Portland’s Craft Beer Haven: A Guide to Brewpubs and Breweries
The Birth of Beervana
Portland, Oregon, has emerged as a craft beer mecca, with over 50 breweries and brewpubs within its compact city limits. The city’s rise to beer prominence can be traced back to the early 1980s when the first brewpubs opened their doors. Today, Portland boasts more beer outlets per capita than any other major city in the world, earning it the affectionate nickname “Beervana.”
The Water and the Hops
Portland’s exceptional beer scene owes much to its pristine water supply. Unfluoridated and virtually free, the city’s water provides brewers with a clean and pure canvas for their creations. Additionally, Portland’s proximity to the Yakima and Willamette valleys, two of the world’s premier hop-growing regions, grants brewers access to an abundance of high-quality hops, essential for crafting flavorful and aromatic beers.
A Spectrum of Styles
Portland’s breweries produce a diverse range of beer styles, from classic IPAs and stouts to more experimental offerings. India pale ales (IPAs), characterized by their intense hop bitterness, are a staple of the Pacific Northwest. Experimental styles have also gained popularity, including tart sour beers, buttery and creamy barrel-aged beers, and dark and malty black IPAs and stouts.
Iconic Brewpubs
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Bridgeport Brewing Company: Established in 1984, Bridgeport claims to be Oregon’s oldest craft brewery. Their offerings include a double red ale, Imperial IPA, and black pale ale.
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Hair of the Dog Brewing Company: Known for its eccentric beers with high alcohol content and one-word person names, Hair of the Dog has gained fame for its ice-distilled barleywine, Dave, once hailed as the strongest beer ever.
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McMenamins: A widespread company operating hotels, restaurants, and breweries, McMenamins boasts 24 brewing locations throughout Oregon. Their popular beers include the Terminator Stout, Edgefield Wheat, Black Rabbit Porter, and Sunflower IPA.
Newcomers to the Scene
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Gigantic Brewing Company: A newcomer to the Portland beer scene, Gigantic pours some of the city’s most innovative brews, including a black saison called “The City that Never Sleeps” and a year-round IPA.
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Upright Brewing Company: A maverick in creative brewing, Upright specializes in lesser-known European styles with a Northwest flair. Look for their oyster stout, blossom-infused Flora Rustica, and Fatali Four chili pepper beer.
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Hopworks Urban Brewery: Blending bicycles and beer, Hopworks features bike-themed tap handles and bike frames hanging above the bar. Their six staple beers include two IPAs and an espresso stout, along with seasonal brews like Kentucky Christmas, a brown ale aged in bourbon barrels.
More Notable Mentions
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Deschutes Brew Pub: An extension of the popular Bend, Oregon brewery, Deschutes serves all their renowned beers in their Portland location.
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Horse Brass Pub: While they don’t brew their own beer, Horse Brass offers an extensive menu of Portland’s finest craft brews and is considered a must-visit destination.
Exploring Portland’s Beer Scene
With so many breweries and brewpubs to choose from, navigating Portland’s beer scene can be overwhelming. To enhance your experience:
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Refer to a brewpub map: Find a map that pinpoints the locations of all the breweries and brewpubs in the city.
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Consult a beer guidebook: Hop in the Saddle provides a comprehensive guide to Portland’s craft brewing scene, leading cyclists from one brewery to the next.
The Perfect Pairing: Beer and Bicycles
In Portland, beer and bicycles go hand in hand. Many breweries are bike-friendly, offering bike racks and even bike-themed beers. According to Lucy Burningham, co-author of Hop in the Saddle, “beer tastes great after a bike ride. There’s something about how a cool brew hits the endorphin-fueled, post-ride body that creates maximum happiness.”
So, whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Portland’s Beervana has something to offer everyone. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant beer culture and discover the perfect pint awaits you.
