Deschutes Brewery is a pioneering craft beer producer based in Bend, Oregon, known for its innovation, sustainability leadership, and influence on the American craft beer movement. Founded in 1988 by Gary Fish, Deschutes began as a small public house in downtown Bend and has since grown into one of the top 10 craft breweries in the United States by volume, distributing nationwide and internationally.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Deschutes Brewery produces a diverse portfolio of beers and non-alcoholic brews, balancing heritage recipes with bold seasonal and limited-edition innovations. Its offerings include:
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Flagship Beers:
- Black Butte Porter: America’s best-selling porter with notes of chocolate and coffee.
- Fresh Squeezed IPA: A citrus-forward India Pale Ale with Citra and Mosaic hops.
- Obsidian Stout: A robust stout with espresso and dark chocolate tones.
- Fresh Haze IPA: Juicy and hazy IPA with tropical hop character.
- Super Stoked Golden Ale: Golden ale with a smooth malt base and lively finish.
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Non-Alcoholic Craft Brews:
- Black Butte Non-Alcoholic and Fresh Squeezed Non-Alcoholic IPA: Crafted with the same ingredients and flavor as their alcoholic counterparts using dealcoholization methods.
- Patagonia Provisions Organic Golden Brew: A collaboration with Patagonia focused on regenerative ingredients.
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Seasonal & Specialty Releases:
- Chasin' Freshies: Fresh hop IPA highlighting Pacific Northwest hops.
- Jubelale: A spiced winter ale released annually with unique artwork.
- Botanic Ale: Limited botanical-infused beers in small batches.
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Merchandise:
- Branded apparel, growlers, glassware, and accessories available online and in retail taprooms.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Deschutes Brewery differentiates itself through:
- Flavor-First Innovation: Uses hop-forward and malt-balanced techniques, often working with unique regional ingredients.
- Commitment to Sustainability: One of the first breweries to publish a public sustainability report. Powered by 100% renewable electricity at its Bend brewery.
- Quality Assurance: Operates a fully certified laboratory for in-house testing and sensory analysis.
- Legacy and Independence: Remains family- and employee-owned despite widespread consolidation in the craft beer space.
Financials and Market Performance
- Annual Production Volume: Estimated at over 275,000 barrels per year, placing Deschutes among the top 10 U.S. craft breweries by volume.
- Distribution: Available in over 32 states and select international markets, including Canada and parts of Asia.
- Taproom Revenue: Operates a flagship brewpub in Bend, Oregon, and an additional public house in Portland, Oregon. Both are major contributors to regional craft beer tourism.
- Retail Presence: Products available at major chains like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Total Wine, along with independent bottle shops and bars.
Target Market
Deschutes serves a diverse and loyal customer base that includes:
- Craft beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs
- Environmentally conscious consumers
- Millennials and Gen X drinkers seeking locally produced, small-batch beverages
- Outdoor recreationists and eco-tourism visitors to Oregon
Deschutes also supports emerging trends in health-conscious consumption with its non-alcoholic and low-ABV product lines.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Brewing Facility: 190,000+ square-foot facility in Bend, capable of large-scale production and custom small-batch brewing.
- Research & Development: In-house innovation team dedicated to pilot batches and experimental recipes.
- Sustainability Initiatives:
- Zero-waste production goal
- Water conservation programs reducing consumption per barrel brewed
- Local sourcing and regenerative agriculture partnerships
Certifications and Compliance
- Sustainable Business Oregon Certified
- Craft Brewers Association Member
- Renewable Energy Certifications
- All beers meet strict U.S. federal and state alcohol regulations and labeling compliance
Customer Testimonials
“Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte Porter has been my go-to beer for years. Smooth, balanced, and just the right amount of roast.” — Verified Customer, BeerAdvocate
“Their Fresh Squeezed IPA is hands-down one of the best hop-forward beers available nationwide.” — Craft Beer Enthusiast, Untappd
“The non-alcoholic Fresh Squeezed IPA blew my mind. Still bold and juicy, but perfect for when I’m DD.” — N/A Craft Beer Reviewer, Instagram
Achievements and Recognition
- Named one of America’s Best Breweries by Men’s Journal, Paste Magazine, and USA Today.
- Recipient of multiple Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and World Beer Cup medals.
- Featured in Forbes, CraftBeer.com, and Brewbound for sustainability leadership.
- Partnered with Patagonia Provisions to produce a regenerative grain lager supporting soil health.
Deschutes Brewery remains an icon in the craft beer industry by staying true to its roots while innovating for the future—balancing quality, creativity, and community impact in every pint.
