Hillsboro, Oregon boasts a thriving craft beer scene that beckons enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The city’s commitment to quality and community shines through its diverse array of local breweries and taprooms. From hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers, Hillsboro offers a craft beer experience for every palate.
Visitors and locals can explore establishments like Wildwood Taphouse, Noble Hop, and Three Mugs Brewing, which consistently rank among the top craft beer destinations in the area. These venues not only serve exceptional brews but also foster a sense of community among beer lovers.
The Hillsboro craft beer landscape continues to evolve, with new breweries and taprooms emerging to complement established favorites. This guide will take readers on a journey through the city’s best craft beer spots, highlighting unique flavors and experiences that make Hillsboro a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Hillsboro
Hillsboro’s craft beer scene has flourished in recent years, mirroring Oregon’s broader brewing renaissance. The city now boasts a diverse array of taprooms and breweries catering to beer enthusiasts.
Local establishments like Wildwood Taphouse and Noble Hop have become popular destinations for craft beer lovers. These venues showcase a wide selection of regional and local brews, highlighting Hillsboro’s growing reputation as a craft beer hub.
Three Mugs Brewing exemplifies the city’s commitment to small-batch, artisanal brewing. Their focus on quality and experimentation has helped elevate Hillsboro’s status in the craft beer community.
The 649 and Craft Pour House have also contributed to the local beer culture, offering rotating taps that feature both established and up-and-coming breweries from across Oregon.
Hillsboro’s craft beer growth reflects wider trends in the state. Oregon’s abundance of quality ingredients, including locally grown hops, has supported the industry’s expansion.
The city’s breweries and taprooms foster a sense of community, often hosting events and collaborations that bring beer aficionados together. This social aspect has been crucial in solidifying Hillsboro’s place in Oregon’s renowned craft beer landscape.
Key Breweries to Visit
Hillsboro boasts several exceptional craft breweries that offer unique and flavorful beer experiences. These local establishments showcase the region’s brewing talent and commitment to quality craft beer.
Vertigo Brewing
Vertigo Brewing stands out for its innovative approach to beer-making. Founded in 2008, this brewery has become a local favorite. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of 12 beers on tap, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
Vertigo’s signature brews include the Friar Mike’s IPA and the Apricot Cream Ale. The brewery’s commitment to quality is evident in their small-batch production methods. Visitors can enjoy their beers in a cozy, industrial-style tasting room.
The brewery also hosts regular events, including food truck nights and live music performances. Vertigo’s dedication to community involvement makes it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in Hillsboro.
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse offers a unique brewing experience set on a historic 6-acre property. The site features multiple buildings, including a century-old octagonal barn that houses the brewery.
The brewery produces a range of classic McMenamins beers, such as the Hammerhead and Ruby Ale. Seasonal and experimental brews are also frequently available. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the brewing process and the property’s rich history.
The Roadhouse’s expansive grounds include gardens, fire pits, and outdoor seating areas. This venue combines beer tasting with a picturesque setting, making it ideal for both casual visits and special events.
Three Mugs Brewing Company
Three Mugs Brewing Company is a family-owned microbrewery known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse beer selection. The brewery offers a range of styles, from traditional ales to experimental brews.
Popular offerings include the Hillsboro Haze IPA and the Vanilla Porter. Three Mugs also features guest taps, showcasing other local breweries. The taproom’s casual, friendly environment encourages patrons to relax and enjoy their beer.
Regular events like trivia nights and live music add to the brewery’s appeal. Three Mugs’ commitment to community involvement is evident in their support of local charities and events. Their dedication to crafting quality beers and fostering a community-centered space makes them a standout in Hillsboro’s craft beer scene.
Exploring Hillsboro’s Beer Varieties
Hillsboro’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of flavors and styles to satisfy beer enthusiasts. Local breweries and taphouses showcase a wide range of options, from dark and robust porters to light and refreshing ales.
The Popularity of Porter
Porter has gained a strong following among Hillsboro’s beer drinkers. This dark brew often features notes of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. Local breweries like Three Mugs Brewing and Vertigo Brewing have crafted unique porter variations that capture the essence of this style.
Many Hillsboro taprooms offer porters on rotation, allowing patrons to sample different interpretations. The rich, full-bodied nature of porter pairs well with the Pacific Northwest’s cool climate, making it a year-round favorite.
A Spectrum of Craft Beers
Hillsboro’s craft beer scene extends far beyond porters, offering a vast spectrum of styles to explore. Local establishments like Wildwood Taphouse and Noble Hop feature extensive beer lists that cater to diverse tastes.
IPAs remain popular, with many breweries experimenting with new hop varieties and brewing techniques. Lagers, stouts, and sour beers also find their place in Hillsboro’s craft beer landscape.
Seasonal brews add variety throughout the year, with lighter options in summer and heartier ales in winter. Many taprooms offer tasting flights, enabling visitors to sample multiple beer styles in one sitting.
Craft Beer Experiences
Hillsboro offers unique craft beer experiences that showcase the region’s brewing talent. Local taprooms and brewpubs provide opportunities to sample a diverse range of expertly crafted beers.
ABV Public House
ABV Public House stands out as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Hillsboro. This establishment boasts an impressive selection of rotating taps featuring local and regional brews. Visitors can explore a wide variety of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers.
The knowledgeable staff at ABV Public House offers guidance on beer choices and food pairings. Their menu complements the beer selection with dishes designed to enhance the tasting experience.
ABV Public House regularly hosts events such as tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer nights. These gatherings provide opportunities to learn about brewing processes and engage with local brewers.
The venue’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both casual drinks and in-depth beer exploration. With its commitment to quality and variety, ABV Public House has become a cornerstone of Hillsboro’s craft beer scene.
Planning Your Beer Trail
Crafting the perfect beer trail in Hillsboro requires careful planning. Start by selecting a few key breweries to visit. Wildwood Taphouse, Noble Hop, and Three Mugs Brewing are popular choices among locals and visitors alike.
Consider transportation options before embarking on your journey. Designate a sober driver or utilize rideshare services to ensure a safe experience. Many beer enthusiasts opt for guided tours, which provide transportation and insider knowledge.
Map out your route in advance. Hillsboro’s breweries are spread throughout the city, so plan accordingly. Group nearby locations together to maximize efficiency and minimize travel time between stops.
Check brewery hours and special events. Some taprooms may have limited hours or host events that could enhance or impact your visit. Making reservations for larger groups is advisable, especially on weekends.
Pack essential items for your beer trail:
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Notebook for tasting notes
- Cash for tips and small purchases
Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated throughout the day. Many breweries offer tasting flights, allowing you to sample a variety of craft beers without overindulging.
Consider timing your visits to coincide with brewery tours or special releases. These experiences can provide deeper insights into the craft beer production process and local brewing culture.
Supporting Local: Beyond the Beer
Craft beer enthusiasts in Hillsboro, Oregon often find that their passion extends beyond the brews themselves. Local breweries frequently collaborate with area businesses and organizations to support the community.
Many taprooms feature rotating food trucks, showcasing local culinary talents. This symbiotic relationship helps both the breweries and food vendors thrive while offering patrons diverse dining options.
Breweries often host events that benefit local charities. Fundraisers, silent auctions, and benefit nights are common occurrences, allowing beer lovers to give back while enjoying their favorite brews.
Local artists frequently find a canvas in craft beer establishments. Breweries display and sell artwork, providing exposure for creators and enhancing the taproom atmosphere.
Some Hillsboro breweries source ingredients locally when possible. This practice supports area farmers and adds a unique regional touch to their beers.
Beer festivals and tasting events in Hillsboro bring together multiple local breweries. These gatherings foster a sense of community among brewers and beer enthusiasts alike.
Many craft beer venues offer live music, featuring local musicians and bands. This creates opportunities for performers and enriches the brewery experience for patrons.
Sustainability initiatives are common among Hillsboro’s craft breweries. Practices like recycling spent grain to local farms demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Responsibility and Community
Craft breweries in Hillsboro, Oregon prioritize responsible drinking practices and community engagement. They implement policies and initiatives to promote safety and social responsibility.
Privacy Policy Awareness
Hillsboro breweries take data protection seriously. Many have clear privacy policies posted on their websites and in their taprooms. These policies outline how customer information is collected, used, and protected. Breweries typically collect basic data like names and email addresses for mailing lists or event registrations.
Some use this information to personalize customer experiences or send targeted promotions. However, reputable breweries do not sell personal data to third parties. Customers can usually opt out of communications at any time.
Breweries also often have policies regarding photos taken on premises. They may prohibit unauthorized photography to protect patron privacy. Staff are trained on proper handling of sensitive information like credit card details.
Patrons are encouraged to review privacy policies and ask questions if they have concerns about data practices. Transparency helps build trust between breweries and their communities.
Connecting with Hillsboro’s Craft Beer Scene
Craft beer enthusiasts can stay informed about Hillsboro’s thriving beer culture through various channels. Local breweries and taprooms offer ways to keep patrons updated on new releases, events, and special promotions.
Stay Updated: Sign Up for News
Many Hillsboro breweries provide email newsletters for beer lovers to receive the latest updates. Signing up is typically easy – visitors can often do so right on a brewery’s website or during a taproom visit. These newsletters frequently include information on seasonal releases, tap takeovers, and beer dinners.
Some local establishments use social media platforms to share real-time updates. Following favorite breweries on platforms like Instagram or Facebook can provide instant notifications about new brews on tap or upcoming events.
Beer apps have also become popular tools for discovering and tracking local craft beers. Apps like Untappd allow users to find nearby breweries, check beer menus, and receive alerts about new releases in Hillsboro.
