Situated along the Columbia River farmland at the tip-top of Oregon, Ordnance Brewing is proudly farmer-owned. Its location speaks volumes to the Boardman-based brewery’s ethic: to create adventurous, innovative beers that honor its connection to the state’s land and history. It’s only natural that Ordnance sources many of its ingredients from local and partner-operated farms, including honey for one of its spring 2017 releases, The Keep honey golden ale. As a longtime Oregon craft beer enthusiast and the fearless leader of the Ordnance Brewing marketing team, Dewey Weddington is responsible for spreading the good word.
“I believe beer should first be interesting,” Weddington says. “It needs to spark my palate’s curiosity with layers of flavor and complex character. This is what attracted me to Ordnance Brewing.”
One of Ordnance’s latest ventures into curiosity-fueled flavor fantasy is its Brewvine project, a close collaboration with local winemakers. Brewer Logan Mayfield and team went straight to the source and handpicked barrels that would impart complementary notes on each brew. The first entry is an Oat Brown Ale aged in Oregon Pinot Noir barrels from Jesus Guillen, notable Dundee, Oregon, winemaker.
“Our brewer is a Libation Engineer — actual title,” Weddington says. “He is a magician at bringing flavors together to create something intriguing and delicious like he has done with Brewvine.”
We spoke to Weddington and gleaned some insider info about favorite Ordnance brews, single malt scotch and which Ordnance beer pairs best with some U2.
1) Which of your own current offerings are you digging the most?
My everyday go-to is RX Pale Ale. Citra and Mosaic hops light up my nose, but the bitterness is light and clean, allowing the rye spice to add complexity. It’s intriguing and refreshing.
2) Any brewing pipe dreams you’re dying to make a reality?
As a company, we simply want to make honest, enjoyable beers. Our pipe dream would be to source every ingredient from our owners’ fields, and one day we may be able to. For now, we grow our own blueberries for our Bloops blueberry wheat and source hops from one partner and nearby cousins in the Willamette Valley. One step at a time.
3) What non-beer beverage is in your glass most these days? What is your favorite way to enjoy it and where?
I’m a Speyside single malt guy. Glenrothes, Macallan, maybe Aberlour in a proper glass with just one ice cube. This is best enjoyed at home with our kölsch as a back, my feet up and the day done. Or, standing waist-deep in the Deschutes with my fly rod in hand. Maybe no ice if I’m in the river.
4) Favorite song, album or artist to jam out to while throwing a few down the hatch?
This is easy: U2’s “Joshua Tree.” I’ve been listening to this since I downed my first craft pint in the mid-80s. Narrowing to one song, I’d turn up “Bad” and have our Whiskey Craig in my glass. It’s complex and relaxing. They go perfect together.
