Hillsboro, OR Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Essential Resource for Artisan Brews
The craft beer scene in Hillsboro, Oregon is a vibrant reflection of the city's commitment to quality and community. Surrounded by fertile land ideal for growing hops and barley, Hillsboro has become a haven for beer enthusiasts looking to savor locally brewed ales and lagers. Breweries like Goose River Brewing are representative of the area's blue-collar spirit, creating a welcoming atmosphere that highlights both the fun-loving nature of craft beer drinkers and a strong dedication to the local community.
Additionally, Hillsboro provides a variety of environments for enjoying craft beer, from cozy taprooms to innovative brewpubs that contribute to the area's cultural tapestry. Establishments such as Backwoods Brewing have invested in community growth, participating in significant local redevelopment projects that offer expansive spaces like rooftop bars, while embracing the small-town charm of downtown Hillsboro. Through collaboration and inclusiveness, these local breweries not only elevate the craft beer experience but also serve as anchors to Hillsboro's social and economic milieu.
The local beer guide to Hillsboro helps residents and visitors navigate the diverse offerings available. With breweries placing a strong emphasis on quality ingredients often sourced within the region, Hillsboro's craft beer landscape is a testament to Oregon's overall influence in the world of craft brewing. The city's breweries operate as pillars of the community, supporting local agriculture and embodying the collaborative spirit that is intrinsic to craft beer culture.
Hillsboro's Craft Beer Heritage
Hillsboro, Oregon has cemented its place in the Pacific Northwest as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. This Washington County city lies in the heart of the Willamette Valley, renowned for its agricultural bounty, which contributes to the high-quality ingredients used in local brews.
Local breweries have built a supportive community around beer-making, fostering a tradition that's both innovative and respectful of the region's roots. Goose River Brewing exemplifies the blue-collar, fun-loving spirit of the area's craft beer drinkers, emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity.
The annual Hillsbrew beer festival has become a centerpiece event, attracting beer aficionados and showcasing the variety and creativity of the local craft beer scene. Meanwhile, the Oregon Brewers Festival celebrates the wider state's brewing heritage, with Hillsboro breweries often featuring prominently.
Founded in 2006 by Nathan and Josh.
Has grown to become a leading craft brewery in Oregon.
Offers a selection of over 60 different beers.
SteepleJack Brewing
Expanded with a new taproom in Hillsboro.
A 17k sq. ft. production facility.
Backwoods Brewing
Their Hillsboro location is part of a large redevelopment project, contributing to the revitalization of the downtown area.
The attentive business practices of Hillsboro's craft brewers, with due respect to the locality and sustainable growth, underline the city's reputation as a burgeoning nucleus for craft beer in Oregon. Each brewery contributes its distinctive flavors and stories, understood best by the community they serve and the beer they lovingly produce.
Popular Breweries in Hillsboro
Hillsboro's local beer scene showcases a variety of breweries where beer enthusiasts can find a rich selection of craft beers. Each brewery maintains its unique appeal, from the cozy taprooms to the distinctive flavors offered.
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse is not just a brewery but a historical landmark offering a rustic vibe alongside a diverse beer menu. Their location brings a unique character, with a property that includes a barn, a picturesque garden, and a restaurant.
Another noteworthy brewery is Vertigo Brewing, recognized for its relaxed atmosphere and a commitment to crafting excellent beers. Known for their innovation, Vertigo Brewing is a staple in the Hillsboro community for locals and visitors alike.
Three Mugs Brewing Company further contributes to Hillsboro's reputation as a home for independent craft brewers. With their family-operated establishment, they provide a warm, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy a wide range of beers, underlining their passion for both traditional and experimental brews.
The following list provides additional local favorites that offer both unique brews and appetizing food options:
Backwoods Brewing Company: Known for great food and exceptional service.
Mazama Brewing: Features a selection of Belgian beers.
ABV Public House: Combines a taproom experience with a vast beer selection.
Each location in Hillsboro brings a different taste and environment, ensuring that there is a brewery that caters to every palate and preference. Whether patrons are looking for an inviting pub atmosphere or an engaging taproom experience, Hillsboro's breweries are equipped to provide.
Craft Beer Varieties and Selection
Nestled in the heart of Hillsboro, Oregon, the local craft beer scene offers an impressive range of beers, from hop-forward IPAs to a unique lineup of seasonal brews and non-alcoholic options. The selection caters to a variety of tastes, ensuring that every beer enthusiast can find a local beverage that resonates with their palate.
Exploring Local IPAs
Hillsboro's craft breweries like Vertigo Brewing are renowned for their innovation in IPAs. These IPAs are crafted with quality and creativity, providing beer lovers with a palette of flavors ranging from the classic bitterness to more modern, fruity and floral undertones. These hop-centric brews are a testament to Oregon's love for this beer style.
Seasonal and Limited Editions
The breweries in Hillsboro revel in the tradition of seasonal and limited edition beers. These range from wintery stouts and spiced ales to refreshing summer lagers and fruit-infused sours. Specialty releases often coincide with holidays and local events, giving patrons a taste of brand-new brews that highlight the season’s best.
Non-Alcoholic and Cider Options
Recognizing the growing demand for variety, Hillsboro's beer scene includes non-alcoholic beverages and local Oregon craft ciders. This allows for inclusive drinking experiences where everyone can enjoy the quality and flavor without the alcohol content. Cideries also offer a flavorful alternative to traditional beers, with a variety of sweet and tart ciders made from Oregon-grown apples.
Craft Beer Tasting and Events
Hillsboro, Oregon, is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a variety of events that showcase local breweries and their unique brews. These events not only provide an opportunity for tasting a wide range of craft beers but also serve as gathering spots for the community to celebrate the art of brewing.
Hillsbrew Fest
Hillsbrew Fest is a premier event in Hillsboro that spans three days and features an array of craft beers from across the state. Beer lovers can sign up to receive notifications about upcoming festivals and ensure they don't miss out on this celebrated event. It represents a perfect opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy the region's thriving craft beer scene.
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Attendee Tips: It is advised to arrange for public transit or rideshare services to enjoy the festival responsibly.
Oregon Brewers Festival
The Oregon Brewers Festival is not directly mentioned in the context of Hillsboro, but it's an essential part of Oregon's craft beer tapestry. It typically involves a significant participation by local breweries, including those from Hillsboro. This festival draws attention from all corners of Oregon, welcoming cidermakers and breweries alike, and offering tasting tickets for attendees to sample a vast selection of beers.
Venue: Traditionally in Portland, Oregon
Community Involvement: Often includes various Hillsboro-based breweries.
Community-Driven Beer Events
Apart from established festivals, Hillsboro hosts craft beer nights and other community-driven events. For instance, Craft Beer Night is an event that takes place at Ron Tonkin Field, where attendees can enjoy craft beers an hour before and after the game. These events rely on the engagement of volunteers and the support of the community, highlighting new brews and favorites from local breweries.
Plan Ahead: Check for local events like Craft Beer Night and coordinate with designated drivers as needed.
Engage: Community events are excellent opportunities to meet the brewers and learn more about the brewing process and the stories behind each beer.
Pairing Food with Local Craft Beer
Hillsboro, Oregon, offers an inviting array of local craft beers, each with unique flavors that can enhance the dining experience. When selecting a brew from Hillsboro's breweries to accompany a meal, it's wise to consider the dish's flavors and the beer's attributes. A well-thought pairing can elevate a meal at a restaurant or pub.
Light & Refreshing: For those enjoying lighter fare such as salads with citrus dressings or ceviches, a Blonde Ale or Cream Ale from a local pub pairs well. The mild sweetness and balanced bitterness can complement the dish without overwhelming the palette.
Suggested Pairing:
Dish: Garden Salad with Light Citrus Dressing
Beer: Blonde Ale from ABC Brewery
Bold & Hoppy: In contrast, spicier dishes benefit from an assertive beer. An IPA with its hoppy bitterness can stand up to the robust flavors found in many Asian cuisines, including spicy curries or tangy salsas.
Suggested Pairing:
Dish: Spicy Thai Curry (What wine goes well with spicy Thai curry?)
Beer: IPA from XYZ Craftworks
Dark & Robust: Those who prefer heartier meals, such as meat dishes, should consider a Stout or Porter from their local brewery. The deep flavors can complement rich desserts, shellfish, or game meats, often found at Hillsboro's gastropubs.
Suggested Pairing:
Dish: Grilled Venison (What wine goes well with venison?)
Beer: Stout from Hillsboro Hops House
When one visits a restaurant in Hillsboro, they can ask knowledgeable staff members for recommendations on craft beer pairings. Craft beer enthusiasts often find that exploring different pairings with local offerings leads to delightful gastronomic discoveries.
Craft Beer Culture and Social Media
The craft beer scene in Hillsboro, OR thrives on community interaction and digital engagement, predominantly through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Engagement on Platforms
Craft breweries in Hillsboro utilize social media to foster a sense of community among beer enthusiasts. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are pivotal in sharing the craft beer experience, from showcasing new releases to providing a peek into the brewing process. These visual platforms allow breweries to create a narrative around their brand, connecting with patrons on a personal level. Twitter acts as a quick-update service, where breweries inform followers about events or special offers. These interactions increase visibility and encourage community members to partake in local beer culture.
Instagram: Posts often feature vibrant images of the latest craft beer offerings, behind-the-scenes moments, and special events.
Twitter: Used for instant communication about updates, releases, and brewer thoughts.
Facebook: Engages users with event announcements, discussions, and customer feedback.
Promoting Local Craft Beer
Social media marketing is an effective tool for Hillsboro's craft beer promotion. Breweries collaborate with each other on platforms like Facebook to increase awareness and drive attendance to events such as the Hillsbrew Fest. Success stories of local craft beer promotion demonstrate how strategically crafted shout outs, such as those made by Sam Adams at the 2013 Beer Bloggers Conference, can resonate within the beer community. This co-promotion doesn't just raise profile for the individual brands, but also benefits the wider industry.
Platforms Used for Promotion:
Facebook: Event promotion, shared posts from and about community craft beer activities.
Twitter: Quick broadcast of promotional deals, craft beer releases, and joint community events.
Instagram: Visual storytelling to engage consumers, highlight the unique features of local craft beers, and reinforce brand identity.
Planning Your Craft Beer Tour
Craft beer enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Hillsboro’s vibrant craft beer scene with ease, thanks to convenient transportation options and a variety of venues that enhance the beer tasting experience.
Transport and Accessibility
Public Transit: Hillsboro is well-serviced by public transportation, making the craft beer tour both convenient and enjoyable. The TriMet's MAX Light Rail Blue Line is a reliable option, connecting visitors to various breweries within the city. Beer lovers can hop on and off the light rail to explore multiple brewing hotspots. For more localized travel, Bus #47 offers access to several key areas where breweries are clustered.
TriMet’s MAX Light Rail Blue Line:
Operational Hours: Check the TriMet schedule for precise times
Accessibility: Equipped for wheelchair access and bikes
Bus #47:
Route Coverage: Connects neighborhoods and central Hillsboro
Frequency: Regular service throughout the day
Driving and Ridesharing: For those who prefer private transport, ample parking is available, and rideshare services can offer personalized point-to-point convenience.
Event Centers and Outdoor Venues
Outdoor Seating: Many Hillsboro breweries are equipped with outdoor seating areas. Patrons can enjoy Oregon's beautiful weather while sipping on a variety of local craft beers. The availability of outdoor space adds a relaxing ambience to the beer tasting experience.
Wingspan Event Center and Westside Commons: As part of the craft beer journey, visitors should not miss the events hosted at the Wingspan Event Center. This modern facility, situated within the Westside Commons, often features beer festivals and tasting events. Here, attendees can sample various craft beers while participating in the community's brewing culture.
Wingspan Event Center:
Capacity: Hosts large-scale events and festivals
Location: Central to the Hillsboro area, within Westside Commons
Westside Commons:
Outdoor Availability: Offers outdoor spaces for events
Noteworthy: A gathering place for locals and visitors alike
Supporting Sustainable Brewing
In Hillsboro, OR, local breweries are increasingly embracing sustainable brewing practices, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship that resonates with the community. These breweries understand the importance of a balanced ecosystem and are taking steps to minimize their ecological footprint.
Goose River Brewing stands as a testament to local engagement, sourcing ingredients like malt barley from regional growers. This not only supports the local economy, but also reduces transportation emissions.
A pioneering example comes from a Booneville, California-based brewing company known for its dedication to sustainability. Although not from Hillsboro, it sets an industry precedent with practices that Hillsboro breweries can emulate. The brewer powers operations with 40 percent solar energy and manages a 100 percent wastewater reuse program, while also donating spent grains and hops.
Sustainable Practices:
Energy Use: Integration of renewable energy sources like solar power.
Water Management: Reclamation and reuse of wastewater.
Supply Chain: Sourcing ingredients locally to support surrounding communities and reduce transport impacts.
Byproduct Utilization: Donating or repurposing spent materials to minimize waste.
By prioritizing these practices, Hillsboro breweries not only craft exceptional beers but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible drinking culture. They demonstrate that the pursuit of great flavor and the respect for our planet are not mutually exclusive. With these efforts, Hillsboro's craft beer scene is helping to lead the way in responsible consumption and community prosperity.
The Economic Impact of Breweries
The craft beer industry has evidenced itself to be a significant player in local economies, with breweries fueling job growth and attracting tourism. Hillsboro, Oregon, is one such city where the brewery business has had a visible economic effect.
Local Businesses and Employment
The presence of craft breweries often leads to the creation of numerous employment opportunities within the community. Hillsboro has seen a surge in job availability due to the advent of breweries like Backwoods Brewing in the area. This expansion is part of a larger $8.25 million redevelopment project known as the Main Street Commons, indicating the substantial investment breweries can stimulate in local infrastructure and development. In Washington County, the proliferation of such businesses contributes to the economic vitality by supporting local suppliers and ancillary businesses, from raw material providers to local eateries and retail outlets that collaborate with breweries.
Tourism and Regional Growth
Breweries tend to act as a magnet for tourists, often contributing to the regional growth of their locales. In places like Hillsboro and the wider Washington County, breweries and related events, including those at the Washington County Fairgrounds, play a crucial role in drawing visitors. This influx of guests not only supports the breweries themselves but also spills over to benefit other local establishments, fostering an ecosystem of economic activity. By offering unique craft beer experiences, Hillsboro's breweries help to establish the city as a destination spot, promoting regional growth and bolstering its reputation within Oregon's craft beer scene.
Responsibility and Community Safeguards
In Hillsboro's spirited craft beer scene, the commitment to responsibility and community safeguards is paramount. Establishments and events practicing respectful consumption set the standard for a thriving, safety-conscious beer culture.
Promoting Responsible Drinking
Hillsboro's breweries and beer-related events encourage responsible drinking practices. They advocate for the use of designated drivers and public transportation to ensure patrons enjoy their craft beer experience without compromising safety. Many taprooms readily provide information on local transport options and even partner with ride-sharing services to offer discounts.
Designated Drivers: Local establishments often offer incentives such as non-alcoholic beverages or discounts to designated drivers.
Transport Accessibility: Information about public transport routes and schedules is made easily accessible in venues.
Volunteer and Staff Training
Hillsboro beer establishments place a strong emphasis on training their staff and volunteers in responsible service. They often require their personnel to complete programs that educate on identifying signs of intoxication and handling situations appropriately.
Volunteer Preparation: Volunteers at beer-centric events are provided with guidelines on responsible serving before the commencement of their work.
Volunteer Application Process: This typically includes a thorough assessment to ensure volunteer readiness in advocacy for responsible drinking.
Staff Education: Employees at local bottle shops, taprooms, and breweries are often mandated to undergo educational courses.
Training Topics: These courses cover areas such as checking IDs accurately, understanding legal drinking limits, and the importance of ceasing service to those who show signs of overconsumption.
Future of Hillsboro's Craft Beer Scene
Hillsboro's craft beer landscape is poised for growth with breweries focusing on innovative brewing techniques and enhancing local culture.
Innovations in Brewing
In Hillsboro, the craft beer community looks toward a future punctuated by cutting-edge brewing methods. Several breweries are expanding their facilities, such as SteepleJack Brewing, which established a 17,000 square foot production space to meet rising demand. This addition signifies not just growth but a commitment to quality and diversity in the types of beer produced, ranging from traditional ales to more experimental brews. As part of the larger Portland metro area, Hillsboro brewers are inspired by a rich tradition of craft beer excellence, leveraging regional barley growers and hops from the Willamette Valley.
Brewers in this region, including those in Southern Oregon, Central Oregon, and the Oregon Coast, are increasingly focused on sustainability. Innovations aim at reducing water usage and energy consumption, making Oregon's craft beer industry a leader in environmental stewardship.
Community and Cultural Contributions
The craft beer scene in Hillsboro is deeply intertwined with community and culture. Events like the Hillsbrew Fest, which showcases a selection of unique craft beers, foster a sense of community and celebrate local brewing accomplishments. Moreover, these festivals often serve as platforms for local artists and musicians, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the area.
Renowned figures in the Oregon craft beer scene, like Art Larrance and Teddy Peetz, continue to influence Hillsboro's brewing community through collaboration and mentorship. Their contributions ensure that the breweries remain central to local identity and heritage. Additionally, the establishment of multi-level food and beverage collectives, such as the one at 206 E Main St., both by established names like Backwoods Brewing and emerging players, indicates that Hillsboro is becoming a hub for craft beer lovers in the Columbia River Gorge and beyond.
