Good things are Brewing

Oregon is a cradle of the microbrew revolution that’s put India Pale Ale, Kolsch and Porter on the American brewing map. Sixty-eight breweries operate here; Portland has 23, the most per capita of U.S. metro areas. Of beer consumed in Oregon, 10 percent is brewed here — four times the national average for craft beers’ market share.

Oregon’s climate is ideal for barley and hops, thus 17 percent of America’s hops are grown here. Besides the ingredients, it’s our independent character that’s established us as a beer leader.

“Oregon has always had savvy beer drinkers willing to try different things,” says Jim Parker, executive director of the Oregon Brewer’s Guild. “Craft brewers thrive by catering to them.”

The state’s brewpub law of 1985 helped by allowing for the production, sale and consumption of beer on the same premises.

“Brewpubs allow brewers to showcase their beer where it’s made and when it’s at its freshest,” Parker adds.

Ale aficionados worldwide toast our adventurous palate. Oregon brewers took home 14 medals from the 2001 Great American Beer Festival. And BridgePort Brewing Company recently won the world champion trophy at the Brewing Industry International Awards, the world’s most prestigious brewing competition.

“The West is America’s new beer country, and Oregon is geographically at its heart,” says Michael Jackson, author of The Great Beer Guide.

For more information, call the Oregon Brewer’s Guild, 503-295-1862, or visit www.oregonbeer.org.