Laurelwood Brewing partners with Buoy Beer for 25th anniversary relaunch
Laurelwood Brewing, one of Oregon’s early leaders in establishing brewpubs that specifically catered toward high-quality beer and a kid-friendly family atmosphere, is turning 25. Once a staple of the Portland brewery scene with five locations including one in Battle Ground, Washington, the brand pivoted to becoming a production only beer business in 2023 after selling to Ninkasi Brewing in 2019. 7 years later, Laurelwood Brewing is independent once again and teamed up with Buoy Beer Co. in Astoria, Oregon to make some of their classic beer recipes for 16oz cans and kegs in time for their 25th anniversary in March 2026.
Laurelwood Brewing is still owned by original founders Mike De Kalb and Cathy Woo De Kalb. After selling the Laurelwood Brewing brand to Ninkasi, they retained ownership of the primary Laurelwood brewpub at 5115 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97213 and continued making smaller batch exclusive beers on-site. When that location closed in 2023, the brand lived on under Ninkasi Brewing ownership and the brewpub reopened as craft brewery aspiring Vegan-Metal bar, restaurant, and record label Black Water PDX in February 2025.
“Late 2023 and 2024 were not a good time for us personally. We had to close the pubs. Laying off people that we’d worked with and cared for. We went through three different brewing partners until we found a great partner in Buoy Beer in Astoria,” says Mike De Kalb. “During that time period we were frequently out of stock, couldn’t do any variety, it was a tough time.”
The De Kalb’s bought the Laurelwood Brewing brand back from Ninkasi and began having it brewed elsewhere. They went through three different contract brewing relationships, including the short-lived Conspirator Beverage, and recently landed on Buoy Beer Co.
“Its been a pleasure working with Buoy Beer. Their quality and attention to detail has made them one of the best breweries in the Northwest” says De Kalb. “We’ve continued to grow back our brand and standing in the retail space. You can find Laurelwood Beer in every major chain in Oregon now.”
Buoy Beer Head Brewer Matt Jones says “it’s been fun bringing back to life all these Laurelwood classics.”
For Laurelwood Brewing’s 25th anniversary this March they are releasing new beers and working on a Portland pop-up event that will bring back more beers and food from the classic brewpub.
Cold Brewed Coffee Stout, 16oz cans
Cold Brewed Coffee Stout is a collaboration with Astoria’s Columbia River Coffee Roaster, featuring a blend of Columbia, Mexico, Sumatra and Guatemala coffees. The cold brew process enhances the stouts rich roast, chocolate and coffee flavors. Smooth, dark and layered. IBU 30 ABV 6.4%
Free Range Red Ale, 12oz cans
Free Range Red is back. Our most requested classic Laurelwood Beers is back in 12oz Six Packs. Carmel malt sweetness and smooth hop flavor makes Free Range Red the quintessential Northwest Red Ale. Free Range Red delivers slightly more bitterness and hop aroma than your classic amber to balance out the strong malt backbone IBU 50 ABV 5.7%
Red Elephant India Red Ale, 16oz cans
To Celebrate Laurelwood 25th Anniversary in late March they will be releasing the first beer that Laurelwood ever canned. Red Elephant IRA. Here is an elephant of another color! We took the hop bill of our popular Green Elephant IPA and mixed it with the malt bill of our Free Range Red to make our Red Elephant. The charge of Pine, Citrus, Tropical, and Resinous Aroma Hop mix with the Carmel Malt body to create the refreshing Red IPA
All of Laurelwood beers are now being brewed at Buoy Beer using the original recipes. As part of Laurelwood Rotating 16oz cans Buoy Beer has also brewed Laurelwood Pumpkin Ale, Vinter Varmer, and Tree Hugger Porter. Watch for new 16oz cans coming later this year.