John Harris is a legend in the world of craft beer. After spending 25+ years working for some of the most prolific breweries in Oregon, he started Ecliptic Brewing.
John’s background is one steeped in Oregon’s rich craft brewing history. After beginning as a brewer at McMenamins’ breweries, he moved to Deschutes where he created the recipes for Mirror Pond, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale and Obsidian Stout. He spent the next 20 years of his career as a Brewmaster at Full Sail in charge of creating the Brewmaster Reserve line of beers. The creation of Ecliptic Brewing is the next chapter in John’s illustrious career.
I had the pleasure to sit down with John over some beers and talked a bit about his brewing history and a lot about his new brewery Ecliptic.Located at the southern end of the happening Mississippi Ave., Ecliptic boasts and amazing, rotating food menu along with delicious brews. “I wanted a place where the food was as good as the beer,” says Harris. Inspired by his hobby in astronomy, Ecliptic Brewing is the best of all worlds!
We also talked about what he likes to do when he’s not brewing beer (cross fit and he also plays the washboard).
Check out the interview to learn more about John Harris (and his CrossFit and washboard hobbies).
Enjoy my chat with John Harris of Ecliptic Brewing!
The Beer we Tasted
John treated me to three Ecliptic beers, that he thought best represented their lineup.
- CAPELLA PORTER – Capella Porter is named after a bright star in the constellation Auriga. A nice medium body follows sweet dark malt aromas. Flavors of chocolate and caramel meld with just a touch of roast. A collection of American hops (Nugget, Chinook, Centennial and Cascade) brighten this lively porter.
- CARINA PEACH SOUR ALE – Carina Peach Sour Ale takes its name from the constellation Carina, the keel of the ship Argo in he southern sky. Loaded with fresh peach flavor, Carina is a sour ale perfect for any time of year. The use of Pale malt makes for a crisp character, while Lactobacillus gives Carina a tart and refreshing finish.
- QUASAR PALE ALE – Inspired by its luminous namesake, Quasar is our light Pale Ale brewed for summer. Simcoe and Mosaic hops give Quasar Pale Ale a huge, fresh tropical aroma. Flavorful and easy drinking, Quasar is a stellar beer for enjoying out under the sun.
The first five people who use code EclipticFree will get a free entry! If you miss that deal, use code Ecliptic5 for $5 off.
