LEGENDS: Chuck Hiigel, czar of Central Coast beer

CONSUMED with Jaime Lewis

Someone once called Chuck Hiigel the godfather of Central Coast beer, but I would go as far as to say that, in many ways, he is the godfather of beer across the state of California. What began as an obsessive side project to studying architecture at Cal Poly has since comprised a life and career that celebrates the art and craft of brewing, from managing the iconic Spike’s Pub in the San Luis Obispo Creamery—a business that has since closed but will forever have a place in the hearts of beer lovers everywhere—and convening the California Festival of Beers, to bringing his special brand of education and beer hospitality to the famous Transitions Beer Dinner, San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, and local NPR affiliate, KCBX. I know Chuck as a beer man about town, but we also sing in the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, so there is discussion about the similarities of classical music and beer that I like to believe will delight fans of either, both, or neither.