Klamath Basin Brewing Sold to Southern Oregon Brewery
Klamath Basin Brewing
Southern Oregon’s beer scene is thriving despite the recent closure of nearly 17-year old Klamath Basin Brewing as Medford, Oregon’s Common Block Brewing steps in to revive the brewpub. Klamath Basin was one of the recent big Oregon breweries to close, the hole it left has been felt by the local Klamath Falls community and longtime tourists visiting the nearby Crater Lake.
Common Block Brewing Company opened in Medford in 2016 and initially contract brewed their beers off-site in Grants Pass and Redding before installing their own brewhouse. Right from the beginning the family friendly restaurant was a hit, but the opportunity to grow the brand was not lost on Alex and Danielle Amarotico of Common Block Brewing Co. who cite the chance to expand production as a primary reason to jump into Klamath Basin Brewing’s former home. And adding to the long success of both new and old establishments, Common Block hopes to keep the restaurant alive by continuing the legacy of the former Crater Lake Creamery Building that was later Klamath Basin Brewing in the heart of downtown Klamath Falls.
“We love the character and challenge of historic buildings, and the bonus of contributing to a vibrant downtown,” says Alex. “This is a great community, and the large brewing space and outdoor patio are big draws for us.”
Plans for the sizable brewpub include 250 guest seats and a 15 barrel (466 gallon) brewing system, similar to operations at the Medford location. Common Block will begin renovating the 7,500 square foot building this winter, and plan to offer the same menu in Klamath Falls with wood oven-fired pizzas, beer-inspired entrees, shareable plates, and kid-friendly fare. And of course, craft beer.
In fact, there are plans in the works already for the first specialty beer brewed in honor of Klamath Falls.
“We want to highlight the creamery’s history by brewing a milk stout,” says Danielle. “Our brewer has a recipe in motion, and we really feel like it’ll be a great tribute beer to debut at both locations.”
About Common Block Brewing Co.
Common Block Brewing Company is an indoor-outdoor restaurant and brewery centered on building community, sharing ideas, engaging employees, and crafting original beer and fresh food. The family-friendly brewpub welcomes guests for lunch, dinner, dessert, pints with friends, and everything in-between.