Foster’s Finest
Cheers to you, John.
This is From the Heart.
Friendsgiving is one of the best holidays ever invented. There, I said it. Don’t get me wrong, I love family, but there is something special about adding a day just for the people who are, in a lot of cases, as close as any actual family member will ever be.
When I think about the eve of turkey day, I think about my friends and how thankful I am to have them in my life. I understand this isn’t a blanket statement, and at times, friendships can be complicated.
But, let's be honest, there are normally a few people in your life that you’d go to bat for no matter what. I always think about the scene from the movie “The Town” where Ben Affleck’s character, after finding out someone attacked his girlfriend, shows up to his friend's apartment and says “I need your help. I can’t tell you what it is, you can never ask me about it later” To which his buddy replied, without hesitation, in a thick South Boston accent, “Whose car are we taking?”.
Maybe you don’t have a “ride or die” friend like this; if not, I sincerely hope the universe reveals this person or people in your life. It is something to cherish and something to celebrate.
As the festive season approaches, we’re not only thankful for the friends who are with us now but we also remember the ones who have moved on to the next adventure. The short time we have together on this rock is never more apparent than when we lose a loved one. This should remind us to lead with thankfulness each and every day.
Hartsville has long been a place where lasting friendships are built. One friendship myself and countless others shared was that of the Rev. John Foster III. Never have I met another more intentional, gentle, caring human being than John. I met John, like many of my other friends here in Hartsville, at a bar called Vintage. It has been a long standing institute, and one where I, as someone who now brews for a living, fell in love with beer.
A cherished photograph of Rev. John Foster III in his clerical robes beside a bottle of Foster’s Finest, a Driftless Glen rye whiskey barrel-aged imperial stout made in tribute to him by Wild Heart Brewing Company. The photo was taken at his Ordination on December 1, 2012 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul in Charleston, SC.
The first time I met John, I remember cracking open a Hen’s Tooth British Ale and hearing the most “Charleston” sounding southern accent I’d ever heard. He was chuckling—you know the deep, contagious belly laugh—talking to Cal Wheeler about some story probably only told within the sacred walls of your favorite beer bar. I was introduced, told him my story, and the rest is history.
There was never a time in our friendship when he didn’t remember, or ask, how my family was doing and what I was working on. The last time I spoke to John was over a drink outside at Vintage after moving back to begin construction on the brewery. John kept up with my family through social media and was quick to ask how the move had been for us. That tiny bit of intentionality from an old friend helped confirm we were in the right place.
That is the power that friends possess. A little effort and the simplest questions can make someone feel at home and somehow deeply cared for.
The best part is that John was this way with most people he encountered. If you knew him, you understand just how special he was and how the ripples of his kindness still affect our town five years later. Don’t just take it from me, here are a few stories from people right here in our little community.
Cal Wheeler, a grateful friend of John and owner of Vintage Craft Beer & Wine Boutique.
I was lucky enough to call John Foster not only a long-time friend, but also my next door neighbor. We shared countless good times over the dining room table or a glass of bourbon “taking the night air” on his porch.
John gave me so much good advice over the years but my favorite was “never settle for being commonplace. You don’t have to be the best, but be authentic and extraordinary.”
- Cal
Brandi Wheeler, a grateful friend of John, owner of Vintage Craft Beer & Wine Boutique, and Client & Marketing Associate at Define Wealth
Dr. John was such a great friend and neighbor. I loved making his “to go plates” whenever we had a party and he cared for our family so well through the hard times of my mother’s stroke and through the joy of Hatch’s birth. He was a truly special light in this world.
- Brandi
Jon Shannon, a grateful friend of John and the CIO/Executive Director of the Development Office at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
I often think about John Foster, the Very Right Reverend of College Avenue, Prefect of the Imperfect, Champion of The Church Undeserving, and Friend to Anyone and Everyone Who Needs One. I loved him for the easy kindness he showed me and my family over the years. I admired him for the fearless kindness he showed to others whether or not they were deserving. For Rev. Foster, everyone was deserving.
A few years ago, before I had a family, I was walking alone on a sidewalk lost in the thoughts and cares of the day. I saw John coming out of a nearby building at Coker University where we both worked. He called out for me to wait so he could catch up. We walked together and, as he caught his breath, he said that he’d been looking for me and wondered how I had been doing lately. This led to some small talk and a little gossip. I asked about his mother. We laughed about something a mutual friend had done a few nights before. Then we went our separate ways, but my mood was lifted and my sense of belonging in a human community was strengthened by this simple, intentional act to connect and put a quick shine on our friendship. Those kinds of moments were just part of being John’s friend.
John knew that laughter and camaraderie were good for the soul. He went to where his flock was, that irreverent reverend of living rooms, classrooms, lounges, chapels, hospital rooms, and front porches. Your cares were his cares, and communion could come with a smile, a glass of wine, or a splash of bourbon. With John, salvation and a consoling touch were always within reach.
It would be easy to feel the weight of being forever indebted to someone who gave of himself so freely, but John always insisted that he got the better end of the deal.
By his lived example, he taught us that the shared burden is easier to carry and that a shared life is a helluva lot more fun to live.
- Jon
William Keels, a grateful friend of John and Division Manager of Wholesale Wine & Spirits
My wife Kacy and I moved to Hartsville in 2012 to pursue a new career path and start the next chapter for our family. John welcomed us with open arms. As I got to know John more over the years, I quickly realized how kind, compassionate, and personable he truly was. His calming smile and infectious laugh will always remain with me. I’m blessed to know that my family and I were so positively impacted by such a wonderful man. As we reminisce about him, the stories and shared laughter remind of his powerful legacy. I am honored to have been able to play a role in this project to highlight the memory of a great friend to so many. Cheers, John!
- William
Dee Tallon, a grateful friend of John, musician, and Hartsville’s favorite bar tender
There was a time when my wife and I would zip up and down College Avenue on our golf cart in the late summer afternoons. After a while of zipping by John’s house, eventually he would appear—seemingly out of nowhere—in the middle of his front yard. He would not be adorned in his collar, robe, black suit, etc.—-but in a V-neck white t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops with a bourbon in his hand.
“Oh, hey y’all,” we would hear (acting like he hadn’t seen us). We knew what that meant. It meant he had seen us from his window and wanted to hop on the back to ride around and talk. I would say, “Hey John! Come on! Get in your seat!” After a little struggle, he was situated and off we’d go all over town. And during those cart rides we would talk, talk, and talk! Those rides became known as “the collar is off” rides where we could discuss anything. Anything, any town news, any latest gossip (can I say that?), LOL.
I treasured those times we spent then and even more-so now. I loved how he acted like he just happened to notice us riding around and stood out in the yard waiting for us to pass back by. I would love to share one more golf cart ride and conversation with my friend.
- Dee
Casey Hancock, a grateful friend of John and co-founder of Wild Heart Brewing Company.
John Foster was a special kind of friend—not merely uncommon, but, perhaps, unparalleled.
Conversations with John brought laughter, reflection, consideration, and hope. He offered understanding, confidence, peace, and, most important to me, grace. He was the type of person I sought out when I saw him, across the room or street, and he was the kind of person I followed—to be where he was.
When John spoke to you, he had a way of lifting your burdens of stress, grief, anxiety, and sadness. He brought a smile to your face. I often felt that in taking your burden away, he put it upon himself to carry. I worried about what toll that might take on a man. Regardless, whatever he was doing, and however he did it, he did it intentionally.
John shared his boundless love and compassion with you and asked not that you give it back, but that you give it away—that you share it and spread it. That was his gospel.
To know John is a gift.
- Casey
At Wild Heart, we believe a great story is always brewing. Whether it was a quick conversation, timely advice, or a spontaneous ride on a golf cart, John was someone who understood that moments matter.
Time is our most precious commodity. What we do with that time, with each moment presented, is up to us. As we shared these stories of what John taught us, we noticed a common thread weaving throughout: He was present. Even in passing moments, his intentionality shined through.
Thank you for the example, John. We raise this glass to you. May we all be present in whatever adventure comes next.
Cheers.
- Zach
Zach Riner, a grateful friend of John and co-founder and Head Brewer of Wild Heart Brewing Company.
👑 Foster’s Finest
A Driftless Glen rye whiskey barrel-aged imperial stout made in celebration of our friend, the Rev. John Foster III.
12.8% ABV; 39 IBU
Foster’s Finest is a collaboration with Wholesale Wine & Spirits of Hartsville, SC.
“Never settle for being commonplace. You don’t have to be the best, but be authentic and extraordinary.”