Beer Birthday: John Maier

April 27, 2026 By Jay Brooks 6 Comments

Today is John Maier’s 71st birthday. John had been the head brewer at Rogue Ales for as long as I can remember, though he more recently retired. He’s won countless awards, pioneered numerous new styles and been instrumental in the rise of the Pacific Northwest’s beer scene. Join me in wishing John a very happy birthday.

Rogue owner Jack Joyce, Portland Mayor Potter and John pose for photos at the opening of the Oregon Brewers Festival in 2007.

John with the Rogue Brew Crew after the OBF parade.

At the Sasquatch Beer Festival. John Maier, sandwiched by Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge, both from Ninkasi Brewing.

John at the Brew Am gold tourney several years ago. Photo courtesy of Bob Brewer, from his Picasa gallery.

Hinlicky-maier — A portrait of John at Rogue by Gregg Hinlicky.

Comments

Julie says
April 27, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hooray! I love Rogue Beers. The Dead Guy is genius. Pure genius. Pass this onto John as my birthday present.
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michael Reinhardt says
April 27, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I love his beers almost as much as I like his music 🙂
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Gustavo Salmon says
April 29, 2011 at 8:44 am
Happy Birthday John! Love your mocha porter!
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beerman49 says
May 9, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Long live Dead Guy Ale
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Patrick Ryan says
April 27, 2014 at 2:13 pm
There’s that famous beard, made so by the Beard Beer. Truly an innovative genius. Happy birthday!
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Gary Gillman says
February 13, 2018 at 9:59 am
Hi Jay:
It just occurred to me, Maier … Maier Brewing, the famed early brewery in Southern California.
Is there any family connection, as far as you know?
Best regards.
Gary
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