I just learned from my friend, and Belmont Station owner, Lisa Morrison that legendary beer writer Fred Eckhardt has passed away. Apparently he died peacefully in his sleep this morning, with a few caregivers by his side.
Portland native Eckhardt was 89, and was a pioneer in writing about and defining beer styles with his early book on the subject, The Essentials of Beer Style, published in 1989. Annually in Portland, the FredFest beer festival has been held since his 80th birthday to honor Fred and his contributions to the modern beer and homebrewing scene. As Lisa observed. “He was one of the giants on whose shoulders we stand. What a life he lived, what he gave to us all.” He will be greatly missed. Join beer lovers everywhere as we raise a toast to Fred’s memory and to his enduring legacy tonight.
Fred in 1969, from the back cover of his book, A Treatise on Lager Beers.
Fred Eckhardt and me at the Great American Beer Festival in 2005.
Fred with 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.
Fred with Lisa and John Foyston at OBF in 2009.
Fred and me at the OBF parade in 2011.
https://storify.com/beer47/ken-eckhart-and-john-foyston-keynote
Great guy and great story teller. We’ll miss you, Fred.
Best columnist The Celebrator ever had; I’m sure there’ll be a big tribute in the next issue.
One of my great thrills was judging beers with Fred at the Oregon Homebrew Festival in the late 1990s, including a few times at the Best-of-Show table. His beer knowledge was only exceeded by his warmth and generosity. He remains an inspiration.