Brewmeister Ray
The brewer, Ray, has over 40 years experience in beer tasting and operated a brewing operation 25+ years ago. After a hiatus of 24 years he resumed brewing in a small central Maine community. He holds a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Universal Life Church and is ordained in both the Universal Life Church and the American Beer Church . Although not born in Maine, he considers himself a native since perusal of old family documents and photos would indicate his conception was the result of one of his parents dalliances while they were at the family estate on Long Island, Maine, in 1951.
Opening a small tavern for neighbors and friends with bottled microbrews, Ray made the decision to resume brewing to get some of the stouts and ales that were unavailable commercially .
The rest is history, albeit a short history. Sharkey's Tavern and Brewing developed several well-received stouts and ales. Ray received an “offer he couldn’t refuse” from Sharkstew Brewing which is owned and operated by a shadowy figure called Bloop.
Bloop has no background we can determine. It's unknown if he is as wealthy as Donald Trump (although with better hair) or whether he maxed out his credit card (or collected and cashed in returnable bottles) to gain control of the tavern and brewery operation. He transmits his instructions to the brewery and tavern staff not unlike the method on the old TV show "Mission: Impossible" only in this case the message is in a glass of one of the fine ales and stouts brewed and served at the tavern. Often, Ray has to drink several pints before he can decode the complete message from the enigmatic Bloop.
As a result the original tavern is still in the original location but now operating under the name “Sharkstew Tavern,” situated on Bob Dylan Boulevard in a secluded area of a Maine town that shall remain nameless. Privacy is paramount with stringent entrance requirements for all patrons and guests.
Nothing has changed except the name, the same fine stouts and ales are served, the same clientele periodically arrive at the door bearing cans of Pabst, guitars, harmonicas, accordions, flutes, moonshine……well, you get the picture.
Opening a small tavern for neighbors and friends with bottled microbrews, Ray made the decision to resume brewing to get some of the stouts and ales that were unavailable commercially .
The rest is history, albeit a short history. Sharkey's Tavern and Brewing developed several well-received stouts and ales. Ray received an “offer he couldn’t refuse” from Sharkstew Brewing which is owned and operated by a shadowy figure called Bloop.
Bloop has no background we can determine. It's unknown if he is as wealthy as Donald Trump (although with better hair) or whether he maxed out his credit card (or collected and cashed in returnable bottles) to gain control of the tavern and brewery operation. He transmits his instructions to the brewery and tavern staff not unlike the method on the old TV show "Mission: Impossible" only in this case the message is in a glass of one of the fine ales and stouts brewed and served at the tavern. Often, Ray has to drink several pints before he can decode the complete message from the enigmatic Bloop.
As a result the original tavern is still in the original location but now operating under the name “Sharkstew Tavern,” situated on Bob Dylan Boulevard in a secluded area of a Maine town that shall remain nameless. Privacy is paramount with stringent entrance requirements for all patrons and guests.
Nothing has changed except the name, the same fine stouts and ales are served, the same clientele periodically arrive at the door bearing cans of Pabst, guitars, harmonicas, accordions, flutes, moonshine……well, you get the picture.
The Princess of Ales
Assistant brewer and brewery administrator, Sonya, was seduced by Ray via the computer. This was a true online romance. This delicate flower of the south (Virginia) took pity on Ray, whom she assumed was eking out a meager existence with his addlepated parents at the Island estate (wonder where she got that idea.) Howerver, Sonya, using her deductive skills (she was a licensed private investigator in VA) determined Ray was not exactly accurate as to his living arrangements. In spite of this, they continued their online conversations and finally met in real life in December 1998. The rest, as they say, is history. Ray went to VA to get her, she moved to Maine, and is the driving force behind all of the technical details and the tech supports for the brewery. She assists in the brewing and bottling operations (Chief Bottle Washer) and cleans up after the Saturday night soirees that last until the wee small hours of the mornings.
The Closest Neighbor
Is George. He built the tavern way back in the 70's, never dreaming what its future held. We are blessed to have him in our lives.
The Musicians
Are brothers, Matt and David. Matt plays guitar, harmonica, and accordion. He'll learn songs if you ask for one he doesn't know.
David has a few published CD's and cassettes, and has appeared live at many venues to perform, including his many Log Driving songs he wrote and to tell of the Log Drives down the Kennebec that ended many years ago.
They both are very talented musicians, singers and writers, with lots of original songs. And, they both are excellent story-tellers, keeping us riveted to our seats with their tales.
David has a few published CD's and cassettes, and has appeared live at many venues to perform, including his many Log Driving songs he wrote and to tell of the Log Drives down the Kennebec that ended many years ago.
They both are very talented musicians, singers and writers, with lots of original songs. And, they both are excellent story-tellers, keeping us riveted to our seats with their tales.
And MANY MANY more...
There are extended family members of the musicians, equally talented; other neighbors who come by when they can; politicians; writers; business owners. We've had guests from Canada, France, England, CA, VA, NY, MA, NH. It never ceases to amaze us that we have so many friends who add so much to our lives.
Our family and close friends also make up the beautiful fabric that is Sharkstew Tavern.
We wouldn't exist with each and every one of you.
Our family and close friends also make up the beautiful fabric that is Sharkstew Tavern.
We wouldn't exist with each and every one of you.
Who's Next?
We never know who will show up, or how many, when we have a gathering. Friends bring friends. All are encouraged to bring any instruments they may play. Politics can become a hot topic-most of us are liberal, so consider yourself forewarned! I often wonder if this is how George Washington, Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, etc, started out, sitting around the bar, having pints of beer, one thing leads to another...