Alec Clayton Gottberg died November 24, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 31. He was born on August 20, 1991, in Downers Grove, Illinois, and raised in Tampa, Florida. When he returned to Chicago, he became engrossed in the Brewery scene, and while he was well-versed in beer-nacular, and could even mix a cocktail on occasion, what he loved most about bartending was talking to people. He was truly loved by his industry family at Dryhop and Forbidden Root, and was excited to win over his new coworkers at Hop Butcher.

What made him a good bartender was what made him the best friend, cousin, nephew, brother, son, and human on this planet. He had a huge heart, and would literally drop what he was doing to help you. His laugh was infectious, and he was always quick to make a goofy joke. He had a way of sharing your enthusiasm for anything you showed an interest in, even when he knew absolutely nothing about it. He was the type of person who would decide to grow a mustache, against most everyone's approval, and wear it with pride and a goofy grin in the face of vicious mockery.

Alec was unapologetically obsessed with 'nerd things'. He spent much of his free time on his computer, playing games like League of Legends and Hunt: Showdown. He amassed thousands of steps a day by wandering through the streets, playing Pokémon Go. He was known to be involved in multiple Dungeons and Dragons campaigns at a time, and his characters were notorious for wacky backstories, absurd accents, and a knack for making rash (often fatal) decisions. He was passionately vegetarian. He had a love/hate relationship with the outdoors, as he enjoyed hiking and backpacking, but absolutely loathed the sun.

He will be deeply missed by his family, including his loving parents, Julie Blecker-Hamilton and Donnie Hamilton, grandmother, Maryellen Andrews, sister, Bailey Hamilton, and aunts, Jennifer Cleveland, Alison Blecker, and Alana Pacino. He was preceded by his aunt, Megan Blecker-Pearcy. Within a day of his passing, he was joined by his beloved dog, Isis, to loyally accompany him on his final journey.

Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Tuesday, December 6, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at ERIS Brewery and Cider House in Chicago. Food and drinks will be provided, masks are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Felines & Canines in Chicago.