PORTLAND, Ore. — As word of the Ecliptic Brewing sale sent shockwaves through Oregon's beer sector Wednesday night, owner John Harris' announcement left out one very key detail.
To whom or what was Harris selling the revered, 10-year-old business?
The answer emerged, at least in reported form: The website Brewbound.com revealed the new owner as Great Frontier Holdings, which formed from the summer 2023 merger of Ninkasi Brewing and the Wings and Arrow brand portfolio, according to the Vinepair website.
Along with Ninkasi and Ecliptic, Great Frontier Holdings offerings include three San Diego-based companies: Ashland Hard Seltzer, Villager Spirits and Mucho Aloha, along with Wings and Arrow and Voyage Hard Iced Tea.
Harris has yet to formally confirm the new owner.
Ecliptic ranked ninth on the PBJ's Largest Craft Brewers List this year. It is a three-time winner of the PBJ's Oregon Beer Showdown.
Ninkasi ranked third. The Eugene brewer has sold a majority share to Legacy Breweries Inc., based in the Denver area, in 2019.
See the full list of the largest craft breweries in Oregon at Portland Business Journal, a KGW partner.
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