A Tribute to Fred Eckhardt and Hair of the Dog’s final Fred Fest
This weekend marks the final Fred Fest, a rare beer charity event created to honor the birthday of legendary Portland beer journalist Fred Eckhardt. Later this summer venue host Hair of the Dog Brewing is closing, and this will be one of the last occasions to celebrate both owner Alan Sprints and Fred Eckhardt’s invaluable contributions to the industry in-person.
Fred Eckhardt was a marine turned beer writer, media personality, and lifetime advocate for craft beer in a time when “microbrews” were mostly considered a strange novelty. His most famous work was the 1989 book “The Essentials of Beer Style”, and before he passed away on August 10th, 2015 he had become known as "the Dean of American beer writers." Fred Fest continued on even after he had passed as a tribute to his life and legacy.
In 2016 the Oregon Beer Awards recognized Fred’s accomplishments by honoring him with a lifetime achievement award and entry into the Oregon Beer Awards Hall of Fame. The feature video and interviews were conducted by me, in association with Willamette Week, filmed and edited by Lucas Chemotti. With the impending closure of Hair of the Dog and last Fred Fest, it seemed like a perfect time to reshare that tribute video for those who can and cannot make it to the brewery before they close.
“This will be the last time at the brewery for many,” says Hair of the Dog owner Alan Sprints, who was himself one of three inductees to the Oregon Beer Awards Hall of Fame in 2022. “I am trying to make it a memorable event, I know it will be for me,” says Sprints.
Alan Sprints (left) and Fred Eckhardt (right)
As in years past the 17th annual Fred Fest benefits one of Fred’s favorite causes - animals. This year’s event is different in more ways than one, in the past this was a ticketed all inclusive rare beer event with special foods and a casual atmosphere. In light of the pandemic this year’s Fred Fest is a 3-day affair with no tickets required, but just as excellent of beer lineup.
The 2022 Fred Fest taplist includes beers from:
Barley Browns Brew Pub
Boneyard Brewing
Block 15 Brewing
Upright Brewing
Chuckanut Brewery
Holy Mountain Brewing
Reuben's Brews
Floodland Brewing
Side Project Brewing
Moksa Brewing
Moonlight Brewing
Ecliptic Brewing
Hair of the Dog is pulling out three special versions of their classic beer “Adam”, one aged in Nocino barrels, another in Maple syrup barrels, and one that sat in oak for 10 years.
Hair of the Dog Brewing and owner/founder Alan Sprints
Come to wish Fred a happy birthday, try a beer, spend some time at a classic brewery before it closes.
Fred Fest at Hair of the Dog Brewing runs May 13 - 15th from 11:30am to 6pm at
61 SE Yamhill St Portland, OR 97214