Golden Valley Brewing Collaboration with Brewmaster John Harris To Release Valley Red Imperial

Two established brewmasters in the Oregon craft beer community have re-banded for the creation of a new beer recipe. Former McMenamins, Deschutes, and Full Sail brewmaster John Harris joined Golden Valley Brewery (GVB) brewmaster Mark Vickery to develop Valley Red Imperial, a double red ale releasing today at GVB’s two pubs.

John Harris’s career in brewing spans more than years and three brewing empires. So, it’s no wonder why so many people look up to Harris when it comes to the art of brewing, and many brewers owe the man a lot when it comes to setting them on their path. One such brewer is Mark Vickery, brewmaster at Golden Valley Brewing of McMinnville, Oregon.Vickery cut his teeth brewing under Harris at Deschutes before assuming his current role as the brewing lead at GVB.

“Many brewers and brewery’s today stand on (Harris’) shoulders.” says Vickery. “One of the first pub brewers at McMenamins, John’s Hammerhead remains to this day one of there best selling ales.”

The first Brewmaster at Deschutes Brewery, Harris is credited with developing the recipes for Mirror Pond Pale, Black Butte Porter and Jubelale. “After a long run at the Pilsner Room for Full Sail Brewing Harris creativity lifted off.” adds Vickery, “Too many to list seasonal beers and experimental explorations.”

“I first met John at Bridgeport Brewing in 1988 where I bartended and began my love affair with craft beer” attests Vickery.  “He had just started at a new pub called Deschutes Brewery in Bend.  I started at Deschutes a month later in January of 1989 bartending and as assistant brewer. Little did we know what we were in for.”

These life long friends who have shared many a pint re-united recently to brew a bold, zesty imperial red ale with assertive hop bitterness using English Target and Australian Galaxy hops.

Mid palette softens to fruity esters and a late addition of Goldings and more Targets. Dry hopped with a blend of Galaxy/Golding hops; the Valley Red finishes truly Imperial.

OG – 1.069        IBU – 79      ABV – 7.4%

This collaborative beer releases today, February 7, 2013 at Golden Valley’s Beaverton pub (1520 NW Bethany Blvd, Beaverton, OR) . Harris and Vickery will be on hand for the release between 5 and 7 p.m.