Today is the 45th birthday of John Tucci, who until it closed recently, was the brewmaster for the San Francisco Gordon Biersch brewpub. John’s one of Gordon Biersch’s best and most senior brewers, especially his one-offs that he brewed at that location. He’s also a great champion for beer in San Francisco and was very active with the local brewers guild and SF Beer Week. Since the San Francisco location’s closing, he’s been brewing at their Palo Alto brewpub. Join me in wishing John a very happy birthday.

John behind the bar pouring some of his beer. (Note: this photo by Winnie Hsu and purloined from Facebook.)

At the Slow Beer Festival 2008, Ian Marks (from Hog Island Oyster Co.), Taylor Boetticher (from the Fatted Calf), Dave, John and Shaun O’Sullivan (from 21st Amendment).

John when I visited him recently at the Palo Alto Gordon Biersch.