NYISC Judge Ray Deter Passed Away on Sunday July 3rd

It is with incredible sadness that my friend Ray Deter of d.b.a. passed away this Sunday after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Canal Street.  I first met Ray right after he opened d.b.a. in 95.  As a beer freak we all flocked to the bar where beers we always read about but never had were available on draft.  For years Ray also hosted wonderful tastings with John Hansell of the Malt Advocate. He would scramble with his long limbs carrying 2 bottles in his hand pouring the whiskey in our glasses. I have so many wonderful memories sitting in that bar with friends over the years.

I was so honored when Ray signed up as a judge in our first spirits competition.  Someone of that experience as a trade buyer and a lover of good stuff would be a great opinionated judge….and he was.

Ray also committed to judging in the competition in October.  When I told him about my idea for the beer competition he was in immediately and wanted Carbone to join in also.   Ray was a friend!

I am shocked by his death.  I am not a poet nor a great writer.  Eric Asimov wrote a nice piece on him here  http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/remembering-ray-deter-of-d-b-a/

You will be missed on many levels my friend.

Adam