Sandy, or brewpub

To many 'Merica people out there who like to drink ice cold deer piss. (I know, because I graduated from Sandy High School). They also don't have the mental capacity for good beer.

 

I'm confused! Did Sandy River Brewing close? I never even made it there!

 

Because you can go the other direction down 35 and hit up Solera, Double Mountain, Full Sail, Big Horse, Everybody's, Walking Man, soon to be open Phreem, etc. etc. It's a much safer and scenic drive as well.

I have nothing against Sandy, but there are so many other great options the other way, it doesn't surprise me that if people are coming down form the mountain that way, why would you not just continue on to everything in Portland?

 

Not a Brew pub, but El Burro Loco,in Welches, has a great tap selection and the food.....Give Sandy time,it will happen.

 

Outside distribution is a huge component of this. Smart breweries like Double Mountain, Everybody's, and Solera know that the exposure gained by getting their beer on tap all over Portland (esp. at places like the Brass, Saraveza, Bailey's, etc) acts as a driver of business, and that it's critical to get the support of the people here because a town of 6,000 can't support all those breweries on its own.

In contrast, I reached out to Eliot Glacier, Karlson, and Sandy River (before they all closed) to discuss bringing beer to Portland, and they didn't see the logic in it. In fact, one of them told me, "Why should I sell you a keg for $160 when I can serve it by the pint at my pub and make $400?"

The reality of the situation is that 90% of the people who drink craft beer aren't prowling sites like this to keep track of new breweries. If they're exposed to a new beer at their local watering hole many will take note of it and stop by when they're driving through the area, but otherwise they'll just keep driving down 26 oblivious to the fact that they just drove past a brewery.

 

While it's disappointing that every brewery in Sandy has failed thus far, I think the town will have a successful brewpub in due time. The town definitely has potential: Sandy is on a well-traveled highway, it is growing in population (including Portlanders that want to get out of the city, but not so far out to where they can't commute to PDX for work, etc.), and its market is wide open for brewers that can bring the right combo of well-crafted beer, organized business ownership, and the willingness to market their beer as to intrigue locals and craft beer fans in the surrounding areas alike.

My wife and I are working on buying a house in Sandy, so I would love to see a thriving brewpub in the area soon. I actually wish I had more brewing experience, because I would love to combine that with my business education from PSU and get the ball rolling myself out there...

 

It looks like you're advertising for a partner. Good luck. If Sandy got a destination brewpub, I'd make the trek.

 

If ever you pass through Carson, WA stop by Acadian Farms on Carson Creek Rd. It's a small organic farm w/ a brewery and pub near the farm that keeps 5 or so fresh ales on tap, neat little place

 

Say what? You've been a member since yesterday, you're from Louisiana, and you came up with this gem?
Sweet! On my short list for sure.
Prost

 

I must admit I have the inside tip because it's my brother's place . They started out w/ just the farm and then began brewing earlier this year. Check them out on www.acadianorganics.com (they should really pay me in beer for my services)

 

Is the Beer Den bottle shop still in operation. A buddy of mine told me a few months back the owner was thinking about adding a tap room.