Welcome to another installment of the Oregon Brewery Running Series Podcast; Inspiring Oregonians to Get Active, Have Fun, and Give Back. We host family-friendly, 5K fun runs that start and end at some of Oregon’s best breweries.
Today on the podcast, I’m talking with Ryan Pappe, head brewer at Portland Brewing. Portland Brewing is one of the oldest breweries in the city, and they will be hosting our first run in the spring 2018 season. Join us April 21 at the “Hoppy Earth Day Brewfest. Use promo code PortlandBrewing5, all one word, and save $5 when you register.
In this episode, we’re learning more about this venerable old brewery. About the people who inspire their beers with passion, a little about their history, and a few things that make their beer passionate, solid, and delicious. You’ll also get to hear a bit of Ryan’s journey from a theater major to head brewer and more.
There’s also a 50% off promo code, so listen then join us at Portland Brewing on April 21!
A Brief History of Portland Brewing
Portland Brewing celebrated their 30 year anniversary in 2016, and are one of the oldest, and largest continually operating breweries in Oregon. Ryan says,
We were one of the original breweries in Portland were sort of a very early and original craft brewery and I’d say the country if not just the Northwest.
Located at 2730 NW 31st Ave., Portland Brewing is in the heart of Northwest Portland’s industrial manufacturing area. It’s tucked away next to a salvage yard, machine shop, and a place that makes steel beams or something.
Portland Brewing Co. has a bit of a complicated family tree. Founded in 1986 by Fred Bowman, Art Larrance, Jim Goodwin, and investor Robert Malcolm “Mac” MacTarnahan, Portland Brewing Co. has had a few name changes and numerous owners, yet remains committed to its Portland roots.
After falling on hard times in the late 90’s, MacTarnahan “purchased $3.5 million in debt in exchange for stock.” The brewery then began using MacTarnahan labeling. In 2000, they merged with Saxer Brewing Company of Lake Oswego. Four years later, the 88-year-old MacTarnahan sold the company to Pyramid Breweries in Seattle. “The Portland Brewing facility was renamed MacTarnahan’s Brewing Company, and continued its operation and product line.”
In 2008, Pyramid was acquired by Magic Hat Brewing, then bought by North American Breweries of Rochester, New York, and is now owned by a Costa Rican company, Florida Ice and Farm Co. In 2013, the brewery changed their name back to Portland Brewing Co., and the rest is history.
Despite name changes, ownership changes, and re-branding, Portland Brewing remains committed to their Portland roots and brewing incredibly solid beer.
About Us
The Oregon Brewery Running Series is about inspiring Oregonians to Get Active, Have Fun, and Give Back. We host family-friendly, 5K fun runs that start and end at some of Oregon’s best breweries. Register for our next run here! If you’d like to join us at one of our upcoming runs, register with promo code PortlandBrewing5, all one word, and you’ll get $5 off your entry. Our theme music, the Oregon Song, is written and performed by James Hoffman.
