So I have to admit, I was a little disappointed to learn
Seven Brides Brewing was not named after one of my favorite musicals, Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers. However, it
still has a cute story behind the name and bless your beautiful hide, some
delicious beers to go along with the name.
(Thank you to the two of you out there who understand my movie reference.)
Seven Brides is a brewery in Silverton, Oregon, just outside of Oregon’s capital city, Salem. It celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2013. As their menu explains, Seven Brides was started in 2008 by three dads and two uncles who decided they would earn money to pay for their seven daughters’ weddings by brewing and selling beer. The first beers they brewed were named after each of the daughters. Also, they are committed to using local products, including Oregon hops, yeast from Odell, and grain from Vancouver, Washington.
We visited the brewery because they serve lunch, brew beer,
and are dog friendly. Unfortunately, on
a rainy day, their dog friendly policy isn’t really possible. While our pooches stayed in the car, we ate
lunch in this brewery’s simple dining area and sampled their brews. The brewery’s fare is nothing fancy, but
well executed, and the staff is friendly.
Seven Brides Brewing always has their signature lineup available, but
also offers special selections as well.
I ordered one of the special selections, but was given the option of
tasting it first. Thank goodness,
because it was not quite to my taste. It
was a dark beer with a strong taste of cherries, which in theory sounded good,
but wasn’t a very good lunch choice.
However, Becky’s Black Cat Porter, one of the signature brews, was
creamy, chocolaty, and delicious. Seven Brides Brewing’s other signature brews
include Franken Lou’s, a hoppy bitter IPA, Lil’s Pils, a floral pilsner,
Lauren’s Pale Ale (LPA), a hoppy ale, Emily’s Ember, a red ale, Oatmeal Ellie,
a coffee oatmeal stout, Paige’s Purple Wheat, with locally grown blueberries,
Hazelblock, a hazelnut pilsner, Abiqua Black IPA, Drunkle, and Bridezilla, an
Imperial IPA.
 |
| Becky's Black Cat Porter |
Silverton is a small town.
In fact, the city council was holding a meeting in the brewery while we
were enjoying our lunch. Salem and
neighboring Silverton are usually bypassed by travelers for Portland or the
Oregon coast, so our waitress was quite surprised we were spending part of our
vacation in the area. However, we had a
great time in Salem and Silverton, and I highly recommend taking a day or two
to visit the area, and while you’re there, visit Seven Brides Brewing and help
these men fund seven weddings!
Seven Brides Brewing is located
at 990 North 1st Street, Silverton, Oregon, and is open Wednesday through
Sunday.
