Hopworks Urban Brewery celebrates 10 years, April 21st, while looking ahead in August & November
As the quantity of brewery continues to grow like a pleasant scotch-broom it's refreshing to recognize another local brewery joining the 10 years and older club.
Starting in 2008, an energetic brewery who favored two-wheels over four, sought to provide Portland with another Organic-inspired brewery. A former brewer at the famous Bridgeport, before accepting a lead brewer position at Laurelwood Brewing, it didn't take Christian long to decide to open his own brewery along busy Powell Street. With a focus on recognizing Organic ingredients, coupled with a bar and restaurant, decorated with recycled bicycle parts the brewery continues to thrive into its 10th year. One simply needs to visit their Bike Bar near the throat of Portland or their sister pub in Vancouver, Washington.
But the brewery isn't just known for their beer, pizza, or burgers. As one of the few breweries recognized for their commitment to sustainable ingredients, low-impact on the environment, and a healthy business ethic, HUB has been recognized annually by the Certified B Corporation as well as included by 1% for the Planet.
Which explains why Christian, along with the brewery staff, along with the restaurant employees are looking forward to April 21st, as the brewery presents the (B)Earth Day Beer Fest.
“Since day one we have set out to brew world-class beer as sustainably as possible. I’m proud of what our whole team has accomplished so far,” said HUB Brewmaster and Founder, Christian Ettinger. “Beer is an incredible mash up of art, science, and passion. Throughout history beer has been the center of every great table and we are honored to have a small part in that history. We love beer and look forward to coming to work every day, and now with 10 years under our belt we look forward to 100 more.”
A timeline of Hopworks Urban Brewery's accomplishments these past 10 years.
- Hopworks Organic IPA, considered a classic in the West Coast IPA style, was HUB’s first brew in 2007.
- Built with as many reclaimed materials as possible, and a host of energy and water efficient features, Hopworks Urban Brewery opened its doors for the first time in 2008 with Hopworks Organic IPA and Organic Rise Up Red on tap.
- HUB expanded production from 3,000 barrels of beer in its first year to 13,300 barrels of beer and cider in 2017.
- HUB expanded into North Portland with Hopworks BikeBar in 2011. The building is efficiently designed to meet the Net Zero energy building standard.
- In 2012, the Oregon Sustainability Board presented HUB with the Governor’s Oregon Sustainability Grand Champion Award.
- From B-Corp Certification, its 1% for the Planet membership, Salmon-Safe campus certifications, and its “Good Beer Does Good” campaign, HUB continues to make high quality beer while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
- HUB opened its third location complete with an 8-barrel brewhouse in December 2016 in Vancouver, Washington. This Salmon-Safe Certified development includes a 10Kw solar array, native landscaping and energy and water efficient design.
- Over the last 10 years, HUB has partnered with hundreds of organizations and businesses for special beer projects. Many focus on sustainability, including Patagonia Provisions’ 2016 release of Long Root Ale brewed with Kernza, a perennial wheatgrass. HUB’s Organic Velvet ESB beer is one of the main ingredients in Tofurky’s Ham Roast.
- 2017 was a monumental year of growth for HUB. This growth coincided with the revision of the flagship Hopworks Organic IPA, upgraded for the contemporary palate.
“We are enthusiastic supporters of local schools, non-profits and environmental organizations. We love seeing how our brewpub has become a community ‘hub’ for families of all shapes and sizes,” said HUB Co-Owner and Community Engagement Director, Brandie Ettinger. “We would like to thank our incredible, thoughtful team and our guests for their continued support and dedication to the idea that beer is a force for good in the community!”
Starting with their April 21st anniversary festival, the brewery will focus on creating a zero-waste footprint. Then in August, the brewery will sustain that commitment with the Salmon-Safe IPA Festival.
This year, HUB invites 20 breweries to brew an IPA using Salmon-Safe Certified beer ingredients. Hopworks has long recognized the relationship between clean and abundant water and great beer, which includes using Salmon-Safe ingredients.
Finally, in November, HUB takes a victory lap with the Cascadian Beer Fest.
The final event in HUB’s 10th anniversary lineup, the Cascadian Beer Fest, will bring together 20 breweries to brew Cascadian-style beers using only ingredients from Cascadia. Each brewery is also partnered with an environmental organization from the region. As part of the event’s 1% For The Planet association, breweries will donate 1% of their beer’s sales to their partner organization.
For all 10-year events, information and news, check hopworksbeer.com/10.
About Hopworks Urban Brewery
Hopworks Urban Brewery creates world-class beer and food with sustainable business practices that protect the environment and inspire the community. Utilizing organic malts and a combination of locally-sourced, organic, and Salmon Safe hops, the company’s 20-barrel brewery in Portland, and 7-barrel brewery in Vancouver, produce 13,500 barrels of beer and cider a year for HUB’s brewpubs and distribution throughout the West. Hopworks is a family-owned and operated business, the first Certified B Corporation brewery in the Pacific Northwest, a member of 1% For The Planet, and a gold-level bike friendly business.
