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!
On tap at The Rams Head, Portland. OK so I was a little drunk by this stage after hitting Laurelwood as well as New/Old Lompoc, but this was a rather tasty bitter. Very English like. Floral hops, easy drinking and a very good session bitter.
A pitch black beer with a brown head. The aroma is sweet with notes of roasted malt and coffee. The flavor is sweet malty with light notes of roasted malt, and coffee, that gets weaker as it runs thru the mouth. The end is dry and roasted, and underway the carbondioxide tickles the tongue.
(Bottle 65 cl) Pours an opaque, cloudy black with a light brown head. Aroma of roasted malt. Medium body - a bit heavy on the CO2. Roasted malt notes, some vanilla and a discreet bitterness in the finish. Smooth and pleasant. 061006
Bottle Pours a nearly opaque black with redish brown edges. Nice full creamy light tan head and heavy sheets of sturdy lacing. Aroma is that dark roasted malts, sweet prunes, grape jelly. A slightly sour slant as well. It tastes pretty middle of the road, dark roast, but not over the top. Some coffee and old campfire. Not overly bittered but not very strong either. Smooth but not very heavy feel. Nicely balanced basic stout. Thanks for the tradeKenb
From McMenamin’s Tavern, described as being different every batch, and was the only porter on at the time. Despite the fact it will be different for anyone else, I thought I’d record it anyway, since aside from folks going to New Old Lompoc, McMen Tavern isn’t likely to draw the crowds. Plus, somewhere, somebody brewed this and should get some sort of credit for that.
Near black colour. Rich, chocolatey, lightly coffeeish example. Full body, lots of residual sugars (almost milky). Pretty burly, but still a porter. I think folks who like Fuller’s will like this one, should it be the same next time out.
@ Bagdad Theater, Portland (not sure who they’re partnered with). Hazy straw colour. Crisp, herbal hop aroma. The malts are fresh on the palate (bready) as are the hops (earthy, herbal). Well-balanced, as close to authentic Kolsch as I’ve had in t
Draught at the Six Arms, Seattle Very hazy amber with greenish shine; no head to speak of. Bit sourish smell, malt, but not very outspoken. Again indeed a bit sourish, however faint, then malty, sweetish finish. Light, some grist-y slickness. Talk about a brownish beverage that looks like beer.
Draught at the Six Arms, Seattle Bright foxy, no head. Virtually no nose, one suspects malts. In the taste there’s finally some malts, crisp sweetness and even a short menace at hops, but they shy away from such boldness quickly. The caramalt stays on. Light to medium body. Dull ale. Hammerwhat?
Draught at the Six Arms, Seattle Hazy orange-ochre, nearly no head. A bit of hops, citrussy with a lot of goodwill, and some cypress. Discreet hops taste, citrussy, and some hoppy bitterness. Retronasal, I get piney resin. Sticky, dry-out effect which is surprising seen the apparent low hoplevel. This one starts nearly as bland as the other McMenamin beers, but gradually builds up a beefier image.
Draught at the Six Arms, Seattle Very deep dark brown; yellowish-brown rim. Ink, mushrooms, sweet malts, meaty, soy sauce, how’s that for aroma’s? Sweet malts with a typical roasted tinge, a tad roasted peanuts-like or roasted crisps. Light to medium body. Finish is somewhat bitter. OK porter: light, but that’s the idea.