I know quite a few people who refer to Horse Brass Pub as their second home. Thus, when I started receiving texts this morning that Don Younger, 68 had died from complications after a fall, I knew this would have a strong impact on the beer community.
A good roundup of Don’s life is found in Imbibe Magazine. Also, from Oregon Live, “Living as he wanted including being a famously avid cigarette smoker and a man who loved several pints — and shots — with friends, and those habits seem to be finally catching up with him, despite his legendary Keith-Richards-like constitution. “No matter how late he’d been at the bar the night before,” said Charlie Devereux of Hood River’s Double Mountain Pub & Brewery, “when I came into the Horse Brass at 9 a.m. to sell some beer, he’d be at his desk eating an orange or something healthy. He was a true professional…”
The pub is known for their 53 beers on tap and friendly knowledgeable service. I can’t think of another watering hole that has gotten so much national press. Esquire Magazine called it “One of the best bars in America”.
Don was a good guy, and though the pub will continue, many will miss his presence.
Rest in Peace
Note: all these references originally linked to the sources, but they no longer work and have been removed.
johnny says
This sad news for Portland Brass Horse is true Portland institution its the only Pub I go out of my way visit. Mr Younger presences will be truly missed
arabee says
RIP Mr. Younger – you contributed greatly to the beer scene. We will forever be grateful
Bob says
The Horse from Horse Brass has passed. Long live his memory! I will have a pint or two and light a cig or a few. He was a man that did more for many than most will know.
NaboCane says
Damn shame. The Horse Brass is a great pub in a great city. I hope Mr. Younger was proud of his accomplishment…he deserved to be.
RIP
SuperDog says
Don Don Don, I miss you already….
No matter how shitty my day starts, as soon as I see you roll up to Cash n Carry with your Rolls Royce, I know my day is going to be better already. Then I watch you walking up and down the isle with a large cardboard box full of goodies, white flowing hair, and the biggest grin on your face – that’s just makes my day. Don, we all love you and we will miss you forever. Rest in peace.
DP says
So sad. I am one of the people who call the HB my second home.
Don will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.
Valli's Mom says
Sorry to hear this. Perhaps its one of the reasons Horse Brass has become such a hostile place as far as customer service is concerned. I don’t know who’s running the place now, but the wait staff has run amuck. They may have made their mark in pub history in the past, but the business itself may ultimately “RIP” if they don’t clean up their act. I’ve never experienced more rude hostile customer service in my life. I feel sorry for Mr. Don Younger that his place does not have better representation. And I can’t believe the author of this article claims that the wait staff is “courteous” when they are notoriously rude – if you look at the reviews.
Sad.