Maytag offers "free beer for life" to culinary institute grads

Modern Brewery Age, Sept 2, 1996

Maytag made the rash promise during a commencement address at the Hyde Park, NY-based school's graduation ceremonies.

"I always wanted to offer someone free beer for life," Maytag said, "and I figure anyone who has earned a degree from the Culinary Institute of America would be honorable enough not to take too much."

Maytag also offered words of wisdom to the aspiring chefs. "It is often when you are about to succeed that you are closest to failure. If you recognize that, it makes success so much sweeter."

Maytag also encouraged the graduates not to assume that "bigger is better." The craft-brewing pioneer said "There is great satisfaction in doing well in a small company and being creative within that size."

Maytag is best-known for his Anchor Steam beer, but he also makes award-winning Maytag Blue Cheese at his Iowa dairy farm, and operates the York Creek Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA. Most recently, Maytag began producing small quantities of Rye Whiskey in a micro-distillery located at his San Francisco brewery.