According to OregonCraftBeer.org, the beer industry in Oregon employs 29,000 people with an estimated economic impact of $2.8 billion. Oregon brewers produce approximately 1.4 million barrels of beer annually, of which 507,000 barrels are consumed in Oregon. There are currently 198 brewing facilities scattered across 64 cities throughout the state.
Today, Redmond, Oregon has established players in the industry. Although Phat Matt’s closed in March 2014 and ShadeTree Brewing has relocated to Bend, the industry is well-represented here, providing opportunities to shop local and support the local economy.
SMITH ROCK BREWING
Danielle and Kevin Stewart operate this brewery and pub in a remodeled restaurant on NW Seventh Street. With capacity at 130 barrels per year, the couple is looking at the necessity to increase capacity in the summer of 2015.
With sales limited to in-pub consumption, along with a sumptuous food menu, the Stewart’s have a positive outlook for this upcoming holiday season and 2015. They are proud of their designation as “the smallest brew house in Oregon.”
Company: Smith Rock Brewing Company
Location: 546 NW Seventh Street – Redmond
Website: www.smithrockbrewing.beer
Facebook: Smith Rock Brewing
Telephone: 541-279-7005
Hours of Operation: Every day 11:30am– 8pm
Principles: Danielle & Kevin Stewart
Holiday Gift Ideas: Gift certificates, growlers, hats, key chains and apparel.
CASCADE LAKES BREWING COMPANY:
The most well known of the Redmond brewers is Cascade Lakes Brewing Company.
In 2015, CLBC will be releasing all new packaging for a brand new look – including new labels, bottle caps and cartons. In November 2014, the Company expanded into Bonner County, Idaho in the Idaho panhandle. In 2015, they will enter the Spokane market. Their entry into these two new markets will require expansion – adding two new fermentation vessels and increasing cold storage space to bolster production capacity. The Redmond brewing facility will produce 7,500 barrels in 2014 or approximately 232,500 gallons of beer.
Cascade Lakes will be releasing Snowpark Extra Pale Ale soon. In 2015, customers will see more additions including Paddleboard Porter and Hopsmack IPA. Yet, according to Cascade’s President Chris Justema, two things will remain unchanged – “our commitment to quality and the best employees in the industry – who remain the face of our brand.” 30 percent of Cascade Lakes brews are sold in their own pubs (7th Street Brewhouse, Tumalo Tavern, Cascade Lakes Lodge, Cascade West).
Company: Cascade Lakes Brewing Company
Location: 7th Street Brew House Redmond – 855 SW Seventh Street
Website: www.cascadelakes.com
Telephone: 541-923-1795
Hours of Operation: Mon. – Thu. 11:30am – 10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
Principles: Chris Justema, Rick Orazetti. John Van Duzer – head brewer
Holiday Gift Ideas: Gift certificates, 64 oz. insulated Hydroflask growlers ($49 filled), mug club memberships and apparel.
JUNIPER BREWING
This is a two barrel nano brewery operation owned by Scott Lesmeister and Curtis Endicott. No food and no minors here. In 2014 they will produce 110 barrels. In 2015, they are increasing production to 300+ barrels annually. You can stop by for a pint, order kegs, fill a growler, or taste their brews at one of six locations in Redmond. Juniper will be featuring a pumpkin ale, black IPA and a porter during this holiday season.
Company: Juniper Brewing Company
Location: 1950 SW Badger Avenue – Redmond
Website: http://www.juniperbrewing.com
Facebook: Juniper Brewing Co.
Telephone: 541-548-2739
Hours of Operation: Every day 3:30– 8pm
Principles: Scott Lesmeister and Curtis Endicott
Holiday Gift Ideas: Gift certificates, growlers, glasses and apparel.
REDMOND CRAFT BREWING SUPPLY
Jesse Sweetman and Adam Henry run this operation on the main drag in downtown Redmond (Sixth Street). The walls are lined with everything a craft brewer may require. They also operate the Cascade Fermentation Association that boasts a membership of 132 individuals from throughout the region. CFA is a 501c3 (non-profit). Dues are $20 annually. The group gathers for an educational and networking forum on the last Tuesday of every month (in Redmond). The next meeting is Tuesday November 25th. Starts at around 7pm. Newcomers are welcome.
Company: Redmond Craft Brewing Supply
Location: 235 SW Sixth Street –Redmond
Website: www.redmondcraftbrewingsupply.com
Telephone: 541-390-7686 or 504-4229
Hours of Operation: Closed Sunday & Monday. Tues. – Sat. 10AM – 6PM
Principles: Jesse Sweetman & Adam Henry
Holiday Gift Ideas: Purchase an annual membership for that special someone in the Cascade Fermentation Association – $20.
WILD RIDE BREW
The most recent entrant (six months) into the Redmond craft beer market is Wild Ride Brew – a production brewery (3,000 barrel annual capacity) and tap room. Effective January 1, 2015, Wild Ride’s capacity will expand to 6,000 barrels. Food in their downtown Redmond pub is prepared by your choice of food carts located in their parking lot. They also have an outdoor fire pit and stand-up heaters.
According to Head Brewer Paul Bergeman, “people always find a beer they like here – due to our extensive variety and great quality.” They have 14 different brews at present and brew seasonal as well. Wild Ride uses a distributor for their sales to pubs in the Bend, Portland and Eugene markets. The rear area of their tap room/production area is rented for group activities and special occasions.
Company: Wild Ride Brewing Company
Location: 332 SW Fifth Street – Redmond
Website: www.wildridebrew.com
Facebook: Wild Ride Brewing
Telephone: 541-516-8544
Hours of Operation: Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am-10pm
Principles: Paul Bergeman – head brewer
Holiday Gift Ideas: Gift certificates, 64 oz. Drink Tank growlers, hats, soaps made from their brews, pint glasses and apparel.
Quench your thirst in Redmond this holiday season!