Esteemed Portland beer writer Fred Eckhardt turns 86 today. Portland’s Fred Eckhardt is a living legend, especially in his home city, having pioneered writing about and defining beer styles with his early book on the subject, The Essentials of Beer Style, published in 1989. Around his birthday also the 7th annual FredFest will be held, a beer festival honoring Fred. Join me in wishing Fred a very happy birthday.
Fred Eckhardt and me at the Great American Beer Festival in 2005.
At the Celebrator’s 18th anniversary party in February. From left: Shaun O’Sullivan, from 21st Amendment, Fred Eckhardt, the woman who wanted this picture of all her beer writing “heroes” in the first place, me, Tom Dalldorf, Celebrator publisher, and a brewer from Brewmasters.
Fred with fellow Portland beer writer Lisa Morrison.
Alan Sprints, of Hair of the Dog Brewery, with Fred Eckhardt, at Hair of the Dog’s open house in 2008 during OBF.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Jay,
This guy…”and a brewer from Brewmasters.” if I’m not mistaken is DOZE member, and B3 employee Randy Griggs.
Cheers,
Ward
Happy b-day Fred! You are my hero. My fave Fred-ism: “I always wanted to be a writer and now I are one.”
Cheers, Tom
Happy birthday to Fred. Love his column in All About Beer Magazine. What a guy!
Alan, Where did you get the ‘Fred’ tee shirt? Gotta have one. Thanks, Fred
Happy Birthday Fred! Holy S**T 86! Who’da ever thunk an old jarhead like you would ever make it this far and still have so much more to give! See you soon!
Banjo
Fred is one of the true gentlemen in the beer world. I had the privilege of judging Best of Show at the Oregon Homebrew Festival with him a few times. It was an unforgettable learning experience.
Kendall