John Harris is a legend in the craft beer industry, which I’ll explain following the news of the day. He is also the owner/brewer at Ecliptic Brewing in Portland. That is, he was the owner/brewer at Ecliptic Brewing. John posted an announcement on social media today (November 9, 2023) explaining that he has sold the company.
“Our business has been really challenging the past two years,” John said. “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 to Great Frontier Holdings.”
Great Frontier Holding is a collection of brands that includes Ninkasi Brewing, Wings and Arrow Brewing, Ashland Hard Seltzer, and others. You can now add Ecliptic Brewing to the list.
“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.”
John concluded, “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.”
Among John Harris’ many contributions to the Northwest craft beer scene, he was the original brewer at Deschutes Brewery back in the late 1980s. That means he gifted the world with beers like Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond, and others. He then moved on to Full Sail Brewing where he spent 20 years as the Brewmaster, again gifting the world with beers that helped shape the industry as we know it today. About a decade ago, he struck out on his own and opened Ecliptic Brewing.
Cheers to you, John. On behalf of beer lovers everywhere, I would like to thank you for all you’ve given us over the years.