Dive into Oregon’s thriving local beer industry with this detailed guide to the state’s best breweries. Known for its robust and innovative craft beer scene, Oregon is a haven for beer lovers, featuring a mix of pioneering breweries in Portland and rising stars across the region. This article highlights the diversity of the local brews, from classic IPAs and rich stouts to creative experimental ales. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this guide is your passport to exploring the exceptional offerings of Oregon’s beer industry.
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What Are The Best Breweries In Oregon?
Some are housed in industrial warehouses, while others are upscale gastropubs downtown or iconic institutions with loads of merchandise. Others are located in breath-taking natural surroundings and Portland is undisputedly the state’s beer Mecca.
So let’s not muck about, here are the best breweries Oregon has to offer:
The Best Breweries in Oregon
Bend Brewing Company
Bend Brewing Co. is a beloved and much-awarded local brewery. It’s been around since 1995 and is located in downtown Bend. Recommended brews are the Wicked Medicine and the Ching Ching American Sour.
Widmer Brothers Brewing Co., Portland
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This started as a home-brewing hobby which turned into a massive enterprise for the Widmer Brothers. There’s an extensive food menu, which makes this a favourite brewery stop for foodies. Try the brewery’s hefeweizen ̶ the brew that puts them on the map.
Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River
Hood River is another great place to visit for beer lovers. Full Sail Brewing Co. is an employee-owned and operated brewery that is housed in a converted fruit cannery. This is an eco-friendly brewery that places a high priority on using all-natural ingredients and local ingredients. The Session Black Lager and Wassail Winter Ale are recommended.
Ninkasi Brewing Company, Eugene
Also a beer lover’s paradise, this popular brewery was named after a Sumerian goddess. This is a fun brewery to visit, take a tour, look at local art, grab some food truck fare, and sit outside on the patio.
Pelican Pub & Brewery, Pacific City
The Pelican Pub & Brewery enjoys one of the most beautiful beer-drinking locations in the Pacific Northwest. While breweries along the coast don’t tend to get as much attention as ones in Portland and Bend, this one really stands out because of its perfect location right on the beach. Try Kiwanda Cream Ale and MacPelican’s Ale. This brewery is a perfect stop while taking a road trip up or down the beautiful Oregon coastline.
pFriem Family Brewers
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Grounded in the rich, spicy ales of Belgium, pFriem’s produce abbey-influenced brews, an everyday witbier, and a recent dive into barrel-aged sours and Pacific Northwest IPAs.
Breakside Brewery
The brewery could be pouring a passion fruit sour, an ale brewed with spruce tips or something blended off its list of barrel-aged “B-sides.” Try Wanderlust.
Barley Brown’s
This hop-mad brewery might be the best reason to visit Baker City. Found on Main Street, Barley Brown’s family-friendly pub pours a hot blonde jalapeno ale alongside a menu of nachos, burgers and fried pickles.
Deschutes Brewery
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This Bend-based brewery opened in 1988 and has since become an Oregon powerhouse. Try Mirror Pond Pale Ale and its seasonal cousin Red Chair NWPA, as well as its easy-to-drink Obsidian Stout and America’s highest selling porter, Black Butte.
The Commons Brewery
The Commons set itself on a less bitter path than most of IPA-loving Portland. With frequent nods toward the sour, fruity styles of Belgium and Denmark, the brewer’s beers are dependably crisp and mild. Try Urban Farmhouse Ale.
Boneyard Beer
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Boneyard Beer earned its moniker when it opened in 2010 in an old Bend auto shop filled with second-hand brewing equipment stashed alongside car and motorcycle parts. Try RPM IPA and Notorious triple IPA, weighing in at 11.5% ABV.
How Many Breweries Are In Oregon? Which City Has The Most Breweries?
So just how many breweries are there in Oregon and which are the beer cities and towns?
Oregon is home to more than 302 craft breweries and brewpubs that produce a large variety of beer. While California earns top place with 958 breweries, Oregon ranks No. 2 and 3, respectively.
What is the most popular beer in Oregon?
Well, that depends on who one is talking to or asking. According to Beer Advocate, Nectarine Premiere de Garde Brewing Farmhouse Ale is Oregon’s most popular beer. According to Sip Magazine, it’s Batch 1 Barrel-aged Imperial Stout, from Evasion Brewing. This stout is brewed with Mexican raw sugar and cinnamon, is a gluten-free imperial stout and aged in apple brandy barrels. Aromas of cinnamon, caramel apples, and rum-soaked dates precede rich flavours of brownie batter, spiced dark cherries and baker’s cocoa. Sounds delicious.
Oregon is also home to many beer festivals, a very active guild and the city of Portland has beer festivals every single month of the year!
What Are The Major Beer Festivals Or Events In Oregon?
Oregon Brewers Festival is a 4-day festival in Portland is the most popular event held in July. You can also search for a particular beer festival to your liking but be warned, there are lots! The next two big beer festivals are Nano Beerfest (April 2022) and Bend Brewfest (May 2022).
All this talk of great beer is all very well, but what about some yummy food to go with great beer. Try Kells Brewing in Portland, you won’t be sorry. Just take a look at their menu. We fancy the Sweet potato fries and Boneless whiskey wings or wild-caught salmon.
And if you’re allergic to gluten try Ground Breaker Brewing. They are a dedicated gluten-free brewery in Southeast Portland. Find them at 2030 S.E. 7th Ave.
While the breweries Oregon offers are amazing there’s a lot more to do in this part of the world too. Oregon offers a wealth of adventure with snowy retreats, cycling trips, hot springs and romantic getaways.
Go grab yourself an adventure – and a beer!
Jake has been a craft beer and homebrew enthusiast since his college days. He loves scouring Europe for unique and unusual hops to add to his beers.
Founder of Jake’s Brew Haven – he currently hosts beer-tasting sessions at select local pubs in Baltimore.