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REDMOND’S F LO U R I S H I N G B R E W S C E N E
TAKE THE REDMOND TAPS TOUR! REDMOND IS NO STRANGER TO THE BRE W SCENE. CENTRAL OREGONIANS LOVE CRAF T BRE WS AND THE REGION HAS BECOME A MECCA FOR BEER AFICIONADOS. Redmond’s first microbrewery opened its doors in 1994, just off 7th Street. Today, Cascade Lakes Brewery continues the tradition of crafting fermented beverages and is joined by other breweries, a cidery, and a distillery. Redmond’s flourishing brew pub scene is yet another great reason to visit the heart of Central Oregon. Redmond Brewing: A Rich Narrative The city’s regional craft beer movement has its roots in its state’s brewing history. Before Oregon was Oregon, German immigrant Henry Saxer opened the Liberty Brewery in Portland in 1852, and the renowned Henry Weinhard began building his beer empire. Prohibition, however, brought beer production practically to a halt. It wasn’t until the 1980s, that the craft brew industry blossomed and Oregon became a “microbrew mecca” for beer connoisseurs. Today, well-crafted beer is considered one of the main food groups in the 33rd state. Why Here? It turns out that Oregon has an abundance of natural resources to support its love for brew which Redmond brewers have easy access to. The grand European 38 |
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tradition requires four simple ingredients — water, malt, hops and yeast. The Pioneers Oregonians are perfectly suited to be dominant players in the brew pub scene with their creative and independent spirit. It was the self-determination and will of its founders that discovered the path to sliding fresh-poured pints across the bar to their customers. A small group of Oregon homebrewers helped pass a law that allowed brewing and serving beer on the same premises. You’ll recognize these trailblazers now as McMenamins, BridgePort Brewing, Portland Brewing, and Widmer Brothers Brewing. Since then, the craft brew pub scene has burgeoned, fueled by the same do-it-yourself mentality. From almost every Oregon town, it seems you can throw a rock and hit a taproom that serves a vast array of made-in-Oregon ales. Redmond is no exception. From its oldest brewery Cascade Lake Brewery to its newest brewery, Initiative Brewery, (opened in 2019), Redmond has forged a brewery culture which exudes the city’s spirit — hard-working, fun-loving, down-to-earth, and dedicated to quality and service. Here’s a guide to help you explore the Redmond’s brew pub scene with confidence.
