Yamhill Brewing Company

Yamhill had been secretly brewing beer for a decade with little fanfare and no taproom. Then in late 2005, after years of leisurely efforts, the 9th Ave. Public House opened at (where else?) the corner of 9th Ave. and Yamhill St. The small one-room pub features fine building materials and craftsmanship with several recessed alcoves, one of which frequently showcases live music. Smoking is permitted, encouraged, and indulged.

Yamhill’s offerings are modest, if not spartan. No guest taps are provided, nor are there beer engines or nitro, bottled beers, or wine and liquor. A mere five house taps are served and though the minimalist offerings don’t bother me, the quality of the product does. Thus far I’ve had three of their five, and all three have missed the mark. Food from the home-style kitchen is also limited to routine offerings such as grilled cheese and burgers, though the Russian pelmeni (beef filled dumplings) sounds intriguing.

From the east alcove, a picture window affords a broad view of the brew house, which, with its cluttered array of tools and machinery, resembles a mechanic’s shop as much as a brewery. You’ll find no television to numb the mind, nor are there bar games such as pool or video. Instead, an upright piano gets good mileage from musically inspired customers and lit candles contribute a relaxed vibe.

Yamhill is operated at any one time by a group of nine or so owners and it would appear they’ve made friends in the neighborhood. On a recent Saturday night the place was comfortably busy though I noted just two women in the house. Pints are an agreeable $3 most nights, and a downright charitable $2 on Monday and Tuesday. I was hoping for better quality beer, but after ten years of low-key commercial brewing, that would seem to not be forthcoming.