Baltimore Beer Legend, Tim Hillman

Tim Hillman entered the beer industry as a young man with a humble stock position at Chadwick Liquors in Woodlawn. He dove in further after completing a business degree and taking on management responsibilities at Towson Plaza Liquors in the late 80’s. He briefly helped run Smile’s Liquors in Timonium which became Cranbrook Liquors, before moving on to Rotunda Wine and Spirits in Hampden.

In 2001, Rotunda Wine & Spirits moved down the hill and became The Wine Source. Under his domain at The Wine Source nearly everything non-wine related was under his watch, but he had a particularly keen interest in quality beer, and even back then, had committed 6+ cooler windows to craft brews. Tim laid the framework and developed one of the strongest beer programs in the region.

Throughout his career, he took an open-minded and creative approach to retail. The selection was always fresh, exciting and well-priced. His depth of beer knowledge was ever expanding, and he fostered a great environment for those looking to broaden their horizons of malted beverages.

While maintaining focus on the success of the business, his perspective as a whole was one of his greatest attributes. He embraced the fun and good nature of the people and products in the industry and made it a point to carry on its traditions.

This included organizing the annual Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Beer blind tastings with Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson and writer/historian Rob Kasper. He loved the comradery and was an inspiring leader at The Wine Source. He was encouraging, forgiving and led by example. The dozens of folks fortunate enough to work with Tim will never forget his genuinely good spirit.

We lost Tim unexpectedly in August of 2012 at the young age of 49. He was hugely excited about the budding Baltimore brewing scene and at the time, Lagunitas Imperial Red, Schlafly Irish Stout, and Southern Tier Old Man Winter were among his favorite beers.