From the Rio Grande Valley to the Pacific Northwest territory this is the journey of
Chris Clarke
“There’s more to this than Just making good beer, ya know, It’s so much deeper than that. the history, people, and impact it had on civilization is equally important if not more so than the liquid produced.”
In 2016, amidst the vibrant beer scene at 7 Seas Brewing in Tacoma, WA, I encountered Chris Clarke. Hailing from Harlingen, TX, Chris brought with him a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for the rich history of craft beer to 7 Seas Brewing. Behind the taps, he effortlessly blended his education and personality whilst serving pints, fostering connections, and engaging everyone who approached the bar.
Off-duty, amidst the clatter of the canning and kegging lines below, we forged our camaraderie. I’d ascend the worn metal stairs, the set resembling fatigued and aged stainless steel bones, into the taproom above to share a shift pint and a 5oz of cold brew, igniting discussions that spanned the depths of beer's history and complexity. I’ll never forget our inaugural conversation, a two-hour exploration into the history and style guidelines of Flanders Red, which set the stage for countless exchanges where Chris's passion for teaching met my thirst for knowledge.
And thus it began, a friendship steeped in shared passion and ambition, showcasing a mutual reverence for the industry's heritage.
Chris originates from the vibrant town of Harlingen, nestled near the Texas-Mexico border. Raised in a household steeped in Costa Rican heritage, he imbibed the values of community, kinship, and cultural pride from his family. Guided by his parents' blend of firm yet open-minded principles, Chris embarked on his academic journey at the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Studio Art/Design, complemented by a minor in Spanish.
His college years were a time of exploration and growth, as he delved into various artistic mediums, from sculpting and drawing to music. Immersed in the local music scene, Chris played in a metal band, sharing stages and stories over Steel Reserve and Miller Lite-laden nights. Yet, it was a chance encounter with a six-pack of Racer 5 IPA from Bear Republic Brewing, purchased at the Midway Mart in Denton, TX that first sparked his passion for craft beer. The hoppy notes, resinous complexity, and vibrant citrus aromas sparked a relentless curiosity within Chris, driving him to unravel the secrets behind crafting such flavor profiles.
As graduation approached, Chris had long dreamed of moving out of Texas to Oakland, CA. The art and music scene greatly interested Chris, as well as the bonus additive of being in one of the best states for Premiere Craft Beer. With this dream, curiosity for knowledge, and a desire to delve deeper into the world of craft beer, he made the bold decision to uproot his life and journey to Oakland, California, in pursuit of something new.
As soon as he landed in California, Chris found himself immersed in the culture and community of Oakland, and along with it the local beer scene. A new spectrum of the world opened up to him, welcoming Chris and inviting him to apply the talents and skills he had acquired in this new place. Chris wasted no time, swiftly securing positions at renowned establishments like Local Brewing Company, Anchor Brewing Company, and the beloved German beer haven, Brotzeit.
As is the symphony of chaos that is your early 20s, Chris juggled brewing, keg washing, distribution, and sales calls across these diverse locales, all while diligently educating and engaging customers on the nuances of beer styles and the storied heritage of classic German brews. His days were a whirlwind of activity, punctuated by tours at the esteemed Anchor Brewing Company, which offered him an opportunity to study and secure his Level 2 Cicerone certification.
Just as with everything Chris applies himself to in life, he fully invested himself in his passions, and you could see it radiating out of every pore in his being. And despite this insatiable work ethic, he found solace in his artistic endeavors—painting, drawing, and making music providing a delicate equilibrium to the controlled riot that was the current situation.
Over the years Chris grew to love the community and culture in California, but as time progressed, he thought and dreamed more ambitiously of what he could accomplish with beer. Just as fate would have it, his longtime friend Lucas had recently moved to Tacoma, WA, and a new path forward emerged. The journey to Tacoma was not without its challenges, but as Chris landed and settled into the rhythm of the port town, opportunities unfurled before him like sails catching the wind.
South of Seattle, Tacoma awaited—a blue-collar industry town filled to the brim with bars, restaurants, and local dives ripe for exploration. He quickly visited the local breweries in the area and landed a job behind the bar at 7 Seas Brewing, while also brewing Belgian-style beer at Tin Dog Brewing, just outside Seattle. Chris embarked on a new chapter, diving headlong into the relentless torrent of the craft beer industry.
“Just as with everything chris applies himself to in life, he fully invested himself into his passions, and you could see it radiating out of every pore in his being.”
That summer marked the beginning of a tight friendship with Chris, a wild and vibrant energy wrapped in passion and chaos. He treated close friends like family, toiling until the job was not just done, but done impeccably. After long, hard, days in the brewery covered in sweat and grime, we’d find ourselves talking late into the night. Getting lost in conversation about recipe development, the rise of artisanal ingredients in beer, discussing theories and brewing ideas as the stars flickered in the night sky, fading into the dawn.
One winter, amidst the dimly lit barrel cellar of 7 Seas Brewing, our dreams took root. As we tended to barrels, documenting their essence and envisioning what our own breweries would look like in the future, the ideas and conversation flowed ceaselessly throughout our work. Whether in the taproom over shift pints or at Chris's place with chips, salsa, and a mixed six-pack, we tended and nurtured over our dreams like new seedlings in a fresh bed of soil.
As our careers progressed and seasons changed, our conversations evolved. We pondered the industry's resilience amidst the pandemic, reflecting on values that transcend monetary gain. Chris's unwavering integrity stood as a beacon, a reminder of the power that a legacy built on authenticity and principle holds against the test of time.
As the craft beer landscape shifted rapidly, we adapted ourselves, slowing things down and finding a balance between passion and well-being. As our brewery boots remained stowed away and dry during the pandemic, our connection to the craft beer community remained diligent and steadfast. Conversations turned from brew recipes to industry longevity and how to maintain a healthy mindset in an industry that couples low pay and mental health struggles with free beer. Just as is with everything in life, through the hard lessons you gain new found intelligence and hindsight to help navigate and guide your future endeavors.
Such is the ebb and flow of the industry, a relentless pace tempered by moments of reflection and rejuvenation. Yet, amid the changes, Chris's fervor for the craft remained undimmed. And as he embarks on new adventures, I eagerly anticipate the next chapter, knowing that wherever he goes, I'll be entangled in the journey.
All images showcased in this article have been employed with explicit permission from Thru The Sightglass and Chris Clarke who retain the copyrights for these images.