A Pair of Brewery Success Stories

Posted on August 20, 2023 by Thebeerchaser

(External photograhps (#) attributed at the end of the post)

In my last Beerchaser post, I mentioned an article that bemoaned the fate of seven Portland breweries which have recently closed or been put up for sale. This led to a perhaps overly ominous question in a headline entitled “7 Portland Breweries and Taprooms are Closing. Is Peak Craft Beer Over?

But there have been some real success stories including Crux Fermentation’s new SE Pub which I reviewed in that same post.

Now to focus on two “B’s” for they are among the “Best” breweries encountered on my twelve year Beerchasing journey. They’ve attracted many loyal patrons. Neither has a long history, but both have made their marks.

Beachcrest Brewing Company – Gleneden Beach

Beachcrest Brewing came to my attention in early 2019 – shortly after they opened. I wrote the following review:

https://thebeerchaser.com/2019/04/23/ride-a-wave-to-beachcrest-brewing/

Take a look at this excerpt for some context:

“In seven years of Beerchasing, I’ve been impressed with the number of brewery owners who started homebrewing as a hobby and ultimately became micro-craft entrepreneurs after diverting from their original career paths. They have ranged from lawyers, teachers, accountants, contractors and public servants to former bartenders.”

Below is some information from their website:

“Beachcrest Brewing Co. started as the dream of lifelong musicians Matt and Amy White who spent many summers visiting the enchanting Oregon Coast. After years of dreaming of living on the coast the duo made the plunge and relocated to the central coast to follow their passion of combining beach life, craft beer and great music.”

They partnered with Megan Leesley – a CPA who does the Brewery’s accounting and Sean Sissel, a contractor, who spent five months in 2018 building out the brewery. Both still live in Colorado and will be working in the brewery periodically.” (#1)

I interviewed Matt and Amy (on the left of the photo above) to get info for my post and they were a wonderful couple – passionate and enthused about their dream. We have a vacation home in nearby Lincoln City and I was concerned, however, given the competition, how they would do.

The Brewery is across from Salishan Lodge in a small commercial development. Salishan, at one time one of Oregon’s premier destination resorts, was struggling and going through ownership changes. A number of other small businesses in the same mall had gone out of business or were struggling to get customers.

And, of course, one year later, the pandemic was upon us.

Four years later, I’m happy to report that they appear to be thriving?

Our deck in Lincoln City often sees Thebeerchaser down a Beachcrest brew….

So without reviewing their financials, how do I conclude that they are flourishing?

Well, every time we make a visit, the expansive taproom and patio are hopping. The setting for the patio on the back nine at Salishan is beautiful and they’ve transformed part of the patio into an all-weather tent which regularly features jazz and a variety of other musical offerings. (After all, Matt and Amy are professional musicians.)

“My absolute favorite thing about this place was the ambiance. We sat with a nice view of the golf course, kind of hidden away from other guests. It was convenient for our dog. They have a 70s and 80s soft rock hits playlist that creates the perfect vibe. I’ll definitely come back.” (Yelp 6/14/23) (#2)

350845837_1193390874676440_5015724397361535136_n

Although a number of new businesses have opened in the mall, there is still ample parking. Beachcrest has a robust tap list and the beers are varied and great quality (especially the Lincoln City Logger (Helles Lager) (5.5% ABV 16 IBU).

They’ve regularly offered new and creative beers such as their Strawberry Milkshake IPA released on June 7th. One can also order wine, cider, a margarita and the unforgettable Rogue Root Beer.

Beachcrest does some of the most creative and attractive labeling I’ve seen on the Coast. (#3 – #4)

243914982_1669201100092245_711953238679734814_n

While the menu is not expansive it has some delicious salads, a tasty jumbo beer pretzel with cheese sauce and mustard and nine pizza options – the reviews are very positive. And don’t forget the chocolate cake for dessert.

“Best wood fired Pizza on the Coast and their beer is outstanding! Friendly staff makes it a joy to eat and drink here. They have a very open air feel to the whole place. The price point makes it a great value. It’s our favorite brew pub in Oregon.” (Yelp 6/5/23) (#5 – #7)

Matt and Amy White have created a “community” in their four + years of operating with many loyal Central Coast fans. Their establishment is family and dog friendly.

Besides their live music every Saturday at 6 pm and Sunday at 4 pm from July through September they also have Trivia Night every Wednesday.

The staff is friendly and efficient and they seem to reflect the same values as the owners which is emphasized on their website. Even on very busy days, the wait-time is minimal.

And while not trying to demean another good Oregon Brewery (Pelican) which recently opened an expansive brew pub just south of Lincoln City (about three miles away) you will pay substantially more for beverages and food and usually face a wait-time.

(I just checked with Google Assistant and on this August Sunday afternoon, the wait-time for a party of four was 120 minutes!) It should be noted that Pelican does have a robust pub menu.

Besides the patio, you will also find that Beachcrest has a beautiful taproom.

Benedictine Brewery – St Benedict, Oregon

Dating back to 1887, the Mount Angel Abbey Hilltop is one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in Oregon. It is home to the Benedictine monastery, the seminary and college, and also features a book shop, museum, a majestic chapel and beautiful guest house for retreats. People of all faiths or no faith are welcomed.

The Alvar Aalto Library designed in 1970 by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – which garners international recognition – has manuscripts dating back to the twelfth century. (#8)

IMG_5158-web-crop-1550397671-1600x800

“Mount Angel Abbey strives to be a place where all can ‘seek things above’ in peace and solitude. The Abbey keeps vital the ancient traditions of Divine Office, love of learning, and hospitality.” (#9 – #13)

The Abbey’s rich history percolates throughout the Hilltop and in 2018 another ancient monk tradition dating back to the Middle Ages became a reality – the opening of the Benedictine Brewery and St. Michael Taproom.

“The beer brewed now at Mount Angel follows the early monastic tradition and is “crafted for a higher purpose.” It’s likely the only beer in the US that receives a priestly blessing at every stage, from raising the hops to pulling the tap. Mount Angel Abbey’s Benedictine Brewery and Taproom is one of a very few monastic breweries currently operating in the United States.”

Saturday, August 26, the Fifth Anniversary of the Brewery will be celebrated. It will be open for the regular Saturday hours (1 to 8 pm) but from 2 to 4 pm, five years of operations will be celebrated with monastic art displays, an ice cream cart, cornhole, live music, and of course, your favorite Benedictine Brewery beer. (#14 – #16)

#benedictinebrewery #mountangelabbey #oregonbeer #fifthanniversary #tasteandbelieve

And I have been blessed to be associated with the Brewery and its Head Brewer, Fr. Martin Grassel, since 2016.

I remember well the cloudy day in November 2017, when we started with a cement slab and through the efforts of about 125 monks, priests, seminarians and volunteers, ended with a framed structure.

It’s now become a gathering place of exceptional fellowship and cheer.

https://thebeerchaser.com/2017/11/21/the-benedictine-brewery-beam-me-up/

I’ve witnessed Fr. Martin – who as a monk prays five times each day and has primary financial duties at the Abbey as Procurator, become a skilled brewer and manager. (He gets by with minimal sleep!)

He’s expanded the variety of beers, recently added barrel aging to the repertoire, garnered a regional following of beer enthusiasts and run a profitable business that helps further the Benedictine mission and values in addition to drawing many people to explore the entire Abbey Hilltop and meet the monks and priests.

He efforts have made the Brewery’s motto “Taste and Believe” a reality.

Come out on Saturday and wish Fr. Martin and the Benedictine Brewery Happy Birthday. (And by the way, the Hair Shirt IPA (7% ABV – 56 IBU) is superb and will not make you feel guilty about ordering a second pint!) (#17 – #20)

Blessings and Cheers

External Photograph Attribution

#1 – #3. Beachcrest Brewery Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=711461560988659&set=pb.100063744632543.-2207520000.&type=3).

#4 – #7. Beachcrest Brewery Website (https://beachcrestbrewing.com)

#8 – #13. Mount Angel Abbey Website (https://www.mountangelabbey.org/)

#14 – #20. Benedictine Brewing Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BenedictineBrewery)

Ride a Wave to Beachcrest Brewing

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Thebeerchaser

A great logo – created on a crowd sourcing site called “Design Crowd.” The designer was from Bulgaria!

In seven years of Beerchasing, I have been impressed with the number of brewery owners who started homebrewing as a hobby and ultimately became micro-craft entrepreneurs after diverting from their original career paths. They have ranged from lawyers, teachers, accountants, contractors and public servants to former bartenders.

Our recent visit to the new (December, 2018) Beachcrest Brewery and Pub was the first time that I’ve met two college music majors and former musicians who decided to partner with another couple and embark on a suds-oriented business venture.

And based on a number of factors such as the quality of their beer, the location and both the internal and external ambiance of their facility, they have great potential for this new endeavor on the Central Oregon Coast just south of Lincoln City.

I might add that some of my favorite Beerchasing exploits have been on the Oregon Coast – first in the fall of 2014 for a three-day jaunt from Pacific City to Newport including Lincoln City and Depoe Bay.

A classic dive – the Old Oregon Saloon

This jaunt with my brother-in-law, Dave Booher and friend, Steve Larson covered such wonderful bars as the Old Oregon Saloon in Lincoln City.

Then on to the unforgettable Tide Pool in Depoe Bay and Newport’s historic Bay Haven Inn in addition to two breweries – Pelican and Rusty Truck. https://thebeerchaser.com/2014/09/23/thebeerchaser-does-the-central-oregon-coast-part-i/

A trip on the southern part of the coast down into California in 2018 with my wife, reconfirmed our love of the Pacific Coast scenery. It again demonstrated the number of options for good beer on a multi-day jaunt as far south as the beautiful Redwoods.

Mugs were raised in Oregon breweries from Yachats Brewing to Defeat River Brewing in Reedsport down to Chetco Brewing in Brookings and also one of our favorite bars – the Broken Anchor Bar and Grill in Bandon. https://thebeerchaser.com/2017/11/13/beerchasing-on-the-south-oregon-coast-and-through-the-redwoods-part-i/

Now while it is obvious that there is a lot of choice for brewpubs and taprooms on the Oregon Coast, Beachcrest is in a great location – just across from the newly revitalized Salishan Resort.

After its opening in 1965 by Oregon icon, John Gray, Salishan became one of Oregon’s premier destination lodges known for its superb architecture and artwork. After the Grays sold it in 1996, it failed to be viable under multiple owners.

“It was purchased in November 2017, at a foreclosure auction by a private equity investment company…..and is now managed by Alpha Wave Investors hospitality company, Soul Community Planet. CEO Ken Cruse believes they can return what is arguably one of the state’s most treasured lodges to its old glory. (Oregon Live – January 31, 2019)

The Brewery

Amy White and her husband Matt, are both graduates of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. Amy plays the piano and is a vocalist and her husband is a sax player in addition to other woodwinds. They lived in Denver and two years ago decided to move to Oregon.

The four talented and adventurous entrepreneurs

Amy, who was our bartender that Saturday afternoon, exuded enthusiasm for their project and I was impressed with the couple’s initial efforts to interact and become part of the micro-brewing community since they started planning and after opening.

They have visited the Benedictine Brewery in Mt. Angel – I’m biased about that one. They know and expressed support for their competitors up and down the coast ranging from Rusty Truck to Wolf Tree Brewing, which now has a taphouse in Newport, among others.

For a small brewery (3.5 barrel), they have an impressive line-up with eleven craft beers, wine (cans) and draft hard cider and draft Kombucha.

————-

Only $3 for this delight……

They also have eleven marvelous – from the appearance and the way several kids were delightfully “attacking” them – Italian cream sodas for $3 (I was sorely tempted….)

She offered a good explanation of their tap list and let us sample a number before we ordered a flight – they allow the patron to “build your own” flight with each 4-ounce sampler costing only $2. You can “take off” with anywhere from two to eleven beers in your flight.

We opted for a tray of four consisting of their best seller – the Siletz Bay Hazy IPA – 6.1% ABV (also our favorite) two other IPAs – the Backbeat Brut 6.0% and the South Pacific 7.4% – plus the Common Time Kolsch 4.2%. The IPA’s all had nice hoppy taste and good aroma, but the Kolsch seemed somewhat bland – maybe because we liked the others so well.

Build your own flight…..

Sean did a great job in his build out of what used to be a coffee shop. The space has great internal and external lighting and long community-type tables. While we were there, a number of families with kids drinking Italian cream sodas, dogs and just tourists doing the coast were enjoying the pub.

But wait until a sunny day later in the spring and this summer, not to mention Oregon’s wonderful fall weather. The deck area is going to fill up with people “drinking” in the coast air, the trees, the manicured golf course and the adjacent creek which bubbles. I can’t think of a comparable scenic vista from a brewery deck that combines all of these elements.

Beachcrest, besides Bavarian pretzels, pita chips and hummus and marinated olives, has no food at the brewpub; however, the Mangia Italian Deli right next door has pasta, cheeses and sandwiches and their food can be brought in. Food carts will probably also be part of the plan.

And while Beachcrest will be a draw on its own, a factor in their success will be the result of efforts to revitalize the Salishan Marketplace.

We remember taking our family there years ago for the good restaurant and the diverse shops which included a bookstore, specialty grocery, an impressive gallery, toy store, a candy shop (with outstanding caramel corn) and other interesting boutiques.

Unfortunately, that changed given both Salishan Resort’s troubles and the economy. The contrast is conveyed well by this Facebook post last year by JB Hunter before revitalization efforts

“After an absence of 12 years, my wife and I stopped in there in August 2017. The once-dynamic and bustling place was a ghost town with all the former wonderful shop tenants booted and brown packing paper plastered all over the storefront windows. Saying we were stunned was an understatement although we understood after checking into the downward spiral that Salishan had undergone.”

However, the impetus is already present and the groundwork laid to change that imag. Besides the Deli and the Brewery, the Marketplace now has a fitness center, an upscale gallery and an appointment-only barber shop.

The interesting and quality wares from Java Depot…

And we were delighted that long-time Lincoln City small business the Java Depot and Culinary Corner – a wonderful specialty coffee and kitchen and gourmet food shop is moving from the strip mall by Safeway to the Marketplace.

In fact, that’s how we learned about the Brewery. The owner of Java excitedly told us about their forthcoming move and to check out Beachcrest. As stated on their Facebook page:

“As most of you know we’re moving to Salishan Marketplace. Expanding our meats & Cheese selection and adding food items and hand dipped Tillamook Ice Cream.”

Matt and Amy are also trying to attract people and build a community with events including the “Geeks Who Drink Trivia” broadcast every Wednesday night, live music and an innovative idea named “Pints and Poses.”

“Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga flow at the new Salishan Yoga Studio followed by a refreshing brew at Beachcrest. Class is $15 and includes your first post class beverage of choice. Meet 15 minutes before class to register in the Salishan hotel lobby. Next classes will meet on April 14 & 28.”

Note: I don’t know what a yoga flow is, but if there is a free brewski and tap flow afterwards, I am willing to assume the position…”

Lincoln City and the surrounding coastal communities are Oregon treasures. They rely heavily on the support of tourism for their economic livelihood.

So when you are passing through Lincoln City on the way to Newport or just hitting Lincoln City itself, make a point of stopping at Beachcrest Brewery to have a beer, sit on the deck and say hello to Amy and Matt. Then get an expresso to-go at Java Depot.

Take the words of this Yelp review as recently as April 5th to see what awaits:

“Gem on the Coast! Wonderful selection of unique craft beers, friendly atmosphere, Beachcrest Brewing is truly a splendid destination for Ale aficionados and casual beer drinkers alike. Do yourself a favor, try a soft pretzel with the stone ground mustard…. Magnifique.”