Public Coast Brewing – Cannon Beach, Oregon

Earlier this spring, a college buddy of mine, Lauren, came to visit from the East Coast. Like any good Oregon tour guide. We spent a drizzly day on the Oregon Coast, looking at Haystack Rock and wondering if it was rain or sea mist getting us damp. (I think it’s a combination of both). We stopped for lunch at Public Coast Brewing, a new addition to Cannon Beach and a brewery I’ve been wanting to check out for some time now. As an extra treat, we got a tour and samples from headbrewer, Will Leroux.

He’s a: Woodworker. Forager. Farmer. Beekeeper. Bearded (of course.) Trained as a chef, Will was eager to try out his home-brewing skills on a larger canvas. Ryan (Public Coast’s owner) and Will hatched a plan to bring Ryan’s vision for his own brewery to life. Will’s talent with flavors was a huge bonus: together, they could brew beers that were seasonal, original, classic or a little bit twisted.

About Public Coast Brewing Company:

Public Coast Brewing is a 10bbl Brewhouse with one 20-barrel fermenter and two 10-barrel fermenters. They serve from two 20 barrel bright tanks and three 10-barrel brights.

As one of the only true public coastlines in America, the Oregon coast is free and open to everyone, all 363 miles of it. Public Coast brewing honors that same welcoming spirit by making craft beer that’s both delicious and approachable.

At Public Coast, everyone is welcome: families, kids, dogs, and beer lovers of all stripes. Kick back on their patio, grab a stool at the wrap-around bar, or watch the beer being made through the giant windows.

Their giant mural was designed and painted by Portland-area artist Zach Yarrington. Zach drew his inspiration from our high and low tide inspired logo, and Public Coast Brewing’s motto, “Beaches forever. Beer for everyone.”

Here is what we tried:

N.W. Red – 5.1% ABV 39.8 IBU – An easy-drinking pint that balances toffee and caramel sweetness with a roasted dry finish.
Oswald IPA – 7.6% ABV 74 IBU – A “beast” of an IPA! This is what the hop heads are after. Huge floral, citrus, earthy nose and flavor.
Black Stack Stout – 5.8% ABV 40.4 IBU – Public Coast’s version is full of chocolate and coffee notes. Smooth and a bit drier but creamy, on nitro.
People’s Pale – 5.7% ABV 37.7 IBU – Got Amarillo hops for this pale party.
’67 Blonde Ale – 5.0% ABV 19.1 IBU- An easy drinker “gateway beer” (considered a golden ale in some circles). Clean, crisp and light.
Uncle Fred Heff Weisse – 5.6% ABV 13.6 IBU – Public Coast’s German wheat is named after brew master Fred Bowman. An easy drinker, carbonated and refreshing, with banana and cloves. This legit smelled like banana bread – minus the chocolate chips!
Weizenbock – 8.4% ABV 20 IBU – Mmmm…is that banana bread I smell? Nope, it’s Public Coast’s spicy, warm-from-the-extra-alcohol, malty-licious Weizenbock.
Imperial IPA – 8.8% ABV 86 IBU – An Imperial IPA is a fitting tribute, possessing a commanding quality, dry hopped with Lemon drop, Simcoe and Jarryllo Hops.
Boysenberry – This was a test beer. Wicked good!
Tangerine IPA – 5.95% ABV 47 IBU – A bitter, moderately strong American pale ale that uses its clean, supporting malt to showcase its hop character. I really liked this – even for an IPA.
American Brown Ale – 5.3% ABV 27.6 IBU – A classic American Brown Ale with a touch of hop bitterness and a nutty flavor from the roasted malts. Creamy, smooth and refreshing.