Gresham, Oregon boasts a thriving craft beer scene that’s quickly gaining recognition among beer enthusiasts. The city’s local breweries are making waves with their commitment to quality, unique flavors, and community-focused approach. Gresham offers a diverse range of craft beer options, from traditional styles to innovative brews that push the boundaries of beer-making.
Visitors and locals alike can explore a variety of taprooms and brewpubs scattered throughout the city. MadCow Brewing Company, The Hoppy Brewer, and Level Beer are just a few of the standout establishments garnering attention for their exceptional craft beers. These local breweries not only serve up delicious pints but also contribute to Gresham’s growing reputation as a destination for beer lovers.
The craft beer culture in Gresham extends beyond just drinking. Many breweries offer tours, tasting events, and even home brewing supplies, fostering a sense of community and education around the art of beer-making. This guide will help beer enthusiasts navigate Gresham’s exciting craft beer landscape and discover the unique flavors that define the local brewing scene.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Gresham
Gresham, Oregon has experienced a surge in craft beer popularity over the past decade. The city’s brewing scene has grown from a handful of homebrewers to a thriving community of craft beer enthusiasts and local breweries.
Several factors have contributed to this rise. Gresham’s proximity to Portland, a well-known craft beer hub, has inspired local entrepreneurs to bring unique brews closer to home.
The city’s commitment to supporting small businesses has also played a crucial role. Local regulations have made it easier for microbreweries to establish themselves and grow within the community.
Notable establishments like MadCow Brewing and The Hoppy Brewer have become cornerstones of Gresham’s craft beer culture. These venues not only produce their own brews but also showcase a variety of regional craft beers.
Community events centered around craft beer have gained popularity in Gresham. Beer festivals and tasting events have become regular occurrences, drawing both locals and visitors to experience the city’s brewing talent.
The emphasis on using local ingredients has strengthened the connection between Gresham’s brewers and the surrounding agricultural community. This farm-to-glass approach has resulted in unique, flavorful beers that capture the essence of the region.
As the craft beer scene continues to evolve, Gresham is solidifying its place on Oregon’s beer map. The city’s breweries are gaining recognition for their quality and innovation, contributing to the state’s reputation as a craft beer destination.
Popular Gresham Craft Beer Destinations
Gresham boasts several excellent spots for craft beer enthusiasts to explore. These local destinations offer a diverse range of brews, inviting atmospheres, and unique experiences for beer lovers.
The Hoppy Brewer
The Hoppy Brewer stands out as a premier craft beer destination in Gresham. This establishment combines a taproom, bottle shop, and homebrewing supply store. With 28 rotating beers on tap, visitors can sample a wide variety of local and regional craft brews.
The Hoppy Brewer’s cozy atmosphere features a heated outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a pint in any weather. Beer enthusiasts appreciate the knowledgeable staff and their commitment to showcasing quality craft beers.
For those looking to take their favorite brews home, The Hoppy Brewer offers an extensive selection of packaged beers. Homebrewers can also find top-tier supplies to create their own craft beers.
Rotating Craft Beers and Taprooms
Gresham’s craft beer scene thrives on variety, with several taprooms offering rotating selections. These venues provide beer lovers with ever-changing options to explore new flavors and styles.
MadCow Brewing, a local favorite, serves up a diverse range of house-brewed beers. Their taproom offers a friendly environment to sample their latest creations.
Level Beer, another popular spot, features a rotating tap list that includes their own brews alongside guest beers. This variety ensures there’s always something new to try for regular visitors.
54-40 Brewing Company, while technically in nearby Washougal, is a short drive from Gresham and worth the trip for its rotating selection of innovative craft beers.
Brewpubs and Restaurants with Local Brews
Several Gresham establishments combine great food with excellent local beer selections. These brewpubs and restaurants offer the perfect setting to enjoy a meal paired with craft brews.
McMenamins Edgefield, a sprawling property just outside Gresham, features multiple bars and restaurants. Visitors can sample McMenamins’ own beers alongside their meals in various themed venues across the grounds.
Migration Brewing, with a location in Gresham, serves up their own craft beers alongside a menu of pub favorites. The casual atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner and drinks.
Craft Pour House, while not a brewery itself, offers an impressive selection of local and regional craft beers on tap. Their focus on Oregon brews makes it a great place to explore the local beer scene.
Homebrewing Scene in Gresham
Gresham boasts a vibrant homebrewing community with abundant resources for both novice and experienced brewers. Local shops offer quality supplies and equipment, while beginner-friendly kits make it easy to get started. Homebrew clubs provide support and knowledge-sharing opportunities for enthusiasts.
Homebrew Supplies and Equipment
The Hoppy Brewer stands out as Gresham’s premier destination for homebrewing supplies. Located at 328 N Main Avenue, this one-stop shop caters to all brewing needs. They stock a wide range of ingredients including hops, barley, and yeast.
Homebrewers can find essential equipment like kegs, fermenters, and bottling supplies. The store also carries specialized tools for more advanced brewing techniques. Knowledgeable staff members offer expert advice on ingredient selection and equipment use.
Online ordering is available for convenience, but visiting the physical store allows brewers to inspect products firsthand. The Hoppy Brewer’s diverse inventory ensures that local homebrewers have access to high-quality supplies without leaving Gresham.
Beer Making Kits for Beginners
Aspiring homebrewers in Gresham can easily enter the craft with beginner-friendly beer making kits. These all-in-one packages typically include:
- Fermenting equipment
- Sanitizers
- Bottling tools
- Pre-measured ingredients
- Step-by-step instructions
Local shops offer kits for various beer styles, from light lagers to robust stouts. Prices range from $50 to $150, depending on kit complexity and included equipment.
Many kits produce 5-gallon batches, yielding about 50 12-oz bottles of beer. This size allows new brewers to experiment without overwhelming commitment. As skills improve, brewers can gradually invest in more advanced equipment and ingredients.
Local Homebrew Clubs
Gresham’s homebrewing community thrives through active homebrew clubs. These groups offer valuable networking opportunities and knowledge exchange for brewers of all levels.
Monthly meetings often feature:
- Tastings of members’ homebrews
- Guest speakers from local craft breweries
- Technical discussions on brewing processes
- Group brew days
Clubs frequently organize field trips to hop farms, malting facilities, and professional breweries. Some host annual competitions, allowing members to showcase their best creations and receive expert feedback.
Newcomers are warmly welcomed, making these clubs an excellent resource for beginners seeking guidance. Experienced brewers benefit from the chance to refine their skills and share their expertise with others.
Types of Craft Beers Available
Gresham’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of styles and flavors. Local breweries experiment with traditional and innovative brews, while also embracing the growing popularity of ciders and fruit-infused beers.
Exploring Local Beer Styles
Gresham’s breweries craft a wide range of beer styles. IPAs remain a staple, with variations like hazy New England IPAs and West Coast IPAs. Stouts and porters provide rich, dark options for malt lovers.
Lagers and pilsners offer crisp, refreshing choices. Sour beers have gained traction, featuring tart and funky flavors. Belgian-inspired ales bring complexity with their unique yeast profiles.
Seasonal brews rotate throughout the year. Winter warmers and barrel-aged beers emerge in colder months. Light wheat beers and fruited ales appear in summer.
The Popularity of Ciders and Fruit Beers
Ciders have carved out a significant niche in Gresham’s craft beverage scene. Local cideries produce both dry and sweet varieties, often using regional apple varieties.
Fruit beers have also surged in popularity. Brewers incorporate fruits like raspberries, peaches, and blackberries into various beer styles. These additions create unique flavor profiles that appeal to both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
Many breweries offer fruit-infused sours, blending tartness with fruit sweetness. Fruit IPAs combine hop bitterness with fruity notes. Some brewers experiment with tropical fruits, creating bold and exotic flavors.
Beer Tasting and Education
Beer tasting and education play a vital role in Gresham’s craft beer scene. Local enthusiasts have opportunities to expand their knowledge and refine their palates through organized events and accessible resources.
Organizing a Beer Tasting Event
Beer tasting events in Gresham offer a fun way to explore diverse brews. Local breweries often host guided tastings, showcasing their latest creations. These events typically feature flight samples of 4-6 beers.
Participants learn about beer styles, ingredients, and brewing processes. Tasting notes help attendees identify flavors and aromas. Food pairings are sometimes included to enhance the experience.
Home-based tastings are also popular. Beer enthusiasts can organize gatherings with friends, featuring a selection of local Gresham craft beers. Blind tastings add an element of surprise and challenge preconceptions.
Educational Resources for Beer Enthusiasts
Gresham offers several resources for those eager to deepen their beer knowledge. The Hoppy Brewer, a local bottle shop, hosts regular classes on beer styles and brewing techniques.
Online courses from organizations like the Cicerone Certification Program provide structured learning. These cover topics from beer service to food pairing.
Local homebrew clubs welcome beginners and experienced brewers alike. Members share tips, recipes, and equipment, fostering a community of beer education.
Books and podcasts focused on craft beer offer additional learning opportunities. Many Gresham beer enthusiasts recommend “Tasting Beer” by Randy Mosher as a comprehensive guide to beer appreciation.
Packaging and Takeaway Options
Gresham’s craft breweries offer convenient packaging and takeaway options for beer enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite brews at home.
Growler Fills and Bottled Beer
Many Gresham breweries provide growler fills, allowing customers to take fresh draft beer home in reusable containers. Growlers typically come in 32 oz and 64 oz sizes, with some locations offering crowlers (32 oz cans) as an alternative.
Bottled beer is widely available at local breweries and bottle shops. Craft brewers in Gresham often package their signature beers in 12 oz or 16 oz bottles, sold in 4-packs, 6-packs, or individual bottles.
Some breweries use color-coded labels to help customers quickly identify different beer styles. This packaging approach maintains brand consistency while making it easy for consumers to find their preferred brews.
Local bottle shops like Cheap Charlie’s Bottle Shop offer a wide selection of craft beers from Gresham and beyond, providing a one-stop destination for takeaway options.
Supporting Local: Beyond Beer
Gresham’s commitment to local products extends beyond craft beer. The city offers a diverse array of locally-made goods that showcase the region’s agricultural bounty and artisanal talent.
Wines and Other Local Products
Gresham’s nearby wine country produces exceptional vintages. Several local wineries offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals grown in the fertile Willamette Valley soil.
Local meaderies craft honey wines using traditional techniques. These unique beverages range from sweet to dry and often incorporate local fruits and herbs.
Gresham’s farmers markets feature an abundance of locally-grown produce, handmade cheeses, artisanal breads, and small-batch preserves. Many craft breweries partner with these producers to source ingredients for their beers.
Local distilleries create small-batch spirits using regional grains and botanicals. Visitors can tour these facilities and sample gin, whiskey, and vodka made right in Gresham.
Artisanal chocolatiers and coffee roasters add to the city’s culinary landscape, offering bean-to-bar chocolates and freshly roasted coffee beans. These businesses often collaborate with local breweries on special releases.
Gresham’s Beer Culture and Community
Gresham, Oregon boasts a thriving craft beer culture that rivals its larger neighbor, Portland. The city’s beer enthusiasts have fostered a tight-knit community centered around local breweries and taprooms.
Many of Gresham’s craft beer establishments prioritize creating welcoming spaces for residents to gather and connect. Breweries often host events like trivia nights, live music, and food truck festivals to bring people together.
Local beers reflect Gresham’s unique character, with brewers drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s hop-growing heritage and the city’s own history. Some popular styles include:
- Hoppy IPAs
- Crisp lagers
- Fruit-infused sours
- Robust stouts
The Hoppy Brewer stands out as a hub for Gresham’s beer culture. Founded in 2010, it serves as both a taproom and homebrew supply store, nurturing the next generation of craft brewers.
Gresham’s proximity to Portland has influenced its beer scene, with some breweries expanding from the larger city into Gresham. This cross-pollination has enriched the local offerings while maintaining a distinct Gresham identity.
Beer festivals and tasting events occur throughout the year, showcasing the best of Gresham’s craft brews. These gatherings strengthen community bonds and introduce visitors to the city’s vibrant beer culture.
Planning Your Craft Beer Experience
Gresham’s craft beer scene offers diverse options for beer enthusiasts. Exploring the local breweries and taprooms can be an exciting adventure with the right planning.
Craft Beer Tours and Routes
Several craft beer tours operate in the Gresham area, providing guided experiences to local breweries. These tours often include transportation, tastings, and behind-the-scenes looks at brewing processes. Self-guided routes are also popular among visitors.
MadCow Brewing and The Hoppy Brewer are must-visit stops on any Gresham beer tour. Level Beer and 54-40 Brewing offer unique flavors and atmospheres worth experiencing. For a historical touch, McMenamins – Edgefield combines craft beer with a restored property dating back to 1911.
Beer enthusiasts can create their own routes, starting at downtown Gresham and working outward. Many breweries are within walking distance or a short drive from each other. Visitors should consider designating a driver or using ride-sharing services to ensure safety while sampling various brews.
