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Oregon's Bent For Beer

In the past 10 years, the United States has seen an explosion of interest in full-flavored, craft ales. And Oregon is right at the forefront of that interest, becoming a major destination for thousands of microbrew enthusiasts from across the country every year. Of the more than 450 microbreweries operating in the United States, three of the top five in terms of barrel production are from Oregon! With 10 percent of the total beer market statewide, craft beers are as much a part of the Oregon lifestyle as Birkenstocks, books and backpacks.

The success of Oregon's craft brewers is understandable considering that they have all the ingredients for great craft beer at their fingertips: crystal clear water from the mountains, tons of malted grains and 14 varieties of world-class hops from the Willamette Valley, not to mention the skills and recipes to use them exceptionally well.

Oregon boasts more breweries and brewpubs per capita than any other state in the nation and as a city, Portland ranks second in the world. So visitors are always within minutes of a unique and tasty microbrew. If you don't stumble onto one of them yourself,  be sure to ask locals for their favorite. Here's a mini "sampler" that's sure to satisfy your beer tooth.

Portland

Bridgeport Brewery and Brewpub, 1313 NW Marshall, 503-241-7179
Started in a century-old warehouse in 1986, this is Oregon's oldest microbrewery.  Enjoy a tasty pizza with your brew in this friendly, no-frills pub in Northwest Portland.

Widmer Brewing Company, 929 N. Russell, 503-281-2437 
Widmer brewed the country's first Hefeweizen, an unfiltered beer often served with a lemon, and it has remained the Northwest's best-selling "Heffie" for more than seven years.

Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, 915 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 503-236-3555
Specials feature unique flavors such as the bitter and rich porter, topped with creamy foam. Try a spicy bento with your brew. Lucky canines get to hang out on the patio.

The Coast

Pelican Pub & Brewery, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City, 503-965-7007
For a brew with a view, stop in for a Doryman's Dark Brown Ale or Tsunami Stout; both are locals' favorites. Great pub food and outdoor beachfront dining add to the flavor.

Rogue Ales Public House, 748 SW Bay Blvd., Newport, 541-265-3188
Among the handcrafted ales, lagers, stouts, porters and bitters are Waterfront Lager, Newporter and Mo Ale. It's no surprise that this is a great place for fish & chips, too!

Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge

Mt. Hood Brewing Company, 87304 Government Camp Loop, 503-272-3724
Discuss the day's ski runs over an Oatmeal Stout or the popular Iceaxe IPA. Then satisfy your appetite with a design-your-own pizza, smoked salmon or killer burger.

Full Sail Brewery and Pub, 506 Columbia Street, Hood River, 503-386-2247
Watch the windsurfers from the deck while you enjoy tasty appetizers with a Golden or Amber Ale, a Pilsner, or a seasonal such as Mercator Dopplebock.

Willamette Valley

Big Horn Brewing, 515 12th St. SE, Salem, 503-363-1904
Popular brews include Total Disorder Porter and, ahem, Butt Face Amber Ale, complimented by a great burger as well as delicious steak and prime rib dinners.

Steelhead Brewery, 199 E. 5th St., Eugene, 541-686-2739
Bombay Bomber IPA and Steelhead Amber are the most popular pours at this college town brewery and pub. And both complement the pub's menu favorites: grilled chicken salad and fish & chips.

Southern Oregon

Umpqua Brewing Company, 328 SE Jackson, Roseburg, 541-672-0452
Ask for a local’s favorite here and you'll be sippin' the Summer Wheat, Roseburg Red or No Doubt Stout. Dinner specials include sushi, pasta and homemade soups and breads.

Central Oregon

Deschutes Brewery & Public House, 1044 NW Bond St., Bend, 541-382-9242
Obsidian Stout, Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Golden Ale are among the locals' favorites here. Spicy homemade sausages and garlic burgers are menu highlights.

Bend Brewing Company, 1019 Brooks St., Bend, 541-383-1599
Quaff a tasty brew on the patio while ducks quack happily nearby. The hoppy India Pale Ale and malty Outback Ale are big sellers. Teetotallers come here for the great food!

Eastern Oregon

Barley Brown's Brewpub, 2190 Main St., Baker City, 541-523-4266
This one-year-old brewery is still working on names for their popular Hefeweizen, ESB and brown ale. An eclectic menu includes Oriental, Mexican and Cajun cuisine.

For a beer enthusiast, visiting during Oktoberfest could only top visiting a state that’s this into beer! Oregon hosts several events and many microbreweries throughout the state put on their own festival.

The biggest and probably the most authentic is in Mt. Angel near Salem, September

16-19, Other Oktoberfests and fall 1999 brew festivals include the Eugene Oktoberfest, September 10-12, the Oktoberfest & Microbrew Festival in Roseburg, September 24-25, the Alpenfest at Wallowa Lake, September 24-26, the Chowder Blues & Brews Festival, Florence, September 24-26. Call local chambers for more information about.

To get more information about Oregon's microbreweries, including maps, hours and the beers they brew:

Ph: 800-440-ALES -Request a 40-page directory of microbreweries and brewpubs.

Oregon Brewers Guild's website: www.oregonbeer.org/~beer

Edited by Shekeria Brown

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