During the slow winter months many breweries are struggling, while some continue to push the keg up the hill, others are choosing to hunker down, conserve resources, and enter a hibernation phase. Hammer & Stitch Brewing opened in October of 2020 after over a year of delays and coupled with the lack of workers returning to the office in their primarily industrial stretch of northwest Portland has contributed to their difficult decision to undergo a self-imposed “freeze” on the brewpub after this Saturday’s Makers Fair.

A rumor began circulating on reddit forums on Wednesday, December 7th that Hammer & Stitch Brewing was permanently closing. The rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated, even if a kernel of it was true.

Hammer & Stitch was one of our most anticipated new Oregon breweries for two years running as construction and permitting delays led to a very long lead time to open. Founded by respected veteran brewmaster Ben Dobler, who was the face of Widmer Brothers innovation brewing team for over a decade in their heyday, Hammer & Stitch’s team includes Laurelwood Brewing and Von Ebert alumni Cameron Murphy in the head brewer role. From day one, H & S staked a claim to sessionable, clear, and classic ales and lagers with simple naming structures like “The Pale” and “The Stout” while playing around with one-offs and seasonals with more fanciful names.

The taproom will temporarily close after this week, but still plans to host their ongoing Makers Fair from 12-6pm with ASSEMBLAGE this Saturday, December 10th on their final day open. The Makers Fair returns as several, small-scale Holiday Markets held inside Hammer & Stitch Brewing Company at 2377 NW Wilson St. in Slabtown. All ages are invited to shop these unique markets and enjoy an afternoon of community togetherness. Plan to drink & dine as well. Hammer & Stitch offers a full menu of upscale pub fare and tasty snacks, in addition to house-crafted beers and other beverage options. 

They will also again host the Makers Fair on December 17th, though the pub will not be open.

“Our founders created Hammer & Stitch Brewing Company to celebrate the makers that meant the most to them; their mother and father. This partnership with Assemblage highlights the importance of the maker spirit that runs throughout Portland and we are so proud to host these collaborative markets that celebrate our creative community,” says H & S interim GM Nicole Anderson.

Hammer & Stitch Brewing Co is located just on the edge of Nob Hill / Vaughn in Slabtown 2377 NW Wilson Street, Portland, OR 97210 | 971-254-8982. Free parking can be found on NW Wilson Street and along neighboring streets.

BUY THEIR BEER! H & S IS DISTRIBUTING THROUGHOUT THE WINTER