I was incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Martyn Cornell yesterday. Not only was he a giant of the beer writing world, but also a dear friend.
Getting to know him well was a great honour. His work, which was often critical of the bad history which had preceded him, has influenced a whole generation.
His last blog post is typical of his writing. exploding, once more, the myth that Porter was named after market Porters. But, rather than leaving it there, he expounded at some length on the Wood Yard brewery and the Combe family.
I last saw Martyn just a few weeks ago in Santiago. He seemed in really good form As fun and as cheerful as ever, even when things were going wrong.
I'll miss our chats. Not just the ones about beer history.Because, all the beer stuff aside, he was just a really good bloke. Who will be sorely missed by many.
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| Martyn Cornell with a gaggle of beer judges in Santiago. |
Ron, upon hearing that Martyn Cornell had passed away, I faintly recalled something you had recently scribed about him.
ReplyDeleteIt was a three-sentence paragraph in http://barclayperkins.blogspot.com/2025/04/night-flight-to-chile.html
Sadly, this seemed to be a harbinger.
Well, that is sad news. I liked this topics and writing style, and his methodical way of explaining and telling things.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the news. He was a great writer and endless supply of good history.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear of his passing this morning. His books and blog are great, as was his contributions to your blog.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteCornell & Pattinson are the dynamic duo of beer writing, you two guys have righted more wrongs with beer history than all other beer writers combined. Take good care of yourself Ron, I read this blog first thing every morning, it gives me a reason to get out of bed which I’ve really needed the last few years.
ReplyDeleteWell put!
ReplyDeleteVery sad news indeed about the passing of Marytn. On reading this, I feel really flat. I loved reading his Zythophile output, and just about anything else he wrote. I don't think his erudition has, or will be surpassed anytime soon. While not knowing him personally, his words - (forgive me if this is too forward), like yours Ron - are almost like having a conversation with a mate. In the last few years, reading both of you, has improved my overall knowledge immeasurable, and helped me become a better home brewer I'm sure. Thank you Martyn, and thank you Ron for introducing me via SUABP. Sincerely. Sev
ReplyDeletePretty sad to hear, his busting of beer myths was great though not everyone including the BBC paid attention to his post on why Ale Conners did not test ale quality by wearing leather trousers and sitting on a stool with poured ale.
ReplyDeleteOscar
You knew that every word Martyn wrote about beer came from fastidious research and study of original documents or contemporary newspapers.
ReplyDeleteAmongst all the brilliant articles on the history of our favourite drink I fondly recall a heartfelt tirade on the joylessness of risk assessing every aspect of one's daily life, in response to Dame Sally Davies, then Chief Medical Health Officer, who'd suggested that every time we sipped an alcoholic drink we should imagine it giving us cancer.
All of us who love beer and our fascinating brewing history will miss him greatly.
One of the best beer historians and writers ever. His historical knowledge and scholarship can't and won't be replaced. RIP Martyn Cornell.
ReplyDeleteVery well said. Sad to hear of his passing, it was his blog that led me to yours all those years back.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was never able to meet Martyn, I truly enjoyed his work and was able to interact with him on a few things. He is a major loss to the world of brewing and history.
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