It’s that time of year when we are perhaps a little more reflective about what we are thankful for in this wildly beautiful life. Here, in Central Oregon, I think that we are generally pretty grateful for such an exciting and generous craft beer scene. This year we asked folks from different breweries: Why are you thankful for craft beer and what has it taught you about life? Here are their answers. You may notice a few common threads weaving through us all.
Tony Lawrence, Founder/Brewmaster, Boneyard Beer
Craft beer has shaped my life. Thirty-six years ago, we found each other here in Bend at Deschutes Brewery. Every single year since then has been a joy. I’m thankful for the endless journeys around the world, the lifelong friendships forged along the way, and the shared love of beer that has always been the common denominator.
It has taught me to stay curious and question what we think we understand. I’ve always
approached beer and brewing as a blend of science and art, a balance of craftsmanship and
creativity. Those same checks and balances now influence almost everything I do, but it all
began in the brewery.
Valarie Doss, Co-owner Bevel Craft Brewing
I’m thankful for craft beer because it’s been our vessel for creativity, resilience, and connection. Opening our brewery on a dime and pushing through a pandemic taught us that passion and persistence can turn challenges into growth. Most of all, craft beer has shown us the power of community. The support, love, and shared pints remind us daily why we started and why we keep going.
Brett Thomas, Director of Brewing Operations, Sunriver Brewing Company
Craft beer has this uncanny ability to bring people of varying backgrounds together. It’s not just some liquid in a glass or can – it’s history, culture, and community. That beer is a physical manifestation of someone’s work ethic, their passion, their creativity.
Speaking more to the production of craft beer than craft beer itself, I can safely say I’ve learned there is immense value in doing things the right way solely for the sake of doing things the right way. Don’t cut corners.
Brian Mitchell, General Manager, Wild Ride Brewing
Wild Ride Brewing has received so much support from our local communities in Redmond, Prineville, and Central Oregon as a whole, and it’s been a privilege to see our communities come together through craft beer. It’s certainly taught us that there is nothing more important than building a team, as it’s their efforts, passion, and commitment that bring people together in support of our breweries and tap rooms. We couldn’t do it without an amazing team and supportive communities.
Ryan McVay, Pub Brewer, Three Creeks Brew Pub
Craft beer has always been an adventure, challenge, and reward all in one. By its nature Craft rewards those who dare to make things better than they were. I can’t stress how valuable I think that anti-apathetic mindset is. These days I appreciate the authenticity of craft beer and its human element in an increasingly digitized world. I’ve also grown to appreciate craft beers capacity as a bridge to connect with others, slow down, and enjoy simple moments.
Melanie Betti, Owner/Master Brewer, Spider City Brewing Co.
We are thankful for craft beer because it has allowed for us to share our travels around the world tasting beer and bringing those experiences related to beer back to our customers and local community!
You can find beer in every country and pretty much every continent showcasing unique flavors, styles, and types. If you love to travel as we do, and are open to tasting different kinds of beer and styles you will be thankful for this experience!
Chris Brumley, Brewmaster, Initiative Brewing
I’m thankful for craft beer because it brings people together. It’s more than what’s in the glass — it’s the community around it. I’m grateful for the local support that keeps our doors open, our taps flowing, and our team inspired. Every pint shared reminds me that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves — neighbors, friends, and regulars who make this all possible. Thank you for being the heart of our craft.
Dana Henion, Founder/Brewer,Van Henion Brewing
I am thankful for craft beer because it has given me community and a purpose. It has taught me to be strong, hardworking and to have a tolerance for the uncomfortable. I am thankful to have met my husband, and to have made lasting friendships. The brewing community is passionate about craftsmanship, comradery and enjoying life, everything I’m grateful to be a part of.
Avara Roberts, Owner, The Cellar – A Porter Brewing Company
I’ve learned a lot standing both behind the bar and behind the brand at The Cellar—how a pint can turn strangers into friends, how patience makes things better, and how pride lives in the small details. Craft beer has taught me that good things take time, that community is brewed slowly, and that life — like a proper cask ale — is best enjoyed in good company.
This article appears in the Source November 20, 2025.
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