Best Breweries in Oregon Outside of Portland
Oregon, with its lush greenery and scenic beauty, has a thriving brewery scene that extends far beyond the well-trodden path in the cultural hub of Portland. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of breweries, each reflecting the distinctive flavors of the various regions of our beloved Beaver State. So, buckle up your taste-buds as we embark on the ultimate craft-beer road trip, digging deep to reveal the top 10 breweries that Oregon’s corners and crevices have to offer.1. Deschutes Brewery
In the heart of sunny Bend, Deschutes Brewery has been a nod to Central Oregon’s rich brewing history since 1988. Not for the faint of heart, their ‘Black Butte Porter’ and ‘Mirror Pond Pale Ale’ are a testament to their meticulous craft beer brewing. As a laid-back local would suggest, take a soothing ride along the Deschutes River and end the day with some cool beer tasting at this iconic brewery.2. Ninkasi Brewing Company
Head a little west to Eugene and you’ll find the beloved Ninkasi Brewing Company. Named after the ancient Sumerian goddess of beer, this brewery has a divine selection fit for the gods themselves. Oregonians should not miss out on their ‘Total Domination IPA’, a true master-craft eclectically infused with the earthy essence of the Willamette Valley!3. Pelican Brewing Company
Imagine sipping a pint with the gorgeous Pacific vista as your backdrop! Pelican Brewing Company in Pacific City offers exactly this dreamy experience. Their award-winning flagship brew ‘Kiwanda Cream Ale’ steals the show, perfectly suiting the fresh salty air filling your lungs as you gaze out across Cape Kiwanda.
4. Rogue Ales & Spirits
Over in the coastal town of Newport, Rogue Ales & Spirits is not just another brewery; it’s an experience. A journey along the picturesque Yaquina Bay Bridge takes you to this haven of artisan ales. Don’t underestimate the ‘Dead Guy Ale’ – it’s a rite of passage for any aspiring Oregon craft beer connoisseur.5. Full Sail Brewing Company
Cruise up the scenic Columbia River Gorge to Hood River and you’ll find Full Sail Brewing Company. As they say here, the brews taste like a love letter to the Cascades! Grab a bottle of their ‘Amber Ale’ and watch the daring windsurfers making waves on the river.6. 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
Back in Bend, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. boasts a vibe as chilled as the beer they produce. With rooftop seating that overlooks the Deschutes National Forest, enjoy the ‘Trail Beer’ – a nod to the region’s extensive network of hiking and mountain bike trails.7. Boneyard Beer
Adding to the beer bounty of Bend is Boneyard Beer. These guys have earned their cult-following with fiercely hop-forward ales. Afficionados often find their bones here, cilinching to the ‘RPM IPA’, a local legend in its own right.8. Crux Fermentation Project
Also hidden in the high desert landscape of Bend, Crux Fermentation Project, is a brewer’s dream. Ensconced in an old transmission shop, it’s now an outlet for pursuit of the perfect beer. Visit around sunset when the ‘Sundown Hour’ brings special prices and the beautiful Oregon sky illuminates this brew-haven.9. Caldera Brewery & Restaurant
Heading to the quaint city of Ashland and aiming for a theater visit? Complement it with a detour to Caldera Brewery & Restaurant. Located amidst the snow-capped peaks of Cascade Siskiyou, Caldera offers a diverse menu of food and pattern-bursting beers, including the renowned ‘Ashland Amber’.10. Fort George Brewery & Public House
Up north and nestled in the seaport town of Astoria lies Fort George Brewery & Public House. Housed in a 1924 era building, it thrums with the vibrant rhythm of coastal Oregon life. From the ‘Cavatica Stout’ to its can creations and the views of Columbia river, there’s a pleasant surprise at every sip.So, here’s to the beauty and brews of Oregon! Remember, there are countless wonders and inviting breweries waiting on the less-charted roads. So, get out there and taste the craft, toast the heritage, and savor the essence of Oregon, one pint at a time. Prost!