Another night in Portland meant another brewery to explore, and this trip brought me to Ancestry Brewing, a relative newcomer to the craft beer scene here but one I have been eager to visit. Founded in 2016, they have rapidly expanded to three tap rooms along with an impressive array of distribution around the state. Owned and operated by a father and son team, the vaguely nautical theme to their breweries comes from the naval career of one of the founders while the name itself relates to the family ties of the business. So, grab a pint, sit back, and join this land lubber on a beer themed adventured cruise through yet another PDX great.
- Beer – Unsurprisingly in the Pacific Northwest, hop heavy beers dominate the tap list. Nearly half of the beers on tap at my visit ventured into the hop heavy domain, but I appreciated that each one had a different take on what an IPA or pale should be. A few lighter options such as a cream ale are available, as well as dark and deep options like a porter, stout, or even a Tripel. The beers are solid, with a better than average nuance and depth to the flavors, a testament to the skill and passion of the brewers. Score: 4/5
- Brewery – While Ancestry has three locations around Portland, my trip was to their Sellwood location in southeast Portland. The taproom is a cozy meets industrial styling little room tucked in among other first floor businesses in what is predominately a residential area. With about a dozen tables and high tops scattered around a small bar in the center combined with a few sidewalk tables outside, there is a surprising amount of room in what at first glance looks to be a snug storefront. Along with beer they have a full food menu comprised mostly of high-end pub food that was quite delicious with enormous portions. The prices are reasonable, and they are open every day of the week, though hours do vary by location so be sure to check their website. Score: 3/5
- Ambiance and Entertainment – While the entertainment at the location I visited is limited mostly to the televisions scattered around the tap room and whatever sporting events were on, their main facility across town hosts plenty. From yoga + beer to Oktoberfest and other celebratory gatherings, there is usually plenty to do at one of their locations. They even host radio shows from the tap room from time to time, complete with raffles and trip giveaways. Score: 3.5/5
- Location – The Sellwood location is easy to find with plenty of parking on the street and the surrounding neighborhoods. Should your day take you beyond the walls of the brewery, there are plenty of shops and other food/drink establishments close by. A few blocks away is a wonderful bike path that leads into Portland proper while hugging the Willamette river and passing through some nice city parks and wildlife refuges, perfect for working up a thirst and appetite before stopping in! Score: 4.5/5
- Customer Service – I felt well looked after at my visit to Ancestry. My order was taken at the bar, though I did see the server come out to a few other tables to take orders. Everything was delivered to my table quickly, and throughout I was checked in on to see if I needed refills or condiments for my delicious and filling meal. All around it was a great experience here. Score: 4/5
Total Score: 19/25
Favorite Beer: Hazy Pale – 5.5% Pale Ale
Final Thoughts: A pleasant combination of beer, food, and customer service make Ancestry worth a visit when in the Portland area. I think you will be satisfied no matter which location you choose, and I am looking forward to stopping in at the other spots next time I am in town.
Brews Alert 