Breweries in Southern Oregon
Special to Road Trips for Foodies
By Eileen Garvin of Travel Oregon
Just when you thought Oregon couldn’t hold another drop of beer, a new brew town foams over. Apparently, beer lovers have an unlimited enthusiasm for Oregon craft beer. Of course it’s not just about the suds; we also love our breweries because they nurture the dreams of small business owners, connections in our communities and the hard work of Oregon farmers. Medford is the most recent town to find its beer cup running over. Check out these fine breweries on your next trip to Southern Oregon.
Wild River Brewing and Pizza Company is the newest location of a family-owned business with pubs in Cave Junction, Grants Pass and Brookings. From Bohemian Pilsner (a Czech-style lager) to Double Eagle Imperial Stout, the beers here are sure to please all palettes. The food menu features wood-fired pizzas as well as salads, sandwiches and pastas.
Located in Medford’s historic downtown area, BricktownE Brewing Company’s offerings feature Blue Collar Cream — a light, easy cream ale and Ore-Gunslinger Double I.P.A. — a hoppy, heavy hitting brew. Enjoy pub grub from fish and chips to house made soups and a hearty burger menu.
Starting with a gas mask logo, Opposition Brewing Company takes an in-your-face approach to beer. “Unfiltered, unrefined, and unapologetic,” reads the website. Try the flagship beer — The Sixth Seal — a Northwest-style pale ale with strong malt and hops. Fallow Fields offers a taste of American brown ale with a touch of chocolate. If you feel like joining the opposition, check out subscriptions to the brewery’s Community Supported Brewing program.
As the name might suggest, Walkabout Brewing Company has Australia in its pedigree. Started in 1997 in Central Point by Ross Litton, a Perth native, the company runs a seven-barrel brew house with a tasting room and large patio. Wallaby White, Aussie Amber and St. Outback’s Stout demonstrate the down-under-difference in American brewing.
New kid on the block Portal Brewing Company offers a 14-tap view into the undercurrent of Southern Oregon brewing. Hoptopus Imperial Cascadian Dark Ale, Ahab’s Extra Special Bitter Hapoon and Riptide India Pale Ale keep the seafaring theme afloat, and a diverse pub menu satisfies with everything from gyros and schnitzel to salads. (Don’t miss the dark ale ice cream floats!) Voted “Best Local Microbrewery” four years in a row by the Mail Tribune, the playful Southern Oregon Brewing Company boasts Wood Shed Red, Pin-up Porter and Old Humbug Winter Ale at the Medford taproom.
(Photo courtesy of Travel Oregon)
