Horse Brass Pub Marks 50 Years as a Portland Beer Icon
The Horse Brass Pub, a cornerstone of Portland’s vibrant beer culture, is celebrating its golden anniversary with a week of festivities from July 10th to July 16th, 2026. Founded in 1976 by Don Younger, the pub has been an instrumental force in shaping Oregon’s craft beer landscape, serving as a vital hub for brewers, enthusiasts, and the community for half a century. The anniversary celebration at 4534 SE Belmont St. will feature a host of special events, including the unveiling of exclusive collaboration beers and cider, live musical performances, and engaging historical displays that highlight the pub’s enduring legacy.
A Legacy of Craft and Community
Since its inception, the Horse Brass Pub has been more than just a bar; it’s been a sanctuary for beer innovation and camaraderie. Long before Portland became synonymous with craft beer, Don Younger’s establishment was championing imports, cask ales, and the nascent creations of Oregon’s microbreweries. This dedication provided a crucial platform for emerging breweries, fostering a collaborative spirit that defined the region’s burgeoning beer scene. The pub’s enduring appeal lies in its authentic British pub atmosphere, complete with dark wood, darts, traditional fare like fish and chips, and an expansive selection of beers. It’s a place where generations of beer lovers, from seasoned industry veterans to newcomers, have gathered, shared stories, and forged connections.
A Week of Toasts and Tributes
The anniversary festivities officially commence on Friday, July 10th, with the highly anticipated tapping of special collaboration brews and ciders. These unique offerings are the result of partnerships with esteemed breweries and cideries, including Russian River, Double Mountain, Solera, Everybody’s Brewing, Ninkasi, Ecliptic, Gigantic, Fort George, Lompoc, Breakside, Sunriver, Bauman’s Cider, McMenamins, Widmer Brothers, Migration, and Georgetown, among others. The newly opened Pony Room will provide additional space for the expected influx of patrons on busier nights.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present
Saturday, July 11th, is particularly poignant as it would have been Don Younger’s 86th birthday. The pub will honor his memory with cake and a special toast at 5 p.m., reflecting on his profound impact on the beer world. Sunday, July 12th, features a performance by Tom May & Friends, a folk musician who has graced the Horse Brass stage since its very first year of operation. Monday, July 13th, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of punk rock with a special event featuring Renegade Leathers, Velvet Merkin, and Stumblebum. Tuesday, July 14th, will host a special night with Portland brewer John Harris, featuring bluegrass and psychedelic jam rock. The week continues with a ‘Craft Industry Night’ on Wednesday, July 15th, including DJ Ben Love of Gigantic Brewing, and concludes on Thursday, July 16th, with ongoing festivities.
The Pony Room: A New Chapter in History
The opening of the Pony Room, located in the former Belmont Station storefront, adds a new dimension to the Horse Brass experience. This space will serve not only as overflow seating during busy periods but also as a living archive, showcasing historic photos, breweriana, rare keepsakes, and other artifacts that chronicle Oregon’s beer history. The room also features its own bar and a newly completed stained-glass piece by Alan Sprints of Hair of the Dog Brewing, adding a unique artistic touch to the historical exhibits.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q1: When was the Horse Brass Pub founded?
A1: The Horse Brass Pub was founded in 1976 by Don Younger.
Q2: What is the address of the Horse Brass Pub?
A2: The Horse Brass Pub is located at 4534 SE Belmont St., Portland, Oregon, 97215.
Q3: What kind of events are happening for the 50th anniversary?
A3: The week-long celebration includes special collaboration beers and cider, live music, historical displays, a tribute to Don Younger, and a ‘Craft Industry Night.’
Q4: Who were some of the early collaborators for the anniversary beers?
A4: Collaboration beers were brewed with breweries such as Russian River, Double Mountain, Solera, Everybody’s Brewing, Ninkasi, Ecliptic, Gigantic, Fort George, Lompoc, Breakside, Sunriver, Bauman’s Cider, McMenamins, Widmer Brothers, Migration, and Georgetown.
Q5: What is the significance of the Pony Room?
A5: The Pony Room is a new addition that serves as overflow space and a historical archive, displaying photos and memorabilia related to Oregon’s beer history.
