Experience Brujos Brewing! A Guide to Portland’s Hazy IPA Haven

1_ブリューパブ
This article can be read in about 31 minutes.
この記事を書いた人
rihobeer

I work as an IT professional, but my passion lies in the world of craft beer. I hold a Japanese Beer Judge qualification and participated as a rookie judge in the 2024 JGBA. After contributing to the beer scene in Tokyo, I relocated to Seattle, where I’ll be based until the end of 2027, immersing myself in the vibrant beer culture here.

Writing beer reviews and energizing events is my way of spreading the love for craft beer. With a mission to "make beer more accessible," I’m actively looking for opportunities to contribute to the beer industry and get involved in related projects.

While my posts are primarily in Japanese, I plan to increase content in English in the future to connect with a broader audience.

If there’s anything I can help with, please feel free to reach out! I’m open to connections via social media or email(riho.dare at gmail.com), and I look forward to collaborating with fellow beer enthusiasts around the world. Cheers!

rihobeerをフォローする

【Hazy IPA】Brujos Brewing: The Ultimate Guide to Portland’s Must-Visit Brewery

Exterior view of Brujos Brewing taproom in Portland with their logo
The rapidly growing in popularity Brujos Brewing taproom in Portland

Hello there! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. After arriving in Portland, I spent my first weekend visiting Brujos Brewing, a local hotspot known for their hazy IPAs. This brewery has been on my “must-visit” list since I planned my American craft beer tour. Having finally experienced their taproom firsthand, I’m excited to share all the details with you! In this blog post, I’ll cover Brujos Brewing’s unique characteristics, their tap list, recommended IPAs, and essential visitor information.

What you’ll learn in this article:

  • The characteristics of their juicy hazy IPAs and current tap list
  • Detailed beer reviews and flavor profiles from my personal tasting
  • Taproom atmosphere and ordering process
  • Background on brewer Sam Zermeño and his brewing philosophy
  • Practical information for planning your Portland brewery visit
Brewery NameBrujos Brewing
LocationPortland, Oregon (2377 NW Wilson St)
Specialty Beer StylesHazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Stout
Recommended BeersTripetal (DDH Hazy IPA), La Sagrada Vida (Imperial Stout)
ABV Range4.8%–13.3% (varies by style)
Business HoursThursday–Sunday 12:00–8:00 PM

Brujos Brewing Tap List

Latest tap list board at Brujos Brewing
Brujos Brewing’s latest hazy IPA tap list in Portland

Here’s the Brujos Brewing tap list from my visit. While they offer a variety of styles, their hazy IPA selection is particularly impressive.

WEST COAST IPAs & LAGERS

Beer NameStyleABV/IBUPrice
HostiaCzech Style Pilsner4.8% / 35 IBU16 oz $8
El SelloMunich Dunkel – Style Lager5% / 25 IBU16 oz $8
The Triumphal LapWest Coast Style Pilsner5.0% / 50 IBU10 oz $6 / 16 oz $8
NamstoWest Coast IPA6.5% / 60 IBU10 oz $8 / 16 oz $12
“And all through the house…”Double West Coast IPA8% / 90 IBU12 oz $8
Triple StackTriple West Coast IPA10% / 100 IBU10 oz $8

HAZY IPAs

Beer NameStyleABVHopsPrice
TripetalDDH Hazy IPA7.5%Nelson, Mosaic, Citra5 oz $4, 10 oz $6, 16 oz $8
IndomitoDDH Hazy IPA7.2%Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy5 oz $4, 10 oz $6, 16 oz $8
2.71 GigawattsTDH Hazy IPA8%Mosaic, Citra, Motueka, Nelson5 oz $4, 10 oz $6, 16 oz $8
ZDDI Lurk of the Sacred GorillaTDH Hazy Triple IPA10%Citra, Galaxy, Nelson8 oz $8

STOUTS

Beer NameStyleABVPrice
La Sagrada VidaImperial Stout10.5%10 oz $8
St. John’s ApologyImperial Stout12.5%5 oz $8
AtormentadoImperial Stout13.3%5 oz $8

【Beginner’s Guide: DDH and TDH】

DDH stands for Double Dry Hopped, a technique where brewers add twice the normal amount of hops after fermentation. TDH means Triple Dry Hopped, using even more hops. This method extracts maximum hop aroma and flavor without increasing bitterness. It’s similar to adding spices at the end of cooking curry to enhance the fragrance—the process gives beer a vibrant aroma and juicy flavor profile while keeping bitterness in check.

Beer Reviews from Brujos Brewing

Here are my reviews of the beers I sampled at Brujos Brewing‘s taproom in Portland. First up is their highly praised hazy IPA, “Tripetal.”

Tripetal – DDH Hazy IPA

Brujos Brewing's Tripetal - a golden orange-hued hazy IPA
Brujos Brewing’s Tripetal – their popular DDH Hazy IPA

Tripetal is a DDH (Double Dry Hopped) Hazy IPA featuring Nelson, Mosaic, and Citra hops, with an ABV of 7.5%. This captivating beer offers tropical, juicy aromas and complex hop flavors.

Flavor ElementIntensity (1-5)Characteristics
Bitterness3/5Mild and approachable, emerging more in the finish
Sweetness4/5Tropical fruit-like juicy sweetness
Acidity2/5Subtle citrus freshness
Body4/5Creamy, smooth mouthfeel
Aroma Intensity5/5Complex blend of passion fruit, mango, and grapefruit

With the first sip, the creamy, smooth mouthfeel characteristic of hazy IPAs gives way to juicy sweetness reminiscent of passion fruit and mango. The finish balances a light bitterness with refreshing citrus notes, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

The haziness and fruitiness are executed brilliantly. As the beer warms, the hop aromas intensify, and when swirled in the mouth, tropical fruit and grapefruit notes fill the palate. Yet it remains dry with no lingering cloying sweetness!

While the taproom offers several hazy IPAs, Tripetal stands out as the perfect balance between juiciness and drinkability. With its moderately high alcohol content, I recommend savoring it slowly to appreciate all its nuances.

La Sagrada Vida – Imperial Stout

The deep black color of La Sagrada Vida Imperial Stout
La Sagrada Vida – Deep-flavored Imperial Stout

Next, I enjoyed “La Sagrada Vida” (10.5%), an Imperial Stout. Despite its pitch-black appearance and substantial presence, it offered a surprisingly smooth drinking experience.

Flavor ElementIntensity (1-5)Characteristics
Bitterness3/5Pleasant bitterness reminiscent of coffee and dark chocolate
Sweetness4/5Rich sweetness of caramel and malt
Acidity1/5Almost imperceptible
Body5/5Extremely rich and silky mouthfeel
Aroma Intensity4/5Roasted notes, chocolate, coffee, with hints of vanilla

Upon tasting, flavors of roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate spread across the palate, followed by notes of vanilla and caramel sweetness. The remarkably smooth character belies its high alcohol content, making it a beer to be savored slowly for its complex flavor composition.

Sr. Apostata – Hazy Quadruple IPA

“Sr. Apostata – 2x Mash / 2x DH / Hazy Quadruple India Pale Ale” (12.1%), which debuted during Brujos Brewing’s anniversary, is a multifaceted beer that presents different characteristics to each drinker.

Flavor ElementIntensity (1-5)Characteristics
Bitterness4/5Robust hop bitterness that harmonizes with the high alcohol content
Sweetness3/5Cookie-like sweetness derived from malt
Acidity2/5Light acidity from citrus hops
Body5/5Smooth mouthfeel balancing oat softness with malt richness
Aroma Intensity5/5Complex aroma profile of white grape, melon, pine, and resin

The aroma initially offers subtle notes of white grape skin from the Nelson Sauvin hops, then transitions to a sunset-like melon fragrance created by the Citra and Riwaka hops. When taken in a large sip, the Rakau hop’s pine and resin aromas perfectly complement the alcoholic punch, creating a memorable experience.

This beer demonstrates Brujos’ technical prowess, being highly drinkable despite its high alcohol content. When savored slowly, delightful floral notes emerge progressively; when taken in larger sips, you experience the “dank” intensity and power—truly a multifaceted beer.

【Beginner’s Guide: Quadruple IPA】

A Quadruple IPA is an extreme variation of IPA with significantly more hops and higher alcohol content than standard versions. While regular IPAs typically range from 5-7% ABV, Quadruple IPAs often exceed 12%. They feature intense hop flavors paired with high alcohol content, sometimes exhibiting wine-like complexity. This special beer style is best enjoyed in small quantities, savored slowly to appreciate its full character.

Brujos Brewing’s Flavor Characteristics

Brujos Brewing’s beers showcase the following distinctive flavor profiles:

  • Smooth and creamy mouthfeel: Particularly in their hazy IPAs, the use of oats creates a silky texture.
  • Multi-layered aromas and flavors: By combining multiple high-quality hops, they create complex aroma profiles that overlap rather than present as single notes.
  • Perfect balance of juiciness and haziness: They maintain the juiciness characteristic of hazy IPAs while avoiding excessive sweetness.
  • Drinkable high-ABV beers: Even their higher alcohol beers maintain a smoothness that belies their strength.

The higher the ABV, the more spectacular the beer! Their high-alcohol beers are surprisingly delicious even when gulped down!

Brujos Brewing Taproom Atmosphere

One of the taproom’s highlights is enjoying your beer while viewing the brewing equipment. The open space and friendly staff make it comfortable even for first-time visitors.

Brujos Brewing's interior featuring warm wood elements and industrial design
The open, welcoming atmosphere of Brujos Brewing’s taproom interior
Silver brewing tanks visible through glass from the taproom
Brewing equipment visible from the Brujos Brewing taproom

There’s a self-service water station, and outdoor seating is available in addition to the indoor space—perfect for enjoying your beer outside on nice days.

Weekend afternoons are lively and nearly full! Outside food is welcome, so you can bring takeout from nearby restaurants or order delivery through services like Uber Eats.

How to Order at Brujos Brewing

At Brujos Brewing, you order directly at the register in the taproom. For those concerned about language barriers, here’s a step-by-step guide:

The beer names can be unique, so taking a photo of the tap list and pointing to your selection is a safe approach.

Step 1:Order with a phrase like “Can I have a pint of Tripetal?”
Step 2:When asked “Tab, Open? Close?” at checkout, choose between paying later (Open) or immediately (Close)
Step 3:Present ID (passport or driver’s license) if age verification is required
Step 4:Pay with cash, Apple Pay, or credit card
Step 5:Select tip amount on the tablet and sign
Step 6:Pick up your beer from the counter

Try asking “Can you recommend a juicy hazy IPA?” and the staff will happily suggest seasonal specialties or regular offerings. They sometimes offer small tastings if you’re undecided, so don’t hesitate to ask.

【Beginner’s Guide: Tipping】

Tipping is customary in the United States. At taprooms, you typically select an amount on a tablet screen during payment. A general guideline is 15-20% of the total, though you might consider tipping more for exceptional service or if you received complimentary tastings. Tips are an important income source for service industry workers, so it’s good practice to include them in your budget.

Brujos Brewing Overview

CompanyBrujos Brewing
Location2377 NW Wilson St, Portland, Oregon, USA
Official WebsiteOfficial Site
Social MediaInstagram, X (formerly Twitter)
Main Beer Lineup
  • Populus: DDH Hazy IPA using Nelson (Bliss Process), Mosaic, and Citra hops, 7.5% ABV
  • TDH Mulciber: Triple Dry Hopped Imperial Hazy IPA with Citra and Mosaic hops, 8% ABV
  • Hostia: Czech Pilsner, 5.1% ABV
  • El Sello: Munich Dunkel, 5% ABV
  • Cuernitos: DDH West Coast Pale Ale with Simcoe, Citra, and Mosaic hops, 5% ABV
Brewing PhilosophyCreating distinctive, flavorful craft beers using high-quality hops and innovative brewing techniques.

Location

Meet Brujos Brewing’s Brewer: Sam Zermeño

Behind every exceptional beer is a passionate brewer. An integral part of understanding Brujos Brewing’s charm is learning about founder and brewer Sam Zermeño.

Origin of the Brewery Name

The name “Brujos” is intriguing, meaning “wizards” in Spanish. It relates to Sam Zermeño’s childhood, when his family called him “brujitos” (little wizard). His Latin cultural roots are reflected in both the brewery name and beer names, with terms like “Quadruple” commonly used in Belgian styles and “aniverpario” derived from Latin expressions.

Brewing Career

Like many craft brewers, Sam Zermeño began with homebrewing. His career developed as follows:

Black Market Brewing CoStarted his professional career at this Riverside brewery
Newport BrewingEstablished his first official position as a brewer
Great NotionJoined this popular brewery (essentially headhunted) to refine his skills
Living HäusMoved to pursue more creative brewing freedom and community engagement
Brujos BrewingFounded his own brewery to further explore experimental and independent brewing

I had no idea a brewer from Great Notion had gone independent! His background at such a highly regarded Pacific Northwest brewery explains a lot about the quality.

This career trajectory shows Sam Zermeño steadily building experience while consistently seeking greater creativity and freedom. His time at acclaimed breweries like Great Notion and Living Häus directly contributes to the exceptional quality of Brujos’ beers.

Surrounding Area and Visitor Tips

Brujos Brewing is located in NW Wilson Street, a historic area of Portland also known as “Nob Hill” or the “Alphabet District.” The neighborhood features a charming mix of Victorian-era houses and modern shops and restaurants, creating a harmonious blend of quiet residential areas and trendy commercial spaces.

Recommended Nearby Spots

NameTypeDistanceFeatures
Ken’s Artisan BakeryBakery~15 min walkPortland’s premier bakery, known for excellent pain au chocolat and country bread
Powell’s BooksBookstore~10 min driveWorld’s largest independent bookstore with an extensive beer literature section
Great Notion BrewingBrewery~7 min drivePioneer brewery famous for fruity hazy IPAs and dessert-inspired stouts
Breakside BreweryBrewery~10 min driveAward-winning Portland brewery veteran
Portland Japanese GardenAttraction~15 min driveOne of North America’s most authentic Japanese gardens

Transportation and Tips

Brujos Brewing is approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown Portland, or you can take TriMet bus lines 15 or 77. Parking is limited, so public transportation is recommended, especially on weekends.

【Visitor Tips】

  • They open around noon on weekends, but arriving early is recommended due to popularity
  • Outside food is permitted, so grabbing takeout from nearby restaurants is a good option
  • Check their Instagram for release information if you want to purchase limited-edition canned beers
  • Use public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft if visiting multiple breweries to avoid drinking and driving
  • Always bring identification (passport, etc.) as the drinking age in the US is 21

Brujos Brewing 1-Year Anniversary Event Report

Beyond regular taproom visits, I also attended Brujos Brewing’s 1-year anniversary event! It was a valuable experience to participate in this milestone celebration of one of Portland’s representative craft breweries.

I went to Brujos’ anniversary event! It was an amazing festival with guest breweries like FIDENS, root+branch, and Green Cheek—such a fantastic time!

The event had a mini beer festival atmosphere, with booths from guest breweries showcasing their signature beers. The guest breweries included:

BreweryRegionCharacteristics
Root + BranchNew YorkKnown for delicate hop usage; offered a collaboration beer with Brujos
FIDENSNew YorkEast Coast NEIPA specialist; epitome of juiciness
Green CheekCaliforniaExquisite clean, balanced IPAs
VeilVirginiaImpressive diversity including experimental stouts
AnchorageAlaskaMaintained high quality despite traveling from afar
OmnipolloSwedenInternational participant; refined Nordic brewing style

This gathering of famous breweries from across the US and internationally provided a rare opportunity to sample various beers. Brujos also brewed three special limited edition beers for their anniversary, which I was able to take home as souvenirs. I’m looking forward to enjoying these at home while letting them age a bit.

Brujos Brewing Summary

In a modern space with friendly staff, you can enjoy Brujos Brewing’s diverse and distinctive beers. While hazy IPA enthusiasts will especially appreciate the offerings, there’s something for fans of various styles.

  • Highest recommendation: “Tripetal,” a hazy IPA using Nelson, Mosaic, and Citra hops
  • Brewery strengths: Using high-quality hops to build complex flavor profiles
  • Best time to visit: During can releases or special events like anniversaries
  • Places to visit in conjunction: Great Notion Brewing, Powell’s Books

With everything from juicy hazy IPAs to hop-forward limited editions, this place is a hop lover’s paradise. The area has many other breweries nearby, making it great for a beer-hopping adventure! If you’re on a Portland beer tour, definitely stop by!

Check Out More American Brewery Tours Here

USA アーカイブ - りほのクラフトビールブログ - レビュー 口コミ
「USA」の記事一覧です。

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What beers is Brujos Brewing famous for?
A: Brujos Brewing specializes in hazy IPAs, with their most popular offerings being Populus, a DDH (double dry hopped) hazy IPA, and Demonios, a high-alcohol (15%) quintuple-hopped IPA. They’re known for flavorful beers using high-quality hops like Nelson, Mosaic, and Citra.
Q: Where is Brujos Brewing located?
A: Brujos Brewing is located at 2377 NW Wilson St, Portland, Oregon, USA. Public transportation is available, and several other craft breweries are in the vicinity.
Q: Who is the founder of Brujos Brewing?
A: Sam Zermeño is Brujos Brewing’s founder and brewer. He began with homebrewing and built his career through Black Market Brewing Co, Newport Brewing, Great Notion, and Living Häus before establishing Brujos Brewing to pursue more experimental and independent brewing.

コメント

Copied title and URL