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!
500ml bottle thanks to Toby. Pours out crisp copper amber topped with a white head. Nose is pineapple coconut bourbon barrel vanilla and lots of sweet malts. Taste is more of the nice barrel notes lots of fruit.
On tap at Cedar Hills. Pours a clear golden hue with a medium white head. A big toast and lemon nose. Fresh citrus, lemon bitterness, toast and grainy base. Solid.
My 300th McMenamins rating. Wow. Pours a clear yellow hue with a medium white head. A big sweet malty nose. Toast. Light oranges, sweet core, some bready soft base. Solid. Drinkable. Clean.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a clear orange hue with a medium white head. A big sweet peach nose. Big sweet peaches in the flavor as well, vanilla, creamy body, toast. OK.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a clear yellow color with a medium white head. A big perfume jasmine nose. Sweet, unusual for sure, big jasmine, hay, bready base. Quite nice.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a hazy orange color with a small white head. A big tropical nose. Juicy, papaya, sweet vanilla, bread base. Very good.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a clear orange color with a medium white head. A big sweet citrus nose. Toast, lemons, light orange peel, soft palate, some medium bitterness. Good beer.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a very hazy orange hue with a small white head. A big tropical nose. Soft palate, sweet juicy tropical core, bready base. Pretty flavorful, very sweet and easy to drink. This is a good E Coast IPA.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a amber color with a medium white head. A light sweet malty nose. Toast, leaves, some light berry, a thin palate. Sweet finish.
On tap at Hillsdale for the Festival. Pours a amber color with a medium white head. A big sweet malty nose. Buttery sweet notes, cocoa, malty sugary base. Creamy. Solid.