Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is a prominent American craft brewery founded in Bend, Oregon in 1988 by Gary Fish. It has grown from a small brewpub in the Pacific Northwest to one of the largest craft beer producers in the United States, renowned for its flagship Black Butte Porter and innovative barrel-aging program. The company operates significant brewing facilities in Bend and Roanoke, Virginia, distributing its beers across the nation while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

History

The brewery was established in 1988 when founder Gary Fish opened the Deschutes Brewery & Public House in downtown Bend, Oregon. The initial operation was a modest brewpub serving handcrafted ales to the local community, taking its name from the nearby Deschutes River. Significant early growth was fueled by the popularity of Black Butte Porter, which became a defining beer for the Pacific Northwest craft scene. In 1993, the company expanded production by opening a larger packaging brewery on the outskirts of Bend, enabling distribution beyond Oregon. A major strategic move came in the 2010s with the announcement of an East Coast brewing facility, which opened in Roanoke, Virginia in 2021 to improve logistics and freshness for eastern markets. Throughout its history, the brewery has been guided by a family-owned ethos, with leadership transitioning in 2020 to include CEO Michael LaLonde.

Beers

The brewery's portfolio is anchored by its year-round flagship beers, most notably the widely acclaimed Black Butte Porter and the American-style pale ale Mirror Pond Pale Ale. Seasonal offerings include the celebrated Jubelale, a winter spiced beer released annually with unique artwork from regional artists. The brewery is also highly regarded for its Reserve Series and limited editions, such as The Abyss, an imperial stout aged in bourbon and wine barrels that has garnered a cult following. Innovation occurs through the pilot brewery at the Bend pub, where experimental small batches and collaborations, like those with the Oregon State University fermentation science program, are developed. The Roanoke, Virginia facility also produces regional specialties, ensuring a diverse and evolving lineup of craft beer styles.

Brewery locations

The original and iconic Deschutes Brewery & Public House remains operational in downtown Bend, Oregon, functioning as a brewpub and tourist destination. The primary production facility, opened in 1993, is located on the Deschutes River in Bend and houses the main brewing, packaging, and barrel-aging operations. In 2021, the company inaugurated a major East Coast production brewery and taproom in Roanoke, Virginia, a strategic investment to serve markets across the Eastern United States. This Virginia location features a state-of-the-art brew house and a visitor center, mirroring the community-focused model of the original Oregon pub. Both brewing sites offer public tours and tastings, contributing to local tourism economies.

Sustainability and community involvement

Environmental stewardship is a core principle, with initiatives including a comprehensive water conservation program that has reduced water-to-beer ratios significantly. The Bend facility utilizes a solar power array, participates in carbon offset programs, and sends spent brewers' grain to local Central Oregon farms for cattle feed. Community involvement is extensive, primarily channeled through the Deschutes Brewery Community Pints program, which donates a portion of taproom sales to local nonprofit organizations. The brewery is a major supporter of Deschutes River Conservancy efforts and sponsors numerous regional events, such as the Bend Film Festival and Virginia's Blue Ridge Marathon. Employee volunteerism is encouraged, reinforcing the company's embedded role in both its Oregon and Virginia communities.

Awards and recognition

The brewery has received many accolades from prestigious competitions, including multiple medals from the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. Black Butte Porter has earned numerous gold medals, solidifying its status as a benchmark for the porter style. The imperial stout The Abyss has consistently been rated among the world's best beers by publications like BeerAdvocate and RateBeer. In 2023, the brewery was honored with the Oregon Business Magazine's Corporate Citizenship Award for its sustainability leadership. Furthermore, founder Gary Fish was inducted into the Brewers Association's Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing his contributions to the American craft beer movement.

Category:American breweries Category:Companies based in Oregon Category:Breweries established in 1988 Category:Companies based in Bend, Oregon