Von Decht Brothers

CADDY’S – Tap House

Ulricus & Klaus Von Decht were born in Beerfelden Germany, just northeast of Heidelberg. Like many surnames from the old world, their name “Von Decht” is a reference to their profession and is derived from the word “deck” meaning to cover. As such the family business had long been covering or, more accurately thatching, the roofs of houses throughout the country. Working side by side, toiling under the summer sun the brothers often eased their load and quenched their thirst with that most basic beverage, that famed libation of fermentaion, choice of mankind from riff raff to royalty… beer.

In May of 1895 the Von Decht brothers were busy plying their trade, thatching a stable roof  for Frederick Ludwig, the Duke of Baden.  After a hearty lunch of that fragrant elixer of malt and hops Klaus rose from his perch atop the stable and promptly fell to the ground (in a state of questionable soberness) landing in a heap on the Duke’s unsuspecting ankle nipping dachshund.  The creature, though in a pitiful state after the incedent, eventually made a full recovery.  The brothers however thought it in their best interest to escape to America and start a new life far from the  vengeful repercussions of the Duke and his execrable dog.

Upon their arrival at New York’s bustling Ellis Island Klaus & Ulricus’ last name proved too difficult to either spell or pronounce and thus was changed to Deck.  The  Deck brothers took their first steps into a new land with a new name and dreams of a better life.  They eventually settled near Dayton, Ohio and promptly sought work as thatchers.  In their haste to leave Germany they had failed to realize that thatched roofs in Dayton Ohio were not very common.  This was bad news indeed for the brothers and after much deliberation and not too few beers they decided to fall back on the only other marketable skills they possessed, drinking & fighting.

Skilled roofers they were but prize fighters they were not.  Try as they may the brothers often found themselves on the losing end of a bare knuckle brawl and once again the mother’s milk, beer, was there to nurse them back to health and vigor.  Reflecting on their love of beer and their distaste for ass kicking they decided to stick to drinking beer.

The following summer the Deck brother’s fortunes began to look up.  Rufus K. Hall a local business man and fellow lover of beer decided to craft his own brew. Knowing the brother’s considerable experience with the beverage he asked if they might be interested in sampling the first batch.  Though even the worst beer is still better than water Mr. Hall’s recipe left much to be desired.  The brothers patiently tried different recipes offered up by the eager businessman and offered their sage advice and feedback until the carefully brewed concoction reached such levels of taste and perfection that it placed first in the 1896 Montgomery county fair beer competition.

Overwhelmed with satisfaction at the discerning palate of Klaus and Ulricus Deck the good Mr. Hall employed the brothers for many years as official beer tasters.  Their talents were known far and wide and large and small breweries alike sought the guidance of the brothers considerably attuned taste buds in the brewing process.  Three  generations later Billy Joe Deck is proud to carry on that tradition of great beer and good times.  Caddy’s Tap House in Beavercreek Ohio showcases 47 craft beers and micro brews available on tap for your tasting pleasure.  The brothers would be proud.

Contact Us:
2760 Towne Dr
Beavercreek, OH.

Visit us :
https://www.caddystaphouse.com/