Brewsters & Boosters
Oregon Beer Country is a tightly knit community, operating much like any large, extended family. While the brewers are certainly the stars of the Oregon Beer show, we couldn't have the rich diversity, collaboration, and tribe of support without some key players. Oregon Beer Country is also fortunate to have a highly talented group of male and female brewers alike. (In the past, women brewers were referred to as 'brewsters.') Here, a smattering of some of the best supporters in Oregon Beer, and some of our favorite people! Cheers!
Chris Crabb - Steadfast and incredibly hard working, Chris Crabb is the organizational powerhouse behind some of Oregon's most highly celebrated beer festivals, including North American Organic Brewer's Fest, Oregon Brewers Festival, and the Holiday Ale Fest. Oregon Beer Country fans owe a huge debt of gratitude to Crabb for her diligence and coordination of these highly complex celebrations!
Fred Eckhardt - Often credited with being the grandfather of Craft Beer in Oregon, his 1969 book on homebrewing was ahead of its time: homebrewing wouldn't be legalized again until 1979 in Oregon. Eckhardt's The Essentials of Beer Style, is a tome and reference for homebrewers, beer judges and aficionados alike.
Gayle Goschie - Goschie is a 3rd generation hop farmer, committed to sustainable farming practices. Goschie farms over 400 acres of hops along with her brothers Gordon and Glenn, creating a market of Oregon hops for everyone from large players such as Anheuser Busch to local craft brewers such as Bridgeport and Deschutes Brewery.
Ginger Johnson - Johnson's dynamic personality, depth of specialized knowledge, and infectious laugh have made her one of the industry's most sought after marketing consultants in the beer world. Headquartered in Ashland, Oregon, Johnson's Women Enjoying Beer aims to educate consumers and teach professionals about the ways in which women's roles in the industry are inherent to its success. Listen to Johnson's stellar conversations with industry leaders on BeerRadio each Wednesday (stream live at kskq.org or find archived editions here).
John Foyston - The original "beer blogger," Foyston's history with the Oregonian and coverage of the craft beer world has opened up windows and doors for thousands across the country, showcasing the exceptional quality, imagination and innovation in Oregon.
Lisa Morrison - Incredibly gifted in the realm of craft beer, Morrison is known as The Beer Goddess. Morrison's recent book Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest has opened up beer pilgramages to those looking to Oregon as a craft beer mecca. Her weekly radio show, Beer O'Clock is always an educating hour with varied guests and chock full of information.
Michael Umphress - Co-founder of the #pdxbeergeeks, Michael's efforts in furthering the community of craft beer are well recognized. An acerbic wit and heart of gold, Michael is often seen out and about helping with varied activities in the beer world.
Sarah Pederson - As the owner of Saraveza, Pederson's bottle shop and pasty tavern brings a slice of Midwest hospitality to the West Coast. After inadvertently ordering a cask conditioned Hair of the Dog "Fred" at a study session in 2002 at the Horse Brass Pub, her love affair with craft beer began. After 5 years of gaining as much knowledge about beer as she could, including graduating from the American Brewer's Guild, Pederson opened Saraveza in 2007.
Tonya Cornett - Though Cornett is an award winning brewer at 10 Barrel Brewing Co in Bend, Oregon (formerly of Bend Brewing Co), she remains humble about her hard work and achievements. Her spirited personality makes her one of Oregon's star brewers, with consistently well crafted brews wherever she goes.