ColdFire Brewing is a hidden gem in Eugene, Oregon. This small craft brewery makes tasty beers inspired by European traditions and Northwest flavors.
ColdFire Brewing offers a great casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, reasonable prices, and friendly service.
The brewery has a cozy taproom where beer lovers can try their unique creations.
They serve more than just beer too. Visitors can enjoy other drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Food carts are often parked outside, offering yummy snacks to go with the brews.
ColdFire Brewing isn’t just about drinks. They host fun events like trivia nights that bring the community together.
The taproom is open most days of the week, making it easy for locals and tourists alike to stop by for a pint or two.
History of ColdFire Brewing
ColdFire Brewing began as a dream shared by brothers Dan and Stephen Hughes. The siblings had been homebrewing since 2001, honing their craft and passion for beer.
In Eugene, Oregon, the Hughes brothers launched ColdFire Brewing, bringing their vision to life. They drew inspiration from European brewing traditions while embracing Northwest ingredients and style.
The name “ColdFire” wasn’t their first choice. They originally considered “Hughes Brothers Brewing” but found the trademark was taken.
ColdFire’s approach focuses on small-batch brewing. They aim to refine their art, building on techniques passed down through generations of craftsmen.
The brewery found success quickly. They became Oregon’s third-largest self-distributing brewery, a testament to their popular brews and business savvy.
In 2025, ColdFire expanded its operations. They moved most of their brewing to a larger 20-barrel facility in nearby Junction City.
The company also grew its team, bringing on experienced brewer Dave Marliave to help craft their unique beers.
Throughout their growth, ColdFire has stayed true to their roots. They continue to blend European brewing traditions with Northwest flair, creating beers that are both familiar and innovative.
Our Beers
ColdFire Brewing offers a range of tasty beers. The brewery makes year-round favorites, seasonal treats, and special limited releases. Each beer is crafted with care using quality ingredients.
Signature Brews
ColdFire’s core lineup includes some crowd-pleasing beers. Their Italian-style pilsner won gold at the 2023 Oregon Beer Awards. It’s made with top European malts and hops.
The brewery also makes a smooth stout. This dark beer has rich coffee and chocolate notes. It’s perfect for cool Oregon evenings.
Another popular choice is their hoppy IPA. It balances pine and citrus flavors from Northwest hops. The IPA pairs well with spicy foods from food carts near the taproom.
Seasonal Selections
As the seasons change, so do ColdFire’s beer options. In summer, they brew a light and crisp wheat beer. It’s great for hot days.
Fall brings a festive pumpkin ale. It’s spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The brewers use real pumpkin in the recipe.
Winter calls for a strong barrel-aged stout. It spends time in whiskey barrels for extra flavor. This warming beer is perfect for cold nights.
Limited Editions
ColdFire likes to experiment with special small-batch beers. These unique brews don’t last long.
One recent hit was a sour beer aged with local berries. Another was a coffee stout made with beans from a nearby roaster.
The brewery sometimes collaborates with other Oregon beer makers. These team-ups result in creative one-off beers. Fans eagerly await news of the next limited release.
Brewing Process
ColdFire Brewing takes pride in its unique approach to making beer. The brewery draws inspiration from European brewing traditions while adding a Northwest twist.
The Hughes brothers, who own ColdFire, bring their background in microbiology to the brewing process. This knowledge helps them control fermentation and create diverse beer styles.
ColdFire focuses on small-batch brewing. This method allows them to pay close attention to each beer they make. They aim to refine their craft with every batch.
The brewery’s process is a blend of old and new. They respect traditional craft techniques while using modern equipment. This mix helps them create beers that are both classic and innovative.
European brewers influence ColdFire’s methods. The brewery takes its time with each beer, following a longer brewing process. While this approach takes more time, it results in high-quality beers.
ColdFire’s brewing process includes:
- Careful ingredient selection
- Precise temperature control
- Extended fermentation times
- Rigorous quality checks
Tap House Experience
ColdFire Brewing offers a welcoming tap house where visitors can enjoy fresh craft beers. The space hosts fun events and live music that bring the community together.
Events and Gatherings
ColdFire’s tap house is a popular spot for local events and gatherings. The brewery often holds special release parties for new beers. These events let guests try unique brews and meet the brewers.
Trivia nights are a big hit, drawing teams of friends to test their knowledge. The tap house also hosts food truck nights, pairing tasty bites with cold beers.
During the summer, ColdFire opens its outdoor patio. This space is perfect for enjoying a pint in the sun. The brewery sometimes holds outdoor movie screenings here too.
Live Music Nights
Live music adds energy to ColdFire’s tap house on select evenings. Local bands and solo artists perform, covering genres from folk to rock.
These shows create a lively atmosphere for sipping beers.
The tap room’s layout gives a clear view of performers. Guests can grab a seat at the bar or settle into comfy chairs near the stage. The friendly staff keeps the beers flowing during shows.
Music nights often feature special beer releases. This lets guests enjoy new brews while grooving to tunes. It’s a fun way to experience ColdFire’s craft beers and Eugene’s music scene together.
Food and Pairings
ColdFire Brewing offers tasty food options to go with their beers. Visitors can enjoy eats from local food trucks and find perfect pairings for their brews.
Local Food Trucks
ColdFire Brewing welcomes food trucks to serve hungry beer lovers.
These trucks park outside the brewery, giving guests a variety of dining choices.
The food truck lineup changes often. This keeps the menu fresh and exciting for regulars. Visitors might find tacos one day and burgers the next.
Food trucks offer quick bites that pair well with ColdFire’s beers. Many trucks create dishes that complement the brewery’s European-style beers made with Northwest ingredients.
Best Bites for Brews
ColdFire Brewing helps guests find great food and beer matches. Their staff can suggest pairings to enhance the flavors of both the food and drink.
Light beers often go well with salads or seafood. Hoppy IPAs can stand up to spicy foods or rich burgers.
Darker beers might pair nicely with grilled meats or chocolate desserts.
Some food trucks make dishes using ColdFire’s beers as ingredients. This creates a fun flavor link between the food and drinks. Visitors can try beer-battered fish or stout-infused BBQ sauce for a tasty beer-food experience.
Community and Culture
ColdFire Brewing has become a beloved spot in Eugene, Oregon. The brewery hosts fun events that bring people together. These include trivia nights, live music, and food truck festivals.
The taproom has a warm, welcoming vibe. Locals and tourists alike enjoy hanging out there. It’s a great place to meet friends or make new ones over a tasty beer.
ColdFire takes pride in supporting local causes. They often team up with charities for fundraising events. This helps them give back to the community that supports them.
The brewery’s focus on traditional craft beer sets them apart. They blend European brewing methods with Northwest flavors. This unique approach has earned them a loyal following.
ColdFire also collaborates with other local businesses. They work with nearby farms for ingredients and partner with restaurants. This helps strengthen Eugene’s small business community.
Sustainability is important to ColdFire. They use eco-friendly practices in their brewing process. This commitment to the environment resonates with many Eugene residents.
The brewery often showcases local artists. They display artwork in the taproom and on beer labels. This helps support Eugene’s creative community.
Sustainability Efforts
ColdFire Brewing takes steps to reduce its environmental impact. The Eugene brewery partners with local organizations to support conservation efforts.
They host events that raise money for environmental causes. For example, they held a pint night with seafood dishes to benefit the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition.
ColdFire uses local ingredients when possible. This supports nearby farms and cuts down on transportation.
They also try to minimize water and energy use in their brewing process.
The brewery encourages customers to bring reusable growlers for beer to-go. This reduces waste from single-use containers.
They recycle spent grain by giving it to local farmers for animal feed.
ColdFire’s commitment to traditional craft brewing methods often aligns with sustainability. These techniques can be less resource-intensive than large-scale industrial processes.
By focusing on quality over quantity, ColdFire aims to brew beer responsibly.
Their small-batch approach allows for more control over resource use and waste reduction.
Visiting the Brewery
ColdFire Brewing offers a welcoming experience for beer lovers in Eugene. Guests can enjoy tasty brews, learn about the brewing process, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
Tours and Tastings
ColdFire Brewing welcomes visitors to explore their facility and sample their beers.
Tours give guests a behind-the-scenes look at how their European-style brews are crafted.
The friendly staff guides groups through the brewing areas, explaining each step of the process.
Visitors learn about the ingredients, equipment, and techniques used to create ColdFire’s unique flavors.
After the tour, guests can enjoy a guided tasting of several beers. The knowledgeable team describes the flavors and brewing methods for each sample.
It’s a fun way to try new styles and find a new favorite brew.
What to Expect
The taproom at ColdFire has a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, creating an open feel.
Long communal tables encourage socializing with friends or meeting new people. There’s also bar seating for those who prefer to chat with the bartenders.
Guests can choose from a rotating selection of beers on tap. Flight options allow sampling of multiple brews.
The staff is happy to offer recommendations based on your taste preferences.
For entertainment, ColdFire provides board games and toys for kids. On nice days, the patio is perfect for enjoying a cold beer in the sun.
Getting Here
ColdFire Brewing is located at 263 Mill Street in Eugene, Oregon. It’s easily accessible from downtown and the University of Oregon campus.
Parking is available on nearby streets. On busy days, carpooling or rideshares are good options to avoid parking hassles.
The brewery is open daily, with extended hours on weekends.
It’s a good idea to check their website or social media for current hours before visiting.
For large groups, calling ahead is recommended. This ensures enough space and allows the staff to provide the best possible experience for everyone.
Engage With Us
ColdFire Brewing offers many ways for fans to stay connected and involved. They share updates and host fun events to bring the community together.
Social Media Channels
ColdFire Brewing has a Facebook page where beer lovers can follow along.
They post about new beers, upcoming events, and brewery news.
The Facebook page lets fans see photos of the taproom and brewing process. ColdFire shares tasting notes about their latest creations.
Followers can comment on posts and interact with other craft beer fans.
It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the brewery.
Events Calendar
ColdFire Brewing hosts many events throughout the year.
They have live music nights featuring local bands and artists.
The brewery puts on special release parties when they launch new beers. Fans can be the first to try limited edition brews.
ColdFire also takes part in local festivals and beer celebrations in Eugene. They often have booths where people can sample their beers.
The events calendar is always changing. Checking it regularly ensures beer lovers don’t miss out on the fun.
Contact Information
ColdFire Brewing is located in Eugene, Oregon. Beer lovers can find this craft brewery at 263 Mill Street.
It’s a great spot to enjoy tasty brews and a friendly atmosphere.
The brewery welcomes visitors throughout the week. Their hours vary by day:
- Monday: 2 PM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 2 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
For those looking to chat with the ColdFire team, there are a few ways to get in touch.
Give them a ring at (541) 636-3889 to ask questions or make plans.
Want to drop them a line online?
ColdFire has a general inquiry form on their website.
It’s an easy way to reach out about events, beer selections, or anything else.
Beer fans can also follow ColdFire on social media. They share updates about new brews, events, and brewery news.
It’s a fun way to stay connected with this local Eugene favorite.
