Oregon: A Land of Hops and Glory
Forget all about the metropolitan glitz of Portland for a moment. Venture beyond the city’s bounds for a real taste of what Oregon brewing is about. Out here, craft beer isn’t just beer; it’s a way of life, a labor of love passed down from generation to generation. It’s something that speaks deeply to the industrious and innovative spirit of the people. From the rolling fields of the Willamette Valley to the rugged shores of the Oregon Coast, there are countless outposts crafting liquid gold in their remarkable Oregon style.
Ale Apothecary, Bend
Wedged between the Cascade Range and the high desert, you’ll find the vibrant city of Bend, a place that easily rivals Portland in terms of beer culture. At the heart of it all is Ale Apothecary, set back in the pine trees on Tumalo Creek Road. A bit of a twist on your traditional brewery, this spot embraces the “old world” brewing process and each beer has an unmistakably unique flavor, as distinctive as the Oregon High Desert air.
To the Oregonians, drinking a brew from Ale Apothecary feels like sharing a secret handshake. The brewery believes in using locally sourced ingredients, such as Oregon wildflower honey and native spruce tips, which means every sip is imbued with the spirit of Oregon. You’re not just enjoying great beer; you’re taking part in an age-old tradition.
Ninkasi Brewing, Eugene
To truly get to the heart of Oregon’s craft beer scene, you need to make a pilgrimage to Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood, where Ninkasi Brewing is a elder statesman. Overlooking the fantastic Skinner Butte, a popular climbing spot, this brewery melds beautifully with the natural landscape.
It’s “Total Domination” IPA has become somewhat of a local legend. Much like how Oregon Trail pioneers once traveled for opportunities, beer enthusiasts travel from near and far for a taste of this iconic IPA. It’s not uncommon to hear expressions like “that’s sweeter than a Myrtlewood bowl filled with marionberries” when locals happily discuss the flavor profile.
Pelican Brewing, Pacific City
If your ideal brew day involves gazing out over the Pacific Ocean while savoring the salt-kissed breeze, set the compass to Pacific City – where the Pelican Brewing serves Pacific Northwest brewing tradition alongside stunning beach views. It’s named for Haystack Rock, not the infamous one in Cannon Beach, but its equally photogenic namesake just offshore from Cape Kiwanda.
The ‘Queen of Hearts’— a saison ale aged in gin barrels — is an absolute revelation. You might assume that’s a beverage more suited to a sunny day, but trust us, it goes down just fine under Oregon’s drizzly April skies, too.
Arch Rock Brewing, Gold Beach
Way, way out on the southernmost reach of the Oregon Coast, hidden amongst the fog and sea stacks, sits the unassuming town of Gold Beach. And there, you’ll find Arch Rock Brewing. It’s a quaint, no-frills brewery that sticks to what it does best — classic, well-crafted beers. Their Gold Beach Lager has won high praise and national awards, yet remains humble and approachable, just like the Oregonians.
Block 15 Brewery, Corvallis
In the heart of the Willamette Valley is Block 15 Brewery, a cornerstone of downtown Corvallis. It paints an enchanting picture with its quaint historic brick buildings and bicycle-friendly streets, remaining poignantly authentic in this charming college town. It sits just a stone’s throw away from Mary’s River – you could literally wander down to the river with a ‘Sticky Hands’ IPA in hand, humming along to the Oregon State University fight song floating on the breeze.
Crux Fermentation Project, Bend
Back up in Bend, the Crux Fermentation Project has harnessed the spirit of the adventurous locals in their “non-traditional” brewing methods. They’ve established quite a following with their experimental and barrel-aged brews. It’s one of those places where you catch the sunset, silhouetting the Three Sisters mountains with a pint in hand, while laughing about the time a brazen squirrel made off with your Voodoo Doughnut.
In Oregon, beer isn’t merely a beverage; it’s a celebration of the ethos of the state and its people. Each brewery has its unique story, methods, and flavors, but they all share one thing – that unmistakeable mark of Oregon heritage. There’s something unassumingly profound about sipping a craft beer that is so deeply intertwined with the place it was brewed. So enough reading, grab a designated driver or book a quirky Airbnb and start exploring the beervana that is Oregon! We’ll save you a pint.