From Those Who Know Him

Stories & Photographs

Every person below has been touched by Steve in some way — a career nudged, a glass shared, a lesson remembered. These are their stories. We encourage you to share a personalised video message or photo — it would mean the world to him.

Share Your Memory

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Steve's Return to Taiwan(Nov. 2023)

Kaitlyn Tsai

Colleague

I had the privilege of welcoming Steve to Taiwan in 2023. Although he was American, Taiwan always held a special place in his heart because he had studied at my alma mater, National Chengchi University, many years ago. One of the highlights of his visit was taking him back to campus and seeing him reconnect with those memories. Steve was one of the most respected judges in the international whisky community, but what I will remember most was his kindness, humility and genuine curiosity. He spent time with our team at Kavalan Distillery, asked thoughtful questions, and generously shared his knowledge while encouraging us with his belief in the quality of Taiwanese whisky. These photos remind me not only of his visit, but also of the friendships that whisky can create across countries and generations. Thank you Steve for your warmth, your support, and your passion. It was an honour to know you, and you will be greatly missed. Steve曾經有和我分享他的中文名字，但是我忘記了Ｑ如果Steve的家人們知道可不可以再告訴我呢（：印象中有「思」這個字，但是也可能是我記錯了，非常感謝您們，節哀順變。

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RG & Mr Beal over the years

Robert E Gonzales Jr

Colleague

RG & Mr Beal 4

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Wisdom Shared, Friendships Cherished

Julie Lee

Colleague

It has been a great privilege to know Steve not only as one of the most respected figures in the whisky industry, but also as a dear friend. Over the years, he has shown remarkable kindness, generosity, and friendship, always willing to share his knowledge and experience with those around him. Some of my fondest memories with Steve come from the many judging panels and whisky competitions we have shared. While his expertise is exceptional, it is his warmth, humour, and ability to bring people together that make him truly special. Whether sharing stories between judging sessions or enjoying conversations over a dram, Steve always made every experience more enjoyable and memorable. Steve has given so much to the whisky industry and to the people within it. His wisdom, encouragement, and generosity have benefited countless individuals, myself included. He is someone who genuinely celebrates the success of others and always makes time for friends. It is a true honour to know Steve on both a professional and personal level. I am grateful for his friendship, the experiences we have shared, and the positive impact he continues to have on so many people in our industry.

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When whisky and gin meet.

Keli Rivers

Colleague

I met Steve when I was working part-time for a catering company in the Bay Area in the mid 2000's on the Johnny Walker consumer tasting series, and he would always come back to see if there was anything we in the kitchen needed. Over the course of the series, I would start to ask him all my questions about scotch, as I did not like the flavor. He gave me his full attention, and at the time, I did not fully appreciate what that meant. As I moved over to the bar full-time years later, I would cross paths with Steve, but it was through spirits judging that we would have our best conversations. Steve would always inquire about the world of gin, and I would ask him about any whiskies I should purchase for my father, as it was still not my go-to. Over 20 years of small conversations and compassion have taught me the approach I take to the foundational stewardship of a category, with grace, a smile, and a kind word.

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Reverend Steve Beal - Man of Faith

Paul Cayler

Friend

Steve and I met at Camp Noel Porter (Lake Tahoe) in 1982. Steve was an episcopalian priest. He was the guest clergy for a week long camp session for elementary school kids, and I was a camp counselor. We began a close friendship. Steve was a man of deep faith in Christ. I am a believer because of Steve. Steve was the parish rector in Paradise, CA and Woodland, CA. Steve blessed our marriage and declared Ellie and I "a Love Match". We have been married 32 years and are still going strong. He baptized our first son, William. I am sad and grieve that I will miss my friend in this world, yet he is at peace. Steve is risen in Christ. "So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." 1 Corinthians 15:42-45

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Steve, the legend

Kim Haasarud

Colleague

Steve was one of the original guards for the SF World Spirits Competition. As a fellow judge, you always hope you have the honor and privilege of getting to judge alongside him. He was very generous with his knowledge (and opinions!) on various spirits, processes, methods. He had almost an encyclopedic knowledge and memory, told great stories and had a great sense of humor. Godspeed.

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A farewell to a legend

Tobias ‘Toby’ Gorn

Colleague

Steve Beal was an exceptional colleague, friend and inspiration to so many of us. The original Whisky Master, a true ambassador of great spirits and a genuine legend of our industry. He helped countless people on their journey, and his guidance and advice were always kind, gentle, wise and generous. Steve truly cared. He always wanted to help others in a selfless manner that made him unique and made so many of us feel valued, encouraged and respected. Many of us were proud and deeply grateful for his friendship, and our industry is undoubtedly a better place because of him. He was one of our great leaders and mentors without ever making a big deal of it. A true gentleman who was always there for us and for the industry whenever he was needed. He enriched countless lives and will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and forever appreciated by so many of us. There was also a different and very playful, amazingly funny and borderline gossipy side to him in private conversations when we were discussing the industry and some of the people and trends. It was always great joy and very entertaining to have a chat, not just to exchange the insights but also to have a laugh at some of the things. Having a laugh together was important to Steve. The other extremely memorable thing is the many trips and adventures together. The amazing locations and brilliant people and places we have visited together. Thank you, Steve, for your kindness, your friendship and your extraordinary service to our industry and the amazing memories. Steve, now you will always travel up front. High Rye dear friend. Tobias Gorn (I know you’d love that silly picture. You are welcome)

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An true honor to have known.

Martin Cate

Colleague

I will forever consider myself fortunate to have known Steve. Always fascinating, funny, and a delight to spend time with. I learned so much over the years from him that simply spilled out in casual conversation and never ceased to amaze me with his depth of knowledge. His good humor and dignity in the face of this relentless disease remains an inspiration. 25 years ago, a dear Scottish friend of ours gifted us this quaich for our wedding from his job with the Scottish Parliament. We've never drunk from it before tonight, but I couldn't think of a more fitting occasion to raise it together in honor of a great man.

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A Life Well Lived and A Great Friend to Have!

Sam Filmus

Friend

How could you know Steve Beal and not know the warmth and love that just exuded from his body? A fabulous advocate, great friend, kind, loving, humble, genuine... these are just a few things that sum up Steve. A summation could never do someone like Steve justice, and I feel honored and blessed to say I could call him a friend. It's a loss for all he has touched both personally and professionally... but now we know which angel is getting the share of the next great bottling!

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RG & Mr Beal 3

Robert E Gonzales Jr

Colleague

Small collage photos of Mr. Beal and I over the years.

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RG & Mr Beal 2

Robert E Gonzales Jr

Colleague

Small collage photos of Mr. Beal and I over the years.

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To our newest member

Daniel Szor

Colleague

It was with great sadness that I learned of Stephen’s passing this morning. Although I knew Stephen for only a very short time, the warmth, generosity and sheer greatness of his spirit were immediately obvious. Even in his final days, his passion for whisky, his curiosity and his wonderful sense of humour shone through. I feel incredibly grateful that we were able to welcome Stephen as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers just days before he passed away. Our Declaration Ceremony, conducted by Zoom from his hospice in California, was one of the most moving occasions I have witnessed. Despite everything he was facing, Stephen completed our wonderfully long declaration, written in centuries-old English, with determination, style and more than a little panache. It was a privilege to witness. My thanks go to Stephen’s friends, and to our Clerk’s Office for making that special moment possible. It meant so much to Stephen, and it means a great deal to all of us that we were able to honour his wish. Stephen touched countless lives through his knowledge of whisky, his travels and, above all, his friendship. Though his time with our Company was brief, he will always be one of us. Rest in peace, Stephen. You will be remembered with affection, admiration and gratitude.

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