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John Harris: Photo courtesy Multnomah County Library
We recently reported about the escalating number of breweries that have closed recently in Austin Texas. And now comes word that legendary Portland brewer, John Harris, who founded Ecliptic Brewing 2013, will soon be closing his esteemed brewery.
Here’s the deal…
John Harris is a brewing legend in the Pacific Northwest. During his tenure with Deschutes Brewing in Bend, Oregon he developed the recipe for Deschutes iconic Mirror Pond and the version some know today as Black Butte Porter.
Harris, who also refined his skills at McMenamins and Full Sail went on to make an independent name for himself at Ecliptic Brewing in Portland, Oregon, where he combined two of his greatest loves beer and astronomy.
And in a city renowned for uber-talented brewers and great beer, Harris was lauded for his mad brewing skills, as his beers took home numerous honors at both the prestigious Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.
And as Beervana astutely explains “John Harris is one of the most celebrated and accomplished brewers in the United States, and as close as you can get to a brewing saint in Oregon. He was one of the most visible, respected, and beloved members of the Oregon brewing community. Instantly recognizable in his beard, long hair, and shorts, he has been a regular presence at beer events.
This from Ecliptic’s social media announcement…
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A message from our Owner and Brewmaster, John Harris
Hi all.
Our business has been really challenging the past two years. We have encountered so many issues that other small businesses have faced: a pandemic, rising cost of goods, supply chain issues and the overall economic climate. It has gotten to the point where we are no longer able to continue operations, and the company has sold.
The sale will allow me to pay back our debts and align the brand with a bigger entity to allow it to continue. Ecliptic beer will still be available in stores and restaurants; I will still be involved in the Ecliptic brand and beer development- just not in our current site.
Thank you to all my staff, past and present, for “pouring space in everyone’s faces” for the last ten years. And a super thanks to all of you who have supported Ecliptic Brewing by enjoying our beers out in the world, as well as with food in our restaurant.
Our restaurant will be open through Saturday, November 18th. Please come join us one last time, and toast what has been a wild ride here on Spaceship Earth.
Cheers,
John
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But the good news is that some of John’s beers will live on.
The Ecliptic beer brand has been acquired by Great Frontier Holdings, a company that was created through the merger of Eugene, Oregon-based Ninkasi Brewing Portfolio brand Wings & Arrow, on May 31, 2023.
