Portland Kettle Works is one of the main local suppliers of craft and microbrewery brew tanks to breweries all over the U.S. But, unless you are a brewer or super beer aficionado, you probably aren’t familiar with the supplier. In 2015, the folks behind these stainless steel tanks opened LABrewatory. The brewery doesn’t have its own brewer, instead runs a guest brewing program where brewers can play and create with all of the freedom of having their own brewing programs, but without the expense of opening a brewery.
The roasting brews consistently taste just as good as they are clever. Take “Articles of Impeachment,” an oak barrel-aged peach sour made with 200 pounds of local fruit from Hillsboro, or “London Fog,” a classic English barleywine brewed with Earl Grey tea and honey. After trying both on a recent visit, it’s clear the playing field is set up for brewers to perform well; the London Fog, not to bitter or sweet, and Articles of Impeachment had balanced fruit and sour notes.
Located in North Portland surrounded by warehouses, the taproom itself is a museum of the Portland Kettle Works’ capabilities — think repurposed wood and different treatments of steel. Even the physical beer menu affixed to the wall is updated frequently with an artful touch. The menu built on removable chalkboard planks is chalked by a talented beertender.
When hunger strikes, adjoining Tamale Boy proves eats like tamales, of course, and a killer Munchies de Queso (melted Jack cheese, shrimp, mushrooms, and chipotle served with chips) that pairs swimmingly with beer.
Collaborations and events are abundant — from joint ventures with 350 Brewing and Collar City Players — to yoga in the brewery. If you’re down for new, innovative and lively, that is definitely Labrewatory’s M.O.
