This whole collection came to be by accident. Somehow the word got out that I was collecting cans and bottles of beer. 1971 I was tending bar in Carmichael, Calif. Next thing I knew customers were bringing me beer from all over. From Pender, NB to Tahiti, just wherever they traveled. Three hundred plus beers later my collection was up and running. I was blessed with a lot of good customers. It became fun hearing about their travels and the story behind the beer.
The story behind some of the beers
- Harley “Bob” one of my good customers, needless to say, a Harley freak who attended Sturgis with regularity gave me these six Sturgis beers. 1999, 98, 97, 96, 95, and 94. The 97 has been opened, dammit. Anyway, thank you, Bob.
- San Francisco Giants” American can given to me by Ross Libonati.
- “Hinano 50” from Tahiti, one of the prettiest cans in the collection. Brought to me by Richard, an airline pilot.
- “Roberto Clemente Beer” Iron City Beer. Can’t remember where I got it.
- “Kentucky Derby 116th Beer” From May 5 1990. Given to me by Pool Shooting Tennessee Earie.
- Coors Light “Summer Brew” 10 oz Can’t remember where I got it. Weird size!
- Sapporo Draft Beer” 4.5 oz A friend who worked for an airline, this small beer is what the airline passes out.
- “Hard Gauge Beer” Hard Rock Cafe Beer.
- Coors “Discover SW New Mexico” Brought to me by Richard & Brandy from their trip to New Mexico.
- “Coors” & “Coors Cutler” & “Coors Extra Gold” – Opening day April 9, 1993 beer. All three with different baseball players on labels. Bought in San Francisco at a little market across from Fishermans Warf.
- “Billy Beers” Three different, all have a different type of opener. One is very difficult to find, the one with the three holes.
Elaborating on each type of bottle and can would be too time-consuming. There have to be at least 30 different Budweisers and 20 different Coors. Every one is different in size and shape. Many look the same but are different in one aspect or another.
There are many irreplaceable beers that are no longer being brewed nor being bottled.
My last count was 1172, but that was several years ago. I’ve added several since then.
Ninety-seven percent are full and in mint condition. There are fewer than ten duplicates.
I am 71 years old and my family doesn’t seem to be interested in this collection. I want it to go to someone who will respect it and hopefully display it to the public. It would be beautiful displayed in back-light cabinetry! Back bar, personal game room or restaurant decor would be great applications.
As for value, I have no clue – All reasonable bids will be considered. You can reach me at stevens1247@q.com.
Here is a slideshow of some of my beers: