Noonan is famous for fighting to get brewpubs legalized in Vermont; they had been outlawed since Prohibition. Once that effort succeeded, he founded the VP&B, one of the first brewpubs on the East Coast, on November 11, 1988.
He’s also well known for his books on brewing. Noonan’s most influential tome is probably 1986’s Brewing Lager Beer: The Most Comprehensive Book for Home and Microbrewers, which was reissued in 2003. “That’s a staple with any home brewer or master brewer throughout the country or the world,” Bowen says. In 2005, the American Brewer’s Guild honored Noonan with the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing. It was just one of many awards he — and his flavorful creations — received.
He was a truly amazing person, a steady friend, a man of action and depth.
Sad day for craft brewing. Notable author, and owner of VT Pub & Brewery has passed. A true pioneer, will be missed.