Rogue Ales Founder and Craft Beer Pioneer Jack Joyce Dies
It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the sad news just minutes ago that Rogue Ales co-founder and friend to all in the craft beer industry, Jack Joyce, passed away yesterday, May 27, 2014 at the age of 71. Joyce’s son, Brett, sent us the following news at 8:33 a.m. today, May 28, 2014:
Subject: YOU KNOW JACK
Friends-
Yesterday the Rogue Nation and Family lost our co-founder, leader, friend, and father as Jack Joyce passed away at the age of 71.
Following a career as both a small town attorney and Nike executive, Jack and some friends founded Rogue in 1988 in Ashland, Oregon. From the outset, Jack set Rogue on a path of innovation, creativity, and rebellion. Rogue made hoppy, flavorful beers and was told that no one would drink them. Rogue made a wide range of beers and was told no one wanted variety. Rogue sold 22oz bottles of beer and was told no one would pay a premium for a single serve beer. Rogue opened multiple pubs and breweries and was told that it would be wise to follow a more efficient and logical business plan. Rogue took the road less, or perhaps never, travelled. Rogue was the first U.S. craft brewer to send beer to Japan. Rogue won 1,000 awards for product and packaging excellence. Rogue worried about getting better, not bigger. Rogue began distilling. Rogue began farming. Rogue remained dedicated to its small town roots and made sure to give back to its local communities. Rogue started a Nation. This was all vintage Jack.
He was the true Rogue and will be missed by us all.
Thanks
Brett Joyce
About The Author
Angelo
Angelo grew up in Maine and is proud to call New England his original home. Cascadia is now his home. He fell in love with great beer in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. He has been a correspondent for the Portland Tribune's Guest on Tap column, LivePDX.com, and has been featured in publications such as Beer Northwest and PDX Magazine. Angelo also has a great interest in independent music, and has been a booker and organizer for shows around the Portland under the name Pop Tomorrow! Angelo garnered much knowledge regarding beer from his experiences homebrewing, working at Belmont Station, Pyramid Brewing, Upright Brewing, By the Bottle, Beer Revolution, Olde Depot Public House, Falling Sky Brewing, Cascade Brewing, and from many many knowledgeable, passionate, and loving people along the way. It is Angelo's mission to bring "infotainment" and "edumation" to the readers of this website. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to contribute, please contact me at angelo@brewpublic.com
You go bro. Who will I celebrate our birthday with now? You were the worst brother and the best brother any gal could have. I will always cherish our times together. Your sister and 3rd birthday present. Sandy
The beer world will never be the same without you.
“There was an Old Man with an owl,
Who continued to bother and howl;
He sate on a rail,
And imbibed bitter ale,
Which refreshed that Old Man and his owl.
— Edward Lear, Book of Nonsense #98
Hello. Would I be able to use this photograph for a blog I am posting about Jack Joyce and Rogue brewing? The website is http://www.allyouneedisbeer.co.uk and it would really support my article. I will obviously credit the photographer and the site. Cheers, Cameron.