On the road again, this time to Bandon, OR. As usual one of the first things I research is local brew pubs. There was one up the coast in Coos Bay that sounded interesting.
When you think of 7 Devils Brewing think “local”. Beginning with construction, they used local as much as possible, including artists for furniture, fixtures, and décor. Annie Pollard, co-owner with husband Carmen Matthews, designed and created the beautiful hop light fixtures, some of the bowls and salt and pepper-shakers, as well as artwork for the brewery. All their beers are brewed with100% American ingredients.
Canda and I just happened to go on the day they opened their new room. Welcoming atmosphere included an area for a band, much better than having the band set up in the actual brewery, bar area. We enjoyed a sampler of their brews and had dinner.
The name 7 Devils refers to the wild and rugged coastal range between Coos Bay and Bandon, the free and wild area Annie and Carmen call home.
Annie was kind enough give us a tour, of the small, (7 barrel), but efficient brewery. Since their goal is to serve the local community with fresh local beer, there is no plan to distribute outside the local area. We also sampled two items off their menu, the Welsh rarebit pretzel and the albacore tuna melt. All we can say is yummm! If we lived in the area, this would be one of our favorite watering holes. We recommend 7 Devils if you are in the area and we can’t wait to return for another visit. Remember, drink local!
Lighthouse Session
Lighthouse Session is light gold in color with a low hop and low-medium malt aroma. Mmmmm, that is the response my wife, Canda, had when she took her first sip. Light bodied, smooth with a hint of pepper and a pleasing mild lingering hop bitterness. A very easy drinking craft beer. You could definitely have more than one. This is a great example of a session beer.
4.2 % 21 IBU’s
Advocate Pale Ale
A dark golden color ale, with a medium citra hop aroma balanced with a touch of malt. Ohhh, the first taste was quite pleasing. Mild to moderate bodied. This ale is full of hop flavor, with citrus and fruity notes. Well balanced with a very satisfying hop bitterness which did not linger or appear astringent. A well-done, palatable pale ale.
5.4% ABV 35 IBU’s
Arago Amber
A beautiful clear amber ale, with notes of caramel, biscuit and citrus. Smooth, medium bodied and balanced to tantalize the taste buds, with a touch of malt sweetness. This amber ale was originally released as a one-off, but was so popular, 7 Devils added it to their regular production line. I can see why, it is an excellent amber ale.
5.5% ABV 28 IBU’s
Blacklock Oat Porter
This ruby highlighted porter has an enjoyable aroma of roasted malt with notes of chocolate and coffee, low to no hops. Rich and full-bodied, satiny smooth and chocolaty, it goes down easily. There is a balanced bitterness from the hops and roasted grains. Canda and I really enjoyed this stout and we’re looking forward to another pint or two.
5.4% ABV 34 IBU’s
Groundswell IPA
Full, wonderful Northwest fruity hop aroma balanced with a touch of malt. For a 70 IBU beer it is not overly bitter. The malty sweetness balances well with the lingering hop bitterness. This is a superb example of a west coast IPA. Hop head that I am, I would like another.
7.2% 70IBU’s
Coalbank Stout
This stout has a strong aroma of roasted barley, coffee and chocolate. Deep black with some ruby highlights. Full bodied with a strong flavor of roasted barley, hints of dried fruit and chocolate notes, with a pleasing dry finish. Love a good stout. This has been a recipe of Annie and Carmen’s for a long time, and is the first time they have released it to the public. Response has been great with the locals.
7.9% ABV
7 Devils Brewing Co.
247 South 2nd St.
Coos Bay, OR. 97420
(541) 808-3738
