portland. Named after the old remedy for a hangover (“the hair of the dog that bit you”), the brewery embodied Alan’s philosophy: bold, unapologetic, and restorative to the spirit of craft beer. Starting small in a modest space, Alan poured everything into creating ales that challenged conventions. He championed high-gravity brewing, barrel aging, and bottle conditioning at a time when these techniques were rare in the U.S. craft scene. His beers weren’t mass-produced for quick consumption; they were crafted as heirlooms, meant to be cellared, shared among friends, and savored as they matured.
Hair of the Dog quickly became a beacon for enthusiasts and brewers alike. Alan’s hands-on approach—meticulous attention to malt bills, yeast selection, and the subtle influences of oak barrels—produced releases that felt revolutionary. He collaborated generously, supported fellow pioneers, and remained humble even as his reputation grew. Through economic ups and downs, shifts in the industry, and the relentless demands of small-batch production, Alan stayed true to his roots: quality over quantity, authenticity over trends.
For beer fans, tasting a Hair of the Dog beer was a rite of passage. It connected them to a deeper appreciation of what beer could be—not just refreshment, but a narrative in every sip. Alan’s legacy wasn’t measured in barrels shipped or awards won (though there were plenty), but in the community he fostered: collectors dusting off vintage bottles, homebrewers inspired to go bigger and bolder, and a new generation of brewers who viewed strong ales and barrel programs as standard rather than experimental. Even as the brewery navigated challenges, including eventual closure, its influence rippled outward, shaping the modern craft landscape.
Alan Sprints passed away on July 19, 2026, following a difficult illness, but his spirit lives on in every bottle uncorked, every toast raised to innovation, and every brewer who dares to dream beyond the ordinary. He is survived by his loving family—his wife, children, and siblings—who shared in his passion and supported the dream. To his fans, he leaves not just memories, but a cellar full of liquid history.
Obituary: Alan Sprints (1959–2026)
Alan Sprints, visionary founder of Hair of the Dog Brewing Company and a titan of American craft beer, died on July 19, 2026, at the age of 66. He passed peacefully after a period of health challenges, surrounded by family.
A beloved husband, father, brother, and mentor, Alan was born in 1959 and discovered his lifelong calling in homebrewing during Portland’s burgeoning beer scene. Transitioning from enthusiast to professional, he founded Hair of the Dog in 1993, transforming it into one of the most revered and influential breweries in the world. His commitment to bold, high-gravity ales, barrel-aged masterpieces, and beers with exceptional aging potential helped redefine craft brewing in the United States.
Alan’s legendary beers became icons in the craft community:
Adam: A strong, historically inspired ale evoking old-world German traditions, known for its rich malt depth, complexity, and remarkable longevity in the cellar. It exemplified Alan’s mastery of balance in powerful packages.
Fred: A bold tribute to his mentor Fred Eckhardt, showcasing robust malt character, nuanced flavors, and the kind of depth that rewarded extended aging. It was a personal and professional highlight.
Doggie Claws: A seasonal powerhouse, often barleywine-style, celebrated for its intense hop and malt interplay and legendary cellaring potential—beers that evolved beautifully over years.
Dave: One of the rarest and most sought-after releases, a concentrated, intensely flavorful creation that pushed the limits of brewing science and artistry, becoming a holy grail for collectors.
Other standout releases carried the Hair of the Dog name into folklore, including various barrel-aged variants and experimental offerings that influenced trends in sour beers, strong ales, and wood-aged programs nationwide.
Beyond the brewhouse, Alan was known for his generosity, humility, and willingness to share knowledge. He inspired countless brewers, fostered collaborations, and cultivated a devoted fanbase of “Dog” enthusiasts who traded bottles, stories, and memories. His work elevated beer from everyday drink to cultural artifact.
Funeral services will be private, with a public celebration of life planned in Portland to honor his contributions to craft beer. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to organizations supporting craft brewing education or the family’s chosen charities.
Alan Sprints leaves an indelible mark on the industry he helped build. His beers will continue to be poured, cellared, and cherished by fans worldwide. As the craft beer community raises a glass, we say: Rest in peace, Alan. Your legacy is strong, complex, and beautifully aged.
To all his beer fans: Open a vintage Hair of the Dog tonight. Share a story. Toast the pioneer who showed us beer could be so much more. Cheers to Alan Sprints—may his spirit keep inspiring the next round.