de Garde Brewing — Attraction in Tillamook

Situated in an industrial park in the shadow of the looming former blimp hangar which constitutes most of the Tillamook Air Museum, DeGarde Brewing offers a minimum of anything like "atmosphere," but more than makes up for it with superb farmhouse-style Belgian ales crafted with wild yeast. On my recent visit, they were offering 5 different ales on tap, with a preponderance of 5% ABV strengths. I had limited time, so only tried two of them (numbered IV and V, Roman Style). Both were crisply superb, and quite different from each other. Staff folks are cheerful and really excited to tell you about their work and answer any questions about the making of their singular products. They have a pretty diverse bottle selection, both from their efforts and a few "guest" offerings. Both draft and bottles were very reasonably priced, given the unique, high-quality products you'll be enjoying. Perhaps you are like me in that you have been enjoying Northwestern (USA) English style-derived hoppy IPA's or Ambers or even the occasional Porter or Stout for awhile, and don't quite know what to make of the "sour" beers yet. Before you decide, if you are ANYWHERE near Tillamook, visit DeGarde Brewing! (Check their narrow but growing tasting room hours...

De Garde is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into something rare — like a quiet little temple of fermentation tucked into coastal Oregon. No signage screaming at you, no pretension, just a deep sense that something special is happening behind those barrels and bottles.

I had The Purple, and it stopped me in my tracks. It’s the kind of beer that makes you think harder about fruit, about acidity, about what “sour” can really be when it’s done with patience and purpose. Fancy, yes, but not in a way that tries too hard. Saissany, if that’s a word. (If it’s not, it should be. This beer earns its own vocabulary.)

The whole vibe is chill but focused. You’re not here to slam pints. You’re here to taste, to pause, to recalibrate your palate. And honestly, it delivers. Every detail, from the glassware to the aging process, feels considered. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, come here...

Went here about a week and half ago with a good friend of mine who is also a big beer guy. I did not really know what to expect. Living in Austin, I have been a big fan of Jester King, and the principles they operate by. De Garde is similar in that regard. Seems like they pretty much make what they like, and do a fair amount of experimentation. The beer is incredible, and very reasonably priced for what they are making. Did not taste anything they made that was not great. The staff is very friendly and enjoys talking to all of their patrons. Definitely a pilgrimage to take for anybody that enjoys sours or really beer in general. Will be back at some...