Brew Skies Happy Hour

10: A Photographer, America’s First Brewpub, and New Styles of Beer

Bret Kollmann Baker and Mike Morgan Season 1 Episode 10

Bill Owens found success and national acclaim for his photojournalism, particularly his capture of suburban northern California in the 1970s. Then things took a turn. When he found his career in peril and his marriage in divorce court, Owens decided to open America’s first brewpub. Not content to brew what everyone else was making, Bill is also credited (for good or ill) with inventing the beer styles: Pumpkin Ale, Amber Ale, and American IPA. He may also be crazy.