Close your eyes and picture this: warm sunlight filtering through tall windows, the rich aroma of toasted hops in the air, laughter echoing from the outdoor patio, and the clink of glasses filled with small-batch, soulfully brewed beer.
As of July 10, 2025, Craftwork Brewery isn’t just a place to drink — it’s a place to feel. Whether you’re a Portland local who knows the staff by name or a traveler stopping by on a beer trail, Craftwork offers more than just pints — it offers presence.
This guide takes you deep inside Craftwork Brewery: from the story behind its taps to the flavor notes in its most-loved pours, insider ambiance, events, community involvement, and much more.
The Story Behind Craftwork Brewery
Craftwork Brewery opened its doors in 2016, when two lifelong friends — Jordan Miles and Alec Renner — decided to leave behind their 9-to-5 jobs in finance and architecture to pursue something more grounded: great beer and real community.
They started in a repurposed warehouse with just three barrels, a leaky roof, and more passion than funding. But Portland embraced them quickly — not just because the beer was good, but because the energy was honest.
They weren’t trying to be trendy. They just wanted to create a space where people could slow down, talk to strangers, and taste something made with care.
Today, Craftwork stands proudly as a community-driven brewery that’s all about creativity, inclusion, and meaningful moments.
Behind the Label: The Stories in Every Bottle
Craftwork doesn’t do boring labels or random names. Every beer has a backstory — and every label is designed by a local artist.
Examples include:
- First Light Lager: Named after Alec’s favorite sunrise hikes in Mt. Hood. The label shows hand-painted mountain ranges fading into dawn.
- Ink & Oak Stout: A tribute to old Portland bookstores. The label features sketched vintage bookshelves with secret hop vines tucked in.
- Drift Pale Ale: Brewed after Jordan’s solo train trip across the U.S. to meet brewers. The label looks like a ticket stub overlaid with wheat fields.
These stories give their beers a kind of emotional flavor — something that resonates beyond the glass.
Signature Brewing Philosophy: How Craftwork Brewery Does It Differently
Craftwork isn’t trying to brew the most extreme beer or hop-bomb the IPA market. Their focus is balance, story, and sustainability.
🍺 Here’s what sets them apart:
- Open Fermentation: Rare in commercial brewing, it adds complexity — especially in saisons and farmhouse ales.
- Barrel-Aging Program: Stouts, porters, and sours rest in reused wine and whiskey barrels from local distilleries.
- Farm Partnerships: Their blueberries, cherries, and some herbs are all grown on family-run farms in Oregon.
- Eco-Conscious: They run solar panels on the roof, donate spent grains to farms, and use compostable packaging.
When you sip Craftwork, you’re tasting beer made slowly, thoughtfully, and with full transparency.
Top 7 Craftwork Beers & When to Drink Them
This isn’t just a “best beer” list — it’s a guide to when to drink each one for the best experience:
- First Light Lager (4.9%)
Crisp, bright, and refreshing. Perfect for sunny weekend brunches or post-run cool-downs. - Ink & Oak Stout (6.7%)
Rich, chocolate-coffee blend. Ideal for cold rainy evenings or paired with dessert. - Ridgewalker IPA (6.5%)
Balanced with pine and citrus hops. Great after a hike or during backyard BBQs. - Lavender Drift Saison (5.2%)
Light floral notes. Best enjoyed outdoors with a cheese board or during sunset hangs. - Solar Red Ale (5.6%)
Toasty malt meets zesty finish. Excellent by a bonfire or with spicy food. - Pearl Street Pale (5.4%)
Crowd-pleaser pale ale. Bring it to game nights or movie marathons. - Cinder Barrel Porter (7.1%)
Aged in pinot noir barrels. Perfect for slow winter nights and deep conversations.
The Atmosphere: Vibe, Decor & Crowd
Craftwork feels like your cool friend’s garage-turned-art studio, only with amazing beer and better lighting.
🪑 What to Expect:
- Indoor Vibe: Wooden beams, handmade light fixtures, indie playlists, and rotating art on the walls.
- Patio Life: String lights, fire pit, long benches, and the occasional acoustic set.
- People: Freelancers with laptops in the afternoon. Music lovers and artists at night. Friendly, inclusive, and always open to newcomers.
- Hidden Gems: Ask to sit in the “barrel booth” — a refurbished fermentation tank turned into a semi-private nook for two.
You can come alone with a journal or with a group of 10. Either way, you’ll feel like you belong.
Events, Pop-Ups & Live Music Nights
Craftwork isn’t just a brewery — it’s one of Portland’s most lively social hubs.
🎶 What’s happening this month?
- Live Music Fridays
Folk, jazz, and acoustic sets starting at 7 PM. Local bands only. - Artisan Pop-Ups
Every 1st Saturday. Pottery, jewelry, and zines by local makers. - Brewmaster Tours
Sundays at 3 PM. Includes behind-the-scenes brewing access and three tasters. - Food Truck Nights
Weekly rotations: Korean BBQ, vegan comfort food, wood-fired pizza. Posted every Monday on their Instagram.
Craftwork also hosts birthday parties, engagement celebrations, and even the occasional small wedding. You can book events online or by email.
Real Reviews: What Locals & Visitors Say about Craftwork Brewery
Craftwork Brewery consistently earns recognition as a standout in Portland’s “Beervana” scene, a city famed for its more than 70 breweries. ~ wikipedia
While individual guest quotes were hard to trace, aggregated feedback from trusted local guides and platforms reveals a clear pattern:
Common Praise Points
- Authentic Atmosphere & Friendly Staff
Major brewer guides note Craftwork for its “welcoming atmosphere” and team that always feels like home - Well-Balanced, Flavorful Beers
Included in multiple “best Portland breweries” lists (4.7‑4.9⭐ average), it’s praised for beers that deliver both creativity and drinkability - Vibrant Community Features
Craftwork’s live music, artisan pop-ups, and neighborhood vibe consistently earn it a spot in “best of” roundups
Ratings Snapshot
- Featured in The Daily Meal’s Top 15 Breweries in Portland (2023). ~ The Daily Meal
- Recognized across Hop Culture and Wanderlog for its creative offerings and strong neighborhood feel. ~ Hop Culture
📌 Insider Tip: Weekend evenings (especially Fridays and Saturdays) can fill up quickly—reserve a table in advance for a more relaxed visit.
How Craftwork Supports the Community
One of the best-kept secrets? Craftwork isn’t just brewing for profit — it’s brewing for purpose.
❤️ What they do locally:
- Donates 5% of profits during select months to Oregon food banks and mental health initiatives.
- Partners with local artists for label designs, rotating art walls, and popup sales.
- Hosts nonprofit nights: every month, they spotlight one local organization and donate a portion of the night’s proceeds.
- All leftover grains are donated to nearby farms for animal feed.
You’re not just buying a pint — you’re supporting a brewery that gives back.
Craftwork vs Other Local Breweries
Portland has no shortage of breweries — so what makes Craftwork the one for so many locals?
| Feature | Craftwork Brewery | Big River Brew Co. | Northwest Taproom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Cozy, artistic, intimate | Industrial, sporty | Modern, fast-paced |
| Beer Range | Balanced, creative | Bold IPAs, strong stouts | Light lagers, basic ales |
| Community Involvement | High | Moderate | Low |
| Events & Live Music | Yes (weekly) | Occasional | No |
| Avg. Review Score (2025) | ⭐ 4.8 | ⭐ 4.3 | ⭐ 4.1 |
📌 Verdict: If you want connection, creativity, and variety — Craftwork is the standout.
Complete Visitor Info & Booking Guide
Here’s everything you need to plan your visit:
🧭 Location
- Craftwork Brewery
- Harbour Street, Oamaru, New Zealand, 9400
🕒 Business Hours
- Mon–Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sun: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🌐 Website
- 🔗 www.craftworkbrewery.com
- (Book a table, see events, apply for jobs)
- hello@craftworkbrewery.com
📞 Phone
- +64 210 226 3007
📱 Social Media
- Instagram: @craftworkpdx
- Facebook: Craftwork Brewery PDX
🚗 Parking Info
- Street parking available + nearby paid lots
- Bike racks available out front
- Close to Line 12 bus stop
Working at Craftwork Brewery: Jobs & Career Paths
Craftwork isn’t just a great place to drink — it’s a fantastic place to grow your career.
💼 Positions they often hire for:
- Taproom Server
- Assistant Brewer
- Event Coordinator
- Social Media Intern
- Kitchen staff (for food pop-ups)
Perks include:
- Competitive wages + tips
- Free beer tastings
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid community volunteer hours
- Training with experienced brewers
📌 Tip: They post jobs on their website and Instagram highlights. You can also email your resume directly.
In the Press: Awards, Features & Recognition of Craftwork Brewery
Craftwork has earned praise not only from patrons but from the industry:
📰 Portland Monthly (Feb 2024)
“A rare mix of craft, comfort, and creativity.”
🏆 Oregon Beer Awards 2023
- 🥇 Best Small Brewery (Runner-Up)
- 🥇 People’s Choice Pale Ale: Pearl Street Pale
They’ve been quietly climbing the ranks — and people are noticing.
10 Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors at Craftwork Brewery
If it’s your first time at Craftwork, here’s how to make it memorable:
- Go before 6 PM on weekends for a calmer experience.
- Ask for a flight if you’re unsure which beer to try.
- Sit on the patio in the evening — magical with string lights.
- Try their barrel-aged porter if available (limited release).
- Bring cash or card — both work, but some events are cash-only.
- Check their Instagram for updated food truck lineups.
- Grab a seat at the bar for easy convo with staff.
- Come on artist market day if you like local crafts.
- Don’t skip the merch wall — artist-designed shirts & hats.
- Tip your beertender — they usually remember your name next time 😉
FAQs About Craftwork Brewery
Q1. Is Craftwork Brewery family-friendly?
Yes! While it’s focused on adult beverages, children are welcome in the earlier hours, especially on weekends. They also offer non-alcoholic options.
Q2. Do they have vegan or gluten-free beer?
They typically have at least one gluten-reduced option and sometimes a vegan-friendly saison. Check their taplist online before visiting.
Q3. Can I book a private event?
Absolutely. Their back patio and barrel room are both rentable for birthdays, parties, and even small weddings. Email them for availability.
Q4. Do they ship beer out of state?
Currently, Craftwork does not offer nationwide shipping. However, limited seasonal cans are sold through select Oregon bottle shops.
Q5. Is Craftwork dog-friendly?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome on the patio. Water bowls and free biscuits available upon request!
Final Thoughts: Why Craftwork Brewery Deserves Your Visit
Craftwork Brewery isn’t just a place to drink — it’s a place to belong.
From the first pour to the last sip, everything about this brewery feels intentional: the art, the flavors, the way staff greet you like you’ve been there a hundred times.
Whether you’re someone who knows their hops from their malt, or you’re just curious and craving a warm, genuine space — Craftwork Brewery offers a refreshing experience that blends Portland’s creative soul with a pint of heartfelt hospitality.
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