The highly anticipated Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion is officially underway, marking a monumental moment as Portland, Oregon’s acclaimed Zoiglhaus Brewing Company celebrates its 10th anniversary on November 8, 2025. This significant Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion includes the development of a new brewery and a vibrant food hall, signifying a bold new phase for a brewery deeply rooted in the Zoigl tradition beer and the broader Portland beer scene. This milestone celebrates a decade of dedication and signals a promising future for the Zoiglhaus Brewing Company, with this expansive Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion set to redefine its presence.
A Decade Rooted in Zoigl Tradition and Craft Beer Innovation
Founded in 2015 by brewmaster Alan Taylor and hospitality entrepreneur Chad Rennaker, Zoiglhaus Brewing emerged from a deep appreciation for the centuries-old Zoigl tradition of Bavaria. This historic practice, where communities share a communal brewhouse and serve beer from their homes, inspired Zoiglhaus’s ethos of togetherness and shared experience. Alan Taylor, a German-trained brewer with prior experience at Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Chad Rennaker, who had also worked on Pints Brewing and Ponderosa Brewing, established Zoiglhaus in Southeast Portland’s Lents neighborhood, contributing significantly to the local craft beer Portland landscape. The Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion builds upon this strong foundation.
Despite initial challenges in an area then known by less flattering names, Zoiglhaus persevered, evolving from a traditional German-inspired brewpub into a dynamic community hub. In 2021, influenced by the need to adapt during the pandemic and drawing from Chad Rennaker’s experience in New Mexico, the brewery transformed its space into “The Zed,” a multifaceted venue featuring a food hall, cocktail bar, and event space. This innovative approach allowed Zoiglhaus to diversify its offerings and serve a wider range of culinary and beverage preferences, enhancing the Portland beer scene and paving the way for the current Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion.
Accolades and Industry Recognition for Zoiglhaus Brewing
Throughout its ten-year journey, Zoiglhaus Brewing has garnered significant recognition for its commitment to quality and traditional brewing methods. The brewery earned a prestigious Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Gold medal in 2017 for its Zoigl-Pils, a testament to its mastery of German lagers. Further accolades have come from the Oregon Beer Awards, where Zoiglhaus has secured multiple gold medals, including recognition for Zoigl-Hell in 2021 and Zoigl-Weiss in 2024, alongside awards for their celebrated fresh hop beers. The brewery has also been acknowledged by local publications, with The Oregonian ranking it among Portland’s best breweries, further underscoring the excitement around the Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion.
Brewing for the Future: Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion and New Ventures
As Zoiglhaus Brewing celebrates its anniversary, its focus is firmly on the future. The brewery is embarking on a major Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion, including the development of a new brewery and new brewery food hall concept named Spotlight Brewing Company, located in Northeast Portland’s Hollywood neighborhood. This new venture aims to serve as a neighborhood anchor, potentially collaborating with local non-profits, representing a key part of the Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion.
Complementing this brewery expansion is a significant increase in production capacity. Zoiglhaus has acquired a new 35 bbl brew house from the defunct Fish Tale Ales, which will augment its existing 10 bbl system. This upgrade is projected to boost annual output capacity to as much as 30,000 barrels, supported by additional fermentation tanks and a new grain silo, a crucial element of the Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion. This enhanced capacity is a cornerstone of the Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion.
A Model of Support and Sustainability in Craft Beer Expansion
Zoiglhaus’s success is underpinned by a robust, two-pronged business model that embraces both in-house production and contract brewing services. The brewery has become a vital resource for emerging craft beer brands, providing production facilities and expertise that allow smaller operations to bring their beers to market without the substantial investment required for their own brewhouses. Zoiglhaus has been instrumental in launching numerous Oregon-based beer brands, solidifying its role as a supportive pillar within the state’s beer community and a vital component of the Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion.
The forthcoming anniversary celebration on November 8, 2025, at The Zed promises to be a significant event, bringing together patrons, partners, and the wider beer community to mark a decade of brewing excellence and toast to the exciting chapter ahead for Zoiglhaus Brewing, fueled by the momentum of the Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion. This considerable Zoiglhaus Brewing Expansion solidifies its standing as a leading Portland brewery.
