Brewery Spotlight: Spider City Brewing in Bend, OR
This post is sponsored by Visit Bend — your go-to resource for all things Bend, Oregon.
In this Brewery Spotlight, we were lucky enough to interview the wonderful women of Spider City Brewing Co., co-owners Melanie and Tammy.
Read on to learn all about Spider City Brewing and what makes their brewery unique in the Bend, OR community.
About the Brewery
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): We are so excited to interview both of you badass brewery women! Tell us — when did you open the brewery and what's one fact most people don't know about Spider City Brewing?
Melanie (M): We opened in 2018, and most people don’t know we’re a female-owned/operated brewery with a female master brewer.
WFYB: Hell yeah! That was actually one of the reasons we wanted to visit y'all when we were in town. What is it like being a women-owned brewery in a predominantly male industry?
M:You need to work twice as hard and you need to constantly self-promote your brewery.
WFYB: We love a women-owned brewery, and while that is unique in itself, what else would you say is unique about Spider City?
Tammy (T): What makes us unique is that you’re able to drink in our production facility — and able to see our brewhouse — oftentimes when we’re brewing. You’re also able to try many other styles of beer outside of IPAs!
WFYB: We love a good variety of brews on tap, and you definitely throw down in that area!
Let's Talk Beer
WFYB: What's the most popular beer style you sell?
M: Our hazy IPAs!
WFYB: Feels like the right style for the PNW. Now, what beer are you most proud of brewing?
T: We’re proud of our Hazy IPAs, especially our Sneaky Deer DIPA and Deer Garden Hazy IPA, but we’re really proud of our Spicy Goat Pineapple Serrano IPA.
WFYB: That Serrano IPA is such a unique brew. What about the weirdest beer you've ever brewed?
M: A Cherrywood Smoked Ale!
WFYB: Such a fun combination! Okay, pivoting to our fan-favorite question: if you had to make the *perfect* mixed six-pack, what beers would you include in it?
T:
Sneaky Deer Hazy Double IPA
Deer Garden Hazy IPA
Grazing Goat IPA
Hutte Swiss German Hefeweizen
Soleil Rubis Mixed Berry Kettle Sour
Black Lava Sea Salt Baltic Porter
Note: you can view all details of Spider City's brews here.
Let's Focus on Community
WFYB: How do you contribute to your local community?
M: We support a lot of non-profit groups involving animals by doing Pint Nights (Pints for Ponies), Bingo (Furry Freight Animal Transport), and partnering on brews (C.A.M.P. Clinics) to help animals in need. We’ve also donated to the boys and girls clubs and other local organizations. We also give all of our spent grain to Lark Ranch Rescue and Rehabilitation animal sanctuary.
WFYB: So incredible! We love all of the animal support! How do you make sure your brewery is an inclusive space?
T: We ensure everyone is welcome when they walk in with a smile and a hello. We treat everyone the same and ensure that our brewery environment is accessible and welcoming to all.
WFYB: What advice would you give to any women looking to get into the craft beer scene?
M: If you’re a female in this industry, you need to stay true to yourself and trust your instinct and knowledge. Align yourself with other strong women and allies in the industry.
WFYB: Hell yeah! That's what we like to hear!
Thank you so much to Melanie and Tammy for taking the time to chat with us. We loved visiting Spider City Brewing when we were in Bend, and we highly suggest you check them out!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!