Goose Island's Brewmaster, Brett Porter is responsible for creative and technical development of Goose Island’s award-winning portfolio of beers.

Goose Island’s Head Brewer since May 2010, Porter was promoted to Brewmaster in April of 2011. Goose Island's third Brewmaster, Porter is poised to continue the company's growth as it sets the stage for the future, "As Brewmaster, my biggest responsibility is making sure there is enough of each of our Goose Island beers to go around.”

"For now, we operate the brewery 24/7 and are putting in place a plan that will help us focus more intensively on innovation. Along with new tanks to expand brewing capacity overall, Goose Island is looking to greatly increase the capacity of our barrel program. 

Prior to Goose Island, the Portland, OR native worked as Head Brewer at Deschutes Brewery, where he worked from 2005 - 2010 and his beers earned more than 150 awards. Prior to Deschutes, Porter was Head Brewer of Portland Brewing/Pyramid Brewing, a position he held from 1993 to 2005 and included the responsibilities of Interim Brewmaster from 1998 and 2000. His resume also includes stints in England as apprentice brewer at Bunces Brewery and Holdens Brewery. 

Porter graduated with a BA from University of Oregon in 1988 and continued at the university, doing graduate work in biology, chemistry and English. A lifelong student of beer, Porter studied beer making at University of California at Davis and was a delegate to the First International Brewing Yeast Performance Congress, took Flavor-activ Sensory Training from 2007 - 2010 and has served as Secretary/Treasurer of District NW MBAA from 2008 to 2010.

Renowned in beer circles for his mastery of the techniques of brewing, Porter’s experience at Goose Island has allowed him to focus on creativity and innovation. "Goose Island has somehow retained an approach to beer that you often only find at brewpubs,” he says, “an ultimate respect for the craft of brewing. John Hall is always encouraging brewers to first do what is best for the beer. It is the kind of environment where a brewer can focus on the craft and be creative to explore."