Is it the beer or the atmosphere that our readers like so much? There is no way for us to know the nuances about why you-all voted 10 Barrel the coveted Best Brewery award, but what we do know is that Bend is fortunate to have this relatively new addition—a brewery that distinguishes itself not by being something fancy or elegant, by being simple and low-key, a neighborhood pub that produces some of the best beers in North America (yeah! we said it!), and that appeals both to backward- baseball-hat guzzlers and beer connoisseurs alike.
The beers, like the atmosphere, can be described as approachable and fun. Wisely, 10 Barrel keeps a stable of standard beers “always on tap,” including its India Sessions Ale, a populist drink that is right for about any occasion—light enough for summer quenching and hopped-out enough to have bulk for the winter months. In addition, 10 Barrel rotates in seasonals and inspired flavors (like Rude Boy Rye). (PB)
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2013.
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