Northwest Brews
From the time of the first corn brew invented by Virginia colonists in 1587 to Prohibition
in the 1920s to today, beer has always had a heart and place in America. Whether you
are a lager-lover or have a heart for a smooth sweet ale, or maybe you prefer the taste
of a solid stout, beer is an all-American past-time.
Beer was believed to have been the beverage at the first Thanksgiving. Even George
Washington had his own brew recipe. The recipe was written by Mr. Washington and
today is preserved at the New York Public Library.
Many Germans came to the United States, bringing with them their heritage and
customs. One German, Henry Saxer, arrived in 1852 and realized the immediate
potential of a great beer in the Pacific Northwest. Liberty Brewery was established as
the first brewery in Portland. Soon after, Henry Weinhard followed suit, opening City
Brewery.
Home brewing is a popular past-time, one which has proven successful for some
hobbyists. The Widmer Brothers grew to love it. Not only did they enjoy their new love
of brewing, they were good at it. In 1984, Widmer Brothers opened its doors and began
brewing for the public. Another such talent grew on the east side of the state. Barley
Brown’s, in Baker City, is well-known for its tasty beers and the many awards they have
received since their start in 1998. Other breweries began in the same manner, taking
their love of the brew and starting their own business.
Though Portland may be the beer capitol of the nation, Seattle certainly has its
charms. With over 100 breweries throughout the state of Washington, it is easy to find
a great brew. The history of Washington beer goes back to the Bay View Brewery,
which opened in 1883. Sweeney’s opened soon after, and brewing in Washington soon
became a lifestyle for many. In 1893 the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company started
the Rainier lager which quickly became a hit. By 1904, they were the largest brewery
west of the Mississippi. Ranier Brewing Company closed its doors for prohibition but
popped back up after the ban was lifted and continued till its end in 1999.
Whether in Washington or Oregon, one can easily make a daytrip of brewery hopping.
Though it may be tempting to do this, once you enter the doors of most breweries, you
will find yourself chatting with the locals, bartenders, and maybe even the brew
masters. The menu will also tempt you, for many breweries no longer offer the
standard faire of hamburgers and fries. If you arrive during a tour, they are worth the
time. The history, the local culture, and the fun atmosphere are worth every second
spent on a tour.
People in the Northwest are proud of their breweries and the inventors of these
establishments. Pop in for a brew and see for yourself what the hubbub is all about.
Check out these sites for a list of breweries in the Pacific Northwest:
www.oregonbeer.org
www.washingtonbrewersguild.org
Did you know? . . . .
Most pioneer brewers were German.
Westerners swallowed more beer than liquor.
The first beer can came into use in 1935.
in the 1920s to today, beer has always had a heart and place in America. Whether you
are a lager-lover or have a heart for a smooth sweet ale, or maybe you prefer the taste
of a solid stout, beer is an all-American past-time.
Beer was believed to have been the beverage at the first Thanksgiving. Even George
Washington had his own brew recipe. The recipe was written by Mr. Washington and
today is preserved at the New York Public Library.
Many Germans came to the United States, bringing with them their heritage and
customs. One German, Henry Saxer, arrived in 1852 and realized the immediate
potential of a great beer in the Pacific Northwest. Liberty Brewery was established as
the first brewery in Portland. Soon after, Henry Weinhard followed suit, opening City
Brewery.
- Henry had a great head for business and the
community. For the dedication of the Skidmore
Fountain in 1888, Henry came up with a brilliant idea of
sending beer through Portland fire hoses for the
celebration. After realizing the hoses were running
close to Skid Road, a shabby area of town, the leaders
said no, for fear the residents may puncture the hoses
to receive free drink.
Times have changed, and now the streets flow with
breweries. Portland currently has 35 breweries, more
than any city in the nation (some statistics state there
are more breweries within the city limits than any city in
the world). Either way, Portland is the place to come for
beer tasting.
Home brewing is a popular past-time, one which has proven successful for some
hobbyists. The Widmer Brothers grew to love it. Not only did they enjoy their new love
of brewing, they were good at it. In 1984, Widmer Brothers opened its doors and began
brewing for the public. Another such talent grew on the east side of the state. Barley
Brown’s, in Baker City, is well-known for its tasty beers and the many awards they have
received since their start in 1998. Other breweries began in the same manner, taking
their love of the brew and starting their own business.
Though Portland may be the beer capitol of the nation, Seattle certainly has its
charms. With over 100 breweries throughout the state of Washington, it is easy to find
a great brew. The history of Washington beer goes back to the Bay View Brewery,
which opened in 1883. Sweeney’s opened soon after, and brewing in Washington soon
became a lifestyle for many. In 1893 the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company started
the Rainier lager which quickly became a hit. By 1904, they were the largest brewery
west of the Mississippi. Ranier Brewing Company closed its doors for prohibition but
popped back up after the ban was lifted and continued till its end in 1999.
Whether in Washington or Oregon, one can easily make a daytrip of brewery hopping.
Though it may be tempting to do this, once you enter the doors of most breweries, you
will find yourself chatting with the locals, bartenders, and maybe even the brew
masters. The menu will also tempt you, for many breweries no longer offer the
standard faire of hamburgers and fries. If you arrive during a tour, they are worth the
time. The history, the local culture, and the fun atmosphere are worth every second
spent on a tour.
People in the Northwest are proud of their breweries and the inventors of these
establishments. Pop in for a brew and see for yourself what the hubbub is all about.
Check out these sites for a list of breweries in the Pacific Northwest:
www.oregonbeer.org
www.washingtonbrewersguild.org
Did you know? . . . .
Most pioneer brewers were German.
Westerners swallowed more beer than liquor.
The first beer can came into use in 1935.
Portland has
more
microbreweries
located with its
city limits than
any other city in
the nation.
more
microbreweries
located with its
city limits than
any other city in
the nation.
Thomas Jefferson
said, “I wish to see
this beverage
become more
common.”
He got his wish.
said, “I wish to see
this beverage
become more
common.”
He got his wish.
