Oregon's first brewpub since Prohibition, the Hillsdale's inaugural brew was made in October 1985. The initial brewers crafted first McMenamins unfiltered Wheat Ales and the first Fruit Ales (starting with blackberries scavenged from the vines off the parking lot). The Hillsdale is also notable for staging in 1985 the "Northwest Micro-Fest" -- which as far as we know was the first microbrew festival staged in Oregon, a giant bash held both inside but mostly out in the parking lot.
Today, the Hillsdale Brewfest, held every February, is considered the Grand Daddy of all McMenamins brewfests. Another first at the Hillsdale came in the form of Alex Farnum, who was the first in a line of female brewers to work for McMenamins, and may well have been the first female micro-brewer in Oregon. Currently guiding the paddle is Jenni Augello, winner of the coveted Brewfest Belt her first time around!
McMenamins currently operates 24 breweries, with our newest at Elks Temple in Tacoma, Washington.
Since our first brew at the Hillsdale Brewery & Public House in 1985, McMenamins has produced more than 75,000 batches. In 2016, our breweries collectively crafted more than 3,900 batches of beer (including more than 250 new house-specific recipes), which equaled more than 46,922 kegs of beer or an astounding 5.8 million pints!
In keeping with McMenamins' company philosophy, our breweries believe that brewing "green" is brewing responsibly. Waste products are given to local farmers, where they can be used; materials used are recycled or reused whenever possible; and second-hand equipment is largely used. Have a look at our earth-friendly brewing practices.
Many beer lovers are familiar with our ales: Terminator Stout, Hammerhead, Ruby, Black Rabbit Porter, Sunflower IPA and others. Read more about these "standards" and dozens of other beers, including our beloved seasonal selections. All of the McMenamins beers you know and love are made at our Washington and Oregon locations, with many coming from our Portland Breweries.
Due to the nature of handcrafting, it's safe to say that no two McMenamins batches are identical. Science and technology provide the backbone for our craft, but it is the unique qualities of each brew house, and the individual brewer's ale-crafting style, that ensure you will enjoy liquid refreshments that are truly special and made with every care for the environment. Whether you're in Seattle, Salem, Roseburg or Portland, breweries with the iconic McMenamins name are near. Come in and sip some creativity!
