Utah Brewery Map

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

So Long, Joe

Sad news this morning. Friend and Bohemian Brewery owner, Joe Petras passed away in his sleep early yesterday morning at his home in Salt Lake City.

Joe's success was due in part to that which drives all immigrants to build a better life for themselves, a strong desire to take what they know, build upon it and make it their own. Joe knew beer, Czech beer. When he started the Bohemian Brewery some ten years ago many thought it would never fly, just like all the other failed breweries that had occupied the space previously.

With a narrow focus on lagered, European styles of beer, Petras using what many would call outdated methods, created some of the most enjoyable lagers in town. Lagers that helped me personally rediscover the joys of Pilseners. We'll miss you, Joe. Your laugh, your sometime grumpy disposition and the way you flirted with our girlfriends and wives. If you have the time, hoist a beer for Joe. Preferable a Pilsener.

Na zdravĂ­!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is such sad news. Rest in peace Joe.

kent said...

Very sad news indeed. I'll be hoisting a Czech pils tonight in Joe's honor.

Best wishes to all his family and friends.

Anonymous said...

The crew at Uinta Brewing and, I would imagine, the entire Utah brewing community will miss him greatly. I for one will be thinking of him and raise a glass to his honor while in Denver at the GABF this week.

Prosit Joe!

Steve K.
Uinta Brewing

Jamie said...

Thanks for posting that picture Mikey. That was either right after or before getting a squeeze from Joe in Idaho Falls. I will miss him.

Adam C. said...

Joe always encouraged a good relationship among all brewers. He helped to foster the comradere we as an Utah brewers enjoy. Plus he was a gret guy to sit and have a beer with. I'll miss him. We will all miss him.

drew said...

Joe and Bohemian Brewery sponsored me in the 2012 Masters of the Mountain Road Racing series in Tooele this summer. He would tell me before each race, "Drew, be brave, but do not be stupid"

He let me share his wonderful brews with fellow racers each round, and they loved it. His libations brought people together, and we all enjoyed sharing his creations at the track. His support was a blessing, and his passion for his food, and for his life, was evident from the first time i met him 4 months ago.

drew said...

Joe and Bohemian Brewery sponsored me in the 2012 Masters of the Mountain Road Racing series in Tooele this summer. He would tell me before each race, "Drew, be brave, but do not be stupid"

He let me share his wonderful brews with fellow racers each round, and they loved it. His libations brought people together, and we all enjoyed sharing his creations at the track. His support was a blessing, and his passion for his food, and for his life, was evident from the first time i met him 4 months ago.