Base Camp Brewing Co. has been brewing their tasty and diverse line of beers since 2012. Located at 930 SE Oak St, in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood, they are both a hangout for locals and a destination for beer fans from around the world. Walking into the brewery feels like what you might expect at an actual base camp. A large outdoor “patio” greets you with gravel underfoot, fire pits, and rustic handmade benches are perfect for large groups.
I recently had a chance to sit down with Paul Thurston, co-founder and head brewer at Base Camp. He told me that the concept for this brewery came from the original group of outdoor-minded guys who wanted to center the brand around a sense of adventure. You’ll find handmade wooden tables, complete with huge rock bases that were sourced from a southern Oregon quarry. Open rafters, and chairs made from nylon webbing complete the aesthetic, and of course, the iconic canoe hanging from the ceiling. A result of a disastrous trip down the Wilson River. “It didn’t make it and spent a few months a the bottom of the Wilson River. When the river conditions were better, we went back for it,” says Thurston.
The space, much like the beer, is meant to reflect their passion and sense of adventure in everyday life.
Three Beers You Should Try
Base Camp has a lot of beer to try. It changes somewhat frequently, and rather than stick to any particular style, Thurston says they simply try to be adventurous with their recipes.
In the interview below, we talk about three beers in particular that do a great job representing their brand.
S’more Stout: Aromas of chocolate, coffee, fig, and smoke invite you into a gigantic maltiness that is distinct in its smooth and refined character, with flavors of chocolate and hints of smoke mingling with rich caramel, fruit, and warming alcohol. Thurston says this was “designed to be an homage to the s’more experience. Biscuity/bready malts for the gram cracker with dark crystal malts for the marshmallow.”
You may be excited to know it is now available in 12 oz cans!
Base Camp Brewing S’mores Stout now in cans!
Biter Mars: – A spring farmhouse ale designed to be an homage to French farmhouse ales. “This is our fourth offering in our fully barrel fermented and conditioned series. [this beer is] On wood for the duration of its primary fermentation and conditioning. A couple of Saison strains and tropical notes. A really good food pairing beer.”
Bretta Livin’ Cranberry: The latest in their series of all-Brettanomyces fermented, soured fruit beers. It’s bright and acidic from a native malt-based Lactobacillus kettle souring, making for a low pH that allows our Brett strain to ferment quickly and cleanly. Thurston also says it has, “a funky farmhouse character to it!” I got to drink this during out chat, and loved it!
Watch our full interview below to learn more about Base Camp Brewing Co.!
Register for our Base Camp Run!
We’d love to have you join us this year for our Base Camp run (or any of our runs for that matter!). Register today and get 20% off your registration when you use coupon code BaseCamp20. All Oregon Brewery Running Series events are untimed and very casual. Nobody cares how fast you run or walk, just as long as you’re having a great time!
