Title: The Ultimate Oregon Beer Trail: Breweries to Visit in 2025
Discovering Oregon through Suds and Hops
It’s no secret that Oregon loves beer, and well, beer loves Oregon back. Oregonians’ passion for quality craft beer has transformed the state into a hops-heaven, dotted with hundreds of breweries. Planning a visit in 2025? Get prepared to embark on an epic beer adventure!
The Portland Abode of Breweries
Begin the journey in Portland, with more breweries within city limits than any other city in the world. The Pearl District’s Deschutes Brewery is a revered stop. Taste some of Oregon’s most celebrated beers, and don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff for a brewery tour – they’re usually happy to oblige.
A stone’s throw away lies 10 Barrel Brewing, another Portland gem. Be prepared for a little wait though, because, like most popular Portland bars, the place gets busy, particularly on weekends. But trust us, the Citra IPA is worth the few extra minutes.
Make a quiet exit from the city’s bustling pace at Cascade Brewing Barrel House, loved by sour beer enthusiasts. Their tart ales, made with fresh, local berries, are nothing short of a revelation. And a tad advice from us Oregonians is to avoid rush hour if headed from downtown, it can get quite gnarly!
Venturing through the Willamette Valley
Now, let’s steer through the picturesque Willamette Valley, home to some of Oregon’s top wineries and breweries. Start with McMinnville’s Heater Allen Brewing. This cozy spot produces some stellar lagers that provide a pleasant break from the ale-domination.
Next, find your way to the small town of Pacific City, home to Pelican Brewery. Let’s be honest here, sipping a refreshing Kiwanda Cream Ale while watching the epic Oregon coast is a memory of a lifetime! Remember, the coastal weather changes quickly, so bring a jacket even in the summer.
Just down the highway is De Garde Brewing in Tillamook. This brewery earned its reputation with spontaneously fermented ales or “wild ales”. Now don’t panic if you’ve never heard of this before, it basically means the beers are left to ferment with naturally occurring microbes. Sounds scary? It’s actually delicious, so definitely try it!
Hitting the Hoppy Highways of Eugene, Bend, and Beyond
Drawn to quirky creativity? Then Eugene’s Ninkasi Brewing Company is a must visit. Sip on their classic Total Domination IPA, or try the season’s special to experience Oregon’s fresh ingredients.
Next, trek out to Bend. This charming little town gives Portland a run for its beer money with an equally impressive brewery scene. At Crux Fermentation Project, it’s all about unique twists to classic brews.
Head to Deschutes Brewery in Bend. Yes, they have a Portland location, but the Bend one is where the magic started. Just a word of warning, the place is usually crowded with both tourists and locals alike, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere!
Round off the beer trail at Boneyard Beer, another Bend-star, renowned for its RPM IPA. Caps off for the Pubs in Bend, serving mouthwatering food alongside excellent brews. Foods here have a hearty lumberjack vibe, an attribute reflective of the region’s logging history.
The Final Sip of Advice
Oregon’s craft beer scene is about more than just the brew, it’s about the stories behind each pint, the community around the bar, the celebration of craft and creativity, and the stunning backdrops that make every sip unforgettable. Remember to respect the love, process, and finesse that go into every pint, and above all, drink responsibly.
So okay, folks, that’s about it – the Oregon beer trail, straight from a local’s heart. Next time you’re in Oregon, raise a toast to our beautiful state and enjoy the fantastic brews that are the pride and joy of Oregon. Sköl!