Just a few weeks ago, we learned that Art Larrance died of a heart attack at age 80, as reported on New School Beer. The Oregonian has now reported that the brewery he founded, Cascade Brewing, ceased operations on Monday, June 17.
Art was a craft beer pioneer. Among other things, Art founded Portland’s Cascade Brewing, perhaps the first brewery in the Northwest to excel at the art of sour and barrel-aged beers. His first brewery, Portland Brewing, opened in 1986. He also created the Oregon Brewers Festival (OBF) in 1988, which grew to become one of the country’s largest beer festivals.
In 2023 when we reported that the Oregon Brewers Festival’s 33-year run was ending, and the festival was canceled, many people quickly blamed it on increased costs, decreased public interest, and other factors. Those things definitely contributed, but the OBF was Art’s baby and he was getting old.
As far as Cascade Brewing is concerned, the last few years have been bumpy. In 2020, Art sold Cascade to an investor group, but the deal never fully closed. In fact, Art’s family did not learn that he still fully owned the brewery until after his death. Alissa Larrance told the Oregonian that the family’s trust cannot sustain the business. “This has all been a big shock during an already stressful time,” she told the Oregonian.
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Sources confirm that the liquor licenses for Cascade Blending House in Beaverton and Cascade Barrel House in Portland were in Art Larrance’s name and expired 10 days after his death.
Following his death, an Instagram post by Cascade Brewing said, “To say we are heartbroken doesn’t do it justice. Art was founder, innovator, advisor, inspiration, champion and most importantly a friend to us all. Not only here at Cascade, but to craft beer fans and producers all around the world.”
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“He liked to say his favorite beer was the one in his hand, and it showed in his desire to promote new and diverse styles, much like the Northwest Sour Ale. He had a passion for things that brought people together, to toast in friendship.”
