Introduction
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Bend, Oregon, has garnered quite the reputation for its burgeoning beer industry. From hoppy IPAs to velvety stouts, this beer-friendly city prides itself on its creative, award-winning brews. With over two dozen breweries to its name, Bend is definitely a beer lover’s paradise. Here, we reel off the 10 best breweries in Bend, ready to satisfy your craft beer cravings.
1. Deschutes Brewery
Deschutes Brewery is a household name in Bend and the first stop for many beer enthusiasts. Opening its doors in 1988, this local legend has played a colossal role in shaping Bend’s beer culture. From the iconic Black Butte Porter to the refreshingly citrus Fresh Squeezed IPA, there’s a brew for every palate.
What not to miss:
A visit to their brewhouse for a guided brewing process tour is a must. Their public house also offers a delectable food menu to accompany their brews.
2. Bend Brewing Company
As Bend’s second oldest brewery, Bend Brewing Company has a long-standing tradition of crafting excellent beers. This family-friendly brewery is known for its riverfront location and impeccable lagers, formulated from locally sourced ingredients.
What not to miss:
Try their award-winning Outback X Strong Ale that evokes robust, malty flavors capped with a caramel finish.
3. 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
With its carefree atmosphere and lively rooftop bar, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Their extensive selection of craft beers includes everything from hoppy ales to tart sours.
What not to miss:
The eclectic Apocalypse IPA is highly recommended. It offers a delightful amalgamation of floral aroma and malt sweetness.
4. Crux Fermentation Project
Crux Fermentation Project stands out with its non-traditional brewing methods. From barrel-aged beers to open fermentation ales, the brewery likes to play around with recipes, offering unique, experimental brews.
What not to miss:
Try their quirky Half Hitch, a Mosaic Imperial IPA that is both fruity and resinous.
5. Sunriver Brewing Company
This award-winning brewery fuses quality and creativity in every pint. Known for its innovative brews, Sunriver Brewing Company is particularly loved for its exceptional IPAs.
What not to miss:
Try their Cocoa Cow Chocolate Milk Stout for a unique brew that combines a classic stout with cocoa nibs for a flavorful finish.
6. Boneyard Beer
This punk rock brewery is all about big flavors and edgy energy. Their beers are offered exclusively in kegs and have tickled the taste buds of many Bend locals and out-of-towners.
What not to miss:
Put your tastebuds to the test with their RPM IPA, reputed for its perfect balance of maltiness and hop bitterness.
7. GoodLife Brewing
Living up to its name, GoodLife Brewing offers a good life to its beer patrons. From producing classic brews to promoting sustainability, this brewery has shown a commitment to the community in more ways than one.
What not to miss:
Quench your thirst with their Sweet As Pacific Ale, a golden ale highlighting a light malt body with a slight hop finish.
8. Silver Moon Brewing
Serving as one of the pioneers in Bend’s craft beer scene, Silver Moon Brewing offers a variety of styles, from traditional Belgian beers to innovative West Coast IPAs.
What not to miss:
Grab a pint of their Get Sum Fresh Pale Ale and experience a sublime taste of citrus and grapefruit notes.
9. Wild Ride Brew
Just like the name implies, this brewery assures a wild ride. With over 15 beers on tap at any one time, Wild Ride Brew offers enough variety to keep things interesting.
What not to miss:
Try their Whoopty Whoop Wheat or the Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter for a taste escapade unlike any other.
10. Ale Apothecary
Ale Apothecary is all about unorthodox brewing methods, from using open-air fermentation to aging beer in wine barrels — this spot offers one-of-a-kind beer tasting experience.
What not to miss:
Their popular Sahalie blend is worth a try. This honey-colored brew is matured for one to two years, delivering a stunningly complex profile that’s every bit as wild and funky as the methodology behind it.
In Conclusion
Bend, Oregon is a beer lover’s utopia, offering myriad breweries, each with unique crafts, characters, and constraints. So whether you’re a hardcore beer snob or a casual sipper looking for a pint of pleasure, you’re bound to find something you love within Bend’s burgeoning brewing scene.
This blog post provides a thorough overview of the flourishing beer industry in Bend, Oregon. It lists down some of the best breweries in the area, providing a brief history, notable features, and recommended brews for each. The descriptions of beer are flavorful and vivid, successfully conveying the unique qualities that each brewery offers. This article is a comprehensive guide for beer lovers planning a visit to Bend.