Portland, Oregon has long been a mecca for craft beer lovers, boasting a vibrant and ever-growing brewing scene. With a rich history in the industry stemming back to the early 1980s, the city’s breweries have been at the forefront of the craft beer movement, utilizing local ingredients like Willamette Valley hops and Bull Run water to create uniquely flavorful brews. As of 2021, the city of Portland continues to showcase the evolution of craft brewing, with a wide range of breweries offering everything from traditional IPAs to experimental and gluten-free options.
One of the many reasons Portland breweries have gained such acclaim is their commitment to innovation and quality. Each brewery brings its own distinct personality and approach to the craft, resulting in a diverse range of styles and flavors to satisfy every beer enthusiast’s palate. From the award-winning beers of Breakside Brewery to the gluten-free creations at Mutantis Brewery & Bottle Shop, there is no shortage of unique craft brews to taste and explore.
In addition to offering world-class beers, these breweries often feature welcoming taprooms, delicious food pairings, and a strong sense of community. For both visitors and locals alike, the opportunity to experience Portland’s exceptional beer culture makes the city a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of craft beer, Portland’s breweries provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the finest in brewing innovation and creativity.
Top Portland Breweries
Breakside Brewery
Breakside Brewery is known for its award-winning beers, earning medals from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. With a diverse lineup of craft beers, Breakside aims to satisfy a wide range of beer enthusiasts.
Great Notion Brewing
Great Notion Brewing is popular for its innovative, hazy IPAs and flavorful fruited sour ales. The brewery has a commitment to creativity and continually pushes the boundaries of craft brewing, making it a must-visit destination in Portland.
Deschutes Brewery
A well-known name in the craft beer world, Deschutes Brewery offers a mix of classic styles and experimental beers at their Portland Public House location. The inviting taproom features an extensive menu to accompany their brews, which are sure to please any palate.
Ex Novo Brewing
Ex Novo Brewing is a standout for its mission as a nonprofit brewery, donating proceeds to various charities. The beers are delicious and diverse, combining both traditional and inventive styles, providing visitors with a feel-good experience.
Cascade Brewing Barrel House
If you’re a fan of sour beers, look no further than the Cascade Brewing Barrel House. This brewery specializes in tart, fruit-forward barrel-aged sour ales, offering unique and complex flavors that are sure to delight.
Hopworks Urban Brewery
As Portland’s first eco-brewpub, Hopworks Urban Brewery focuses on sustainability and high-quality beer production. With tasty brews made using locally sourced, organic ingredients, this environmentally-minded brewery is well worth a visit.
Upright Brewing
Upright Brewing specializes in French- and Belgian-style ales with a Northwest twist, making for a unique and fascinating beer experience. This hidden gem in the Leftbank Building attracts farmhouse-style ale enthusiasts with its creative and refreshing offerings.
Von Ebert Brewing
Von Ebert Brewing boasts an impressive portfolio of beers to explore in a spacious, industrial-chic taproom. The brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with modern ones to create both classic and experimental beers that cater to a wide range of tastes.
Baerlic Brewing
Baerlic Brewing offers an array of well-crafted beers that exude balance and drinkability. With a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients, Baerlic celebrates the Pacific Northwest’s rich brewing culture.
10 Barrel Brewing
Though the company was acquired by AB InBev, 10 Barrel Brewing remains a popular choice among Portland beer lovers. With a diverse lineup of hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers, and rich stouts, there’s something for everyone at their Pearl District brewpub.
Brewing Techniques and Styles
Portland breweries are known for their diverse range of brewing techniques and styles, catering to various preferences of beer enthusiasts. One of the popular styles in Portland is the Craft Beer, which focuses on small-scale production and emphasizes quality, flavor, and innovation.
Many breweries use locally sourced Hops to create distinct flavored beers. Portland’s brewing scene also features a range of international influences like French, Belgian, and German-style ales. One such example is Baerlic Brewing, which creates classic European styles like cream ales and stouts, alongside their flagship IPA.
The following list highlights some common beer styles found in Portland breweries:
- Stouts: These are dark, heavy beers with roasted malt flavors, often featuring notes of chocolate and coffee.
- IPAs: Indian Pale Ales are hop-forward beers that typically come with citrus, floral, or fruity aroma and bitterness.
- Lagers: This style of beer is cleanly fermented, refreshing, and crisp, typically lower in alcohol content and easy to drink.
- Sours: Known for their tart and tangy profile, sour beers are made by introducing wild yeast or bacteria during fermentation.
- Hazy IPAs: A variation of the IPA, this style is characterized by its hazy, cloudy appearance and juicy, fruit-forward flavors.
- Belgian Beers: Inspired by traditional Belgian brewing techniques, these beers showcase fruity esters, spicy phenolics, and complex flavors.
- German-Style Ales: Often clean and crisp, German-style ales encompass a wide range of flavors, from the malty and slightly sweet to the more hoppy and bitter.
Portland also takes pride in its innovative beer culture, as seen in the introduction of New England IPA by Great Notion Brewing in 2016. This hazy, fruit-forward IPA turned the city’s craft beer scene on its ear and has since become a staple offering in many local breweries.
In conclusion, Portland breweries offer a diverse array of brewing techniques and styles to suit every beer lover’s palate, providing a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA or a smooth, dark stout, Portland has something to offer for everyone.
Portland Brewpub Experience
Taprooms and Outdoor Seating
Portland is home to a vibrant brewpub scene, offering a wide variety of taprooms and outdoor seating options for beer enthusiasts. Many breweries, like Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House, provide a cozy interior setting, allowing patrons to fully immerse themselves in the craft beer experience. Outdoor seating arrangements are also available at numerous establishments, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy Portland’s beautiful weather while sipping on their favorite brews.
Food Options
The food offerings at Portland brewpubs are as diverse as the beer selections themselves, with menus catering to different tastes and preferences. One popular food choice is Detroit-style pizza, which can be found at some establishments. Many breweries also offer a range of delectable dishes, from local Oregonian specialties to international cuisine like French fare. Whatever your culinary craving, chances are you’ll find it at a Portland brewpub.
In addition to a wide array of food options, some breweries take it up a notch by incorporating beer into their dishes. Patrons can expect creative beer-infused recipes, showcasing the depth and versatility of various brews.
Events and Activities
Portland breweries often host an array of events and activities, turning a simple beer-tasting experience into a memorable one. Many breweries, like Great Notion Brewing, participate in the Portland beer scene by organizing events such as taproom releases or limited-edition beers.
Some brewpubs also offer activities like chess, connecting board game enthusiasts with the world of craft beer. Other events, such as live music performances and trivia nights, add a lively atmosphere to the brewpub experience.
In conclusion, Portland’s brewpub scene offers a diverse and enjoyable experience for beer lovers. With a variety of taprooms, outdoor seating, delicious food options, and engaging events, there’s something for everyone in this thriving beer culture.
Innovation and Creativity
Portland breweries are known for their innovative approaches and creative techniques in producing craft beers. The Belmont Fermentorium, for instance, stands out for its distinctive wild ales made from Portland’s “edible landscape” – a reflection of resourcefulness and creativity in the industry.
During the Covid pandemic, many breweries had to adapt to new challenges, further driving innovation. While some focused on creating unique beer styles, others emphasized establishing safe and sustainable business practices to protect their customers and employees.
Wild Ales, such as those produced by Little Beast Brewery, showcase the untamed beauty of nature’s abundant cultures. These handcrafted beers feature native yeasts and various bacteria strains, resulting in flavors that are refreshing and complex.
The concept of “Fracture” in brewing refers to breaking away from traditional styles and embracing experimentation. Portland breweries, such as Great Notion, exemplify this approach by constantly pushing boundaries and creating exciting, new beer experiences for enthusiasts.
Another example is Modern Times, which not only focuses on producing exceptional beer but also emphasizes multimedia artwork on their packaging. This added element showcases the brewery’s commitment to creativity beyond just brewing.
In summary, Portland breweries display a fusion of innovation and creativity through their unique beer styles, including the use of native yeasts in Wild Ales, breweries like Belmont Fermentorium and Modern Times, and the ability to adapt and thrive during the Covid pandemic. The vibrant beer scene in Portland celebrates resourcefulness, sustainability, and ingenuity, making it a hub for beer enthusiasts.
Unique Offerings
Ex Novo Brewery in Portland is known for its charitable approach, as it operates as a non-profit organization, with profits going to support various social causes. Their unique beers include the Eliot IPA, a classic Northwest brew, and The Most Interesting Lager in the World, a Mexican-style lager.
Breakside Brewery stands out for its impressive selection of over 100 different beers, using experimental ingredients and brewing techniques. They have won numerous awards, including the Great American Beer Festival gold medal for their Breakside IPA and Wanderlust IPA. Their flagship location offers a spacious beer garden and a menu made to complement their brews.
Hopworks Urban Brewery prides itself on being an eco-friendly establishment, utilizing organic ingredients and sustainable practices in their operations. They offer a variety of beers, such as the Hopworks IPA and the Organic Velvet ESB. The brewery also serves as a family-friendly environment, with a play area for children and delicious comfort food to enjoy alongside their brews.
Wayfinder Beer is a standout in Portland’s brewery scene, offering unique German-style beers created with a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques. Their beer menu includes the Hell, a Munich-style Helles Lager, and the Relapse IPA, a modern take on the West Coast IPA. With an on-site bakery, guests can indulge in artisan bread and wood-fired pizzas that pair well with their draft offerings.
Living Haus by Little Beast Brewing, serves as both a brewery and an eatery, offering a cozy and welcoming environment where visitors can enjoy their hand-crafted beers. Some of their standout offerings include the Wanderer, a tart and fruity saison, and the Foeder Cerise, a barrel-aged beer with bright cherry notes. The brewery also serves up a delicious food menu, with options like wild mushroom pizza and artisan cheese boards to enhance your beer tasting experience.
Local Ingredients and Sustainability
Portland is well-known for its thriving craft beer scene and commitment to sustainability. Many of the city’s breweries focus on using locally-sourced ingredients and implementing environmentally-friendly practices throughout their operations. One great example is Oregon’s Sustainable Breweries, where local and organic ingredients are prioritized, cooking oil is recycled into biofuel, and food scraps are composted.
Several prominent Portland breweries are dedicated to using local ingredients to support and protect Oregon’s farmland. Nine Oregon breweries have partnered with the Oregon Agricultural Trust to showcase their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Popular Portland brewing establishments like Ecliptic Brewing emphasize seasonality and local ingredients whenever possible. Their menu showcases this commitment, providing an elevated dining experience that pairs perfectly with their craft beers.
Other breweries, like McMenamins, work closely with local vendors to ensure quality and sustainability. They focus on sourcing organic and natural ingredients and even provide gluten-free options for their patrons.
In terms of specific beers, here are a few notable examples worth mentioning:
- Via: This brewery is known for its Cream Ale, which uses locally-sourced herbs to add a unique flavor profile. The use of these ingredients not only supports local growers but also creates a distinctively Oregonian taste.
- Herbs: Many Portland brewers incorporate locally-grown herbs into their beers, creating innovative flavor combinations and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
- Grains of Wrath: This brewery specializes in Farmhouse-Style Ales, which are traditionally brewed with local grains. This practice not only supports local agriculture but also adds a unique terroir to their beer.
- Cream Ale: Breweries like Via focus on using local ingredients in their Cream Ales. This popular beer style is known for its smooth flavor profile and can showcase the best of Oregon’s agricultural bounty.
- Farmhouse-Style Ales: These beers, such as those produced by Grains of Wrath, typically use locally-sourced ingredients. The style often incorporates a variety of grains, fruits, and spices, which work together to create complex, refreshing flavors that celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage.
In conclusion, Portland’s breweries are not only committed to crafting exceptional beers but also making a positive impact on their community and the environment through sustainable practices and supporting local agriculture.
Awards and Accolades
Portland’s breweries are no strangers to recognition, with many garnering awards at prestigious beer competitions and showcasing exceptional beers. One of the standout breweries in the city is Breakside Brewery, which has consistently won accolades for its vast range of beers. Their accomplishments include multiple wins at the North American Beer Awards and being crowned Brewery of the Year in their size division at the Oregon Beer Awards.
Another noteworthy brewery is Ecliptic, which took home the gold at the 2022 Oregon Beer Awards for their triple-dry-hopped Orange Giant barleywine. Ecliptic has also earned praise for their selection of IPAs and lagers, demonstrating the diversity of flavors and styles that this brewery offers.
A relatively new player in the scene, Ruse Brewing, has quickly made a name for itself, earning the 2018 Rate Beer Award for Best New Brewers in the World. Known for their Pacific Northwestern-inspired brews, Ruse continues to build on their reputation for producing high-quality beers.
Competing at the national level, several Portland-based breweries have also made their mark at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Double Mountain can also boast about their hard-earned achievements with medals from the World Beer Cup and the GABF.
In addition to the exquisite beers that have earned these accolades, Portland breweries take pride in providing unique experiences at their outposts. For example, some breweries feature taprooms with a dedicated ambiance to allow customers to savor their award-winning beers in an engaging environment.
In summary, Portland is home to numerous award-winning breweries, including Breakside Brewery, Ecliptic, Ruse Brewing, and Double Mountain. These establishments have earned numerous accolades for their exceptional beers and contribute to a vibrant brewing culture in the Pacific Northwest.
Coffee Beer and Collaborations
In recent years, Portland breweries have started to experiment with the combination of coffee and beer, creating unique flavors and collaborations. One notable collaboration is between Upright Brewing Company and Junior’s Roasted Coffee. They have been working together since Guilder opened, producing coffee beers that include stouts and coffee ambers.
Upright Brewing Company is also known for its collaboration with Eem, a popular Portland restaurant. The partnership resulted in a coffee-infused stout that provides the perfect complement to Eem’s delicious dishes. This combination showcases how breweries and restaurants can work together to create harmonious flavors that elevate both the beverages and food.
Coffee stouts are a popular choice for coffee beer creations, as the dark, rich flavors of the stout enhance the coffee notes. Portland’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of coffee-infused stouts, from sweet and creamy milk stouts to bold and assertive imperial stouts.
Several other breweries in Portland have also embraced coffee beers:
- Steeplejack Brewing Co.: Located in a stunning 110-year-old church, Steeplejack offers cask-conditioned ales and a coffee milk stout among their diverse lineup of brews.
- Rosenstadt Brewery: Specializing in German-style beers, Rosenstadt has also experimented with coffee-infused brews that feature locally roasted beans from Portland-area roasters.
These breweries’ exciting combinations not only give beer enthusiasts something new to try but also showcase the innovation and creativity at the heart of Portland’s craft beer scene. As the market for coffee beers continues to grow, Portland breweries are sure to keep satisfying thirsty drinkers with innovative and delicious creations that blend the best of both worlds.
Culinary-Inspired Sours and Specialty Beers
Portland is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, offering numerous breweries with innovative, experimental, and diverse selections. One unique category emerging in the city’s beer landscape is culinary-inspired sours. These artful brews blend the complexity of sour ales with the creativity of unique ingredients inspired by the culinary world.
Culinary-inspired sours are a popular choice at Great Notion Brewing, a renowned Portland brewery. At Great Notion, the team crafts fruit-forward, cloudy IPAs, sours, and stouts, drawing inspiration from kitchens and restaurants. Their American sour ales are often aged between 9 and 24 months in oak barrels and clay, providing a depth of flavor that reflects the attention to detail and craftsmanship behind each brew.
In addition to Great Notion Brewing, Breakside Brewery has also made a name for itself in crafting experimental and diverse beers. While Breakside’s focus is not solely on culinary-inspired sours, they have been known to create some unique offerings in this category that showcase their versatility and talent in the craft beer industry.
Some notable culinary-inspired sour beers found in Portland’s breweries include:
- Great Notion Brewing: Blueberry Muffin Sour Ale, which highlights the flavor of ripe blueberries, with hints of vanilla and bready notes resembling a freshly baked blueberry muffin.
- Breakside Brewery: Passionfruit Sour Ale, a tart and vibrant offering that melds tropical fruit flavors with a thirst-quenching sour finish.
When visiting Portland’s dynamic breweries, don’t miss out on the chance to try these culinary-inspired sours and specialty beers. They offer a memorable drinking experience, combining the sour, tart, and fruity qualities of traditional sour ales with imaginative flavors influenced by the culinary arts.
