Deschutes Brewery tour

A highlight of our Oregon trip was a visit to Bend’s Deschutes Brewery. The brewery offers free 1/2 hour tours at 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm daily. It’s best to arrive early in the busy summer, as the group is limited to about 20 per session.

Deschutes Tour passes Deschutes Brewery tour

I’m no stranger to brewery tours, but Deschutes has a special connection to Vancouver: as of this writing, we’re the only Canadian city where Deschutes is available!

Deschutes Brewery tour
[Vancouver’s on the map. Who’s next?]

Deschutes Brewery tour
[Wholesome ingredients: water, whole hops, malt, yeast]

Deschutes regularly launches new releases and keeps a seasonal selection on tap at both the brewery and its pubs (we’ve been to both Portland and Bend locations). Going through the tour, I was wowed by the collection of previous Jubelale labels proudly displayed on the walls. One of the staff explained to us that each year, a call for local artist submissions takes place.

Deschutes Brewery tour Deschutes Brewery tour

The artist is chosen not by having created a label, but by their artistic style. At that point, the label artwork is created to launch the holiday seasonal. I walked past several Jubelale framed pieces on the brewery walls and discovered a unique and colourful variety of masterpieces.

Deschutes Brewery tour
[This painting was created using wax media]

What were my favourite brews? Anything that’s an IPA or Red/Amber Ale will get my attention. Hop in the Dark (with its subtle coffee flavour) is a tasteful concoction and available until September.

Hop in the Dark

Also try the Green Lakes Organic Ale, light and fresh for summer BBQ. Beer tasting is free and samples are available before and after each tour. Just remember who’s driving afterwards.

Deschutes Brewery tour Board meeting at the brewery
[Brewery ‘board meeting’]

If you’re headed to Oregon this summer, check out the brewery’s events page. July is Oregon Craft Beer Month.

Deschutes Brewery tour
[Mirror Pond Ale production line]

Deschutes Brewery tour

Other articles in this series: Portland, Oregon highlights, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Coast highlights, Thundering Waters Inn.

6 Comments

  • Pingback by Portland, Oregon Highlights | ariane c design — July 14, 2011 @ 11:26 am

    […] articles in this series: Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Coast highlights, Deschutes Brewery tour, Thundering Waters […]

  • Comment by leo — July 14, 2011 @ 10:42 pm

    Looks like fun. Great info about how the label is chosen. I can really use a Hop in the Dark CDA right about now. Cheers.

  • Pingback by Portland Japanese Garden | ariane c design — July 15, 2011 @ 9:15 am

    […] articles in this series: Portland, Oregon highlights, Oregon Coast highlights, Deschutes Brewery tour, Thundering Waters […]

  • Comment by arianec — July 15, 2011 @ 9:18 am

    Leo, Thanks!

    We picked a pretty hot day to be in there. The upstairs area generated a LOT of heat, so heading back down for an after-tour beer sampling was even more rewarding!

    Hop in the Dark has such a beautiful colour when poured. I was happy that my shot came out 🙂

  • Pingback by Oregon Coast Highlights | ariane c design — September 26, 2011 @ 6:13 pm

    […] articles in this series: Portland, Oregon highlights, Portland Japanese Garden, Deschutes Brewery tour, Thundering Waters […]

  • Pingback by Roseburg: Thundering Waters Inn | ariane c design — September 26, 2011 @ 6:14 pm

    […] Other articles in this series: Portland, Oregon highlights, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Coast highlights, Deschutes Brewery tour. […]

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