It’s not hyperbole that winning the “Best Brewer” category — in beer-crazed Bend — might be one of the most illustrious “Best Of” categories there is. But tell that to now-five-time-winner Nate Doss, the co-owner and head brewer at Bevel Craft Brewing, and, humble guy he is, he’ll turn the conversation right back to the community — and, in particular, locals.
“We wanted to open on the east side for Bend people,” Doss said, adding that while he appreciates visiting beer fans, he wanted his seven-barrel brewery and taproom to have a hometown feel.
Beyond calibrating atmospherics, Doss handles the brewing.
“It’s my job to make sure beer goes from grain to glass,” Doss said.
This summer, folks have been lapping up his light beers, such as the German-style Helles beer, along with several Hazy IPAs, a West Coast IPA called Evil Genius and a prickly pear, dry-hopped kettle sour beer called Courtesy Violation — a reference to the Doss’s love of disc golf.
Doss, along with co-owners Valerie Doss (also his wife) and Justin Celmer, meant to cater to a locals-heavy crowd when they settled on Ninth Street Village for their brewery and taproom. Walking the walk, the Bevel crew turned their Tuesday Locals Day — $4 pints all day! — into an institution, winning “Best Locals’ Hangout” two years in a row. This year, Bevel snagged second place for “Locals’ Hangout,” along with second place for “Best Trivia Night,” for which Celmer goes the extra mile researching questions and donning costumes for any given theme, Doss said. Bevel fans will rejoice Aug. 23, when the brewery hosts Pursuit of Hoppiness, a four-hour festival showcasing 12 hop-forward beers from around the West Coast. Doss is crafting a special hazy IPA for the occasion.
“We come to work each day to be a part of our community and be a place where Bendites can come have a good time, whether it’s watching live music, playing trivia or just catching up with friends,” Doss said. “We love our business, we love our community. And it’s always fun on Tuesdays.”
Runner up: Bryan Pyka — Terranaut Beer
Bevel Craft Brewing
Mon-Sat Noon-9pm; Sun Noon-8pm
1234 911 SE Armour Rd., Bend
bevelbeer.com
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2025 and the Source August 21, 2025.
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