An Exclusive Interview with Woody

Nine Questions with a Champion
By Amos A. Amarillo

One of Deschutes Brewery’s newest team members has garnered accolades from all corners of the territory. It seemed appropriate for this plucky reporter to snag an interview with the former heavyweight shot put champion and beer guru extraordinaire. He had time for just nine questions before he pulled out for his next festival. Despite his limited time, he was gracious, candid, and full of mirth, underscoring his playful nature. I had to choose my questions carefully, as I wanted to make them count. Here they are with his answers:

Describe the nature of the work you do for the Brewery?
I am an ambassador. I bring an authentic Deschutes Brewery experience to our raving fans, in their backyard. I make them smile, laugh, even dream. It’s about showing the love, Deschutes Brewery-style. And quenching mighty thirst…

What was your life like before Deschutes Brewery?
Well… I trained all my life to be a champion shot-putter and I accomplished this. I hold the world record for the longest, and highest, shot, by an under-25 year old barrel, ever. They were glory-filled years, to be sure. Part of my training regimen included beer. Beer…is food. I realized great beer was the only way to go. It’s healthy for me and I enjoy it more. It became a hobby of mine…seeking out great beer. When I retired from professional sports, it was a no-brainer to go into the beer business. Especially since they said I didn’t have the right voice for broadcasting…

What’s your employer like?
Deschutes Brewery? Oh they’re terrific. I mean, c’mon. They make so many delicious beers. I am happy and proud to pour any one of them. And the benefits package is out of sight.

There are some rumors regarding a “Betty”. Can you describe that relationship for the record?
You know…rumors. My relationship with Betty is all business, totally professional. Yes, we work very closely together. I am dependent on her for so many things. To be honest, I couldn’t do my job without her. She is everything I ever could’ve wanted…

What are your plans for the future?
My immediate future is busy. My summer is booked full of events. Lots of music and beer festivals. I have no plans to retire anytime soon. I love representing the Brewery. Eventually I would like to brew my own beer, maybe open a brewpub like Gary did twenty years ago. And I should probably set some records on the senior shot put circuit at some point.

What’s your favorite body part?
My disco ball, without a doubt….

How do you feel about being a completely one-of-a-kind individual?
I definitely relish my special status. I am not aware of any other big, mobile, wooden barrels out there, but I wouldn’t mind “getting down” together if one came along.

How did you come by your name? Do you go by any others?
I am made out of mostly wood. Oak, actually. Kind of natural to be named Woody. I have been called dreamboat, superfly, everyman, and “guv’nah”.

A current schedule of events featuring Woody can be found at www.neighborhoodhops.com.