Kobold Brewing

When Kobold Brewing first started, beers were created with a twist on local favorites. For example, pulling 60 double shots of Lone Pine espresso for the chocolate espresso stout. Then putting the same stout in an Oregon Spirits bourbon barrel – which according to Steve Anderson, founder and at the time head brewer, blended superbly. Steve really enjoyed the creativity of brewing, and the flavors of cask conditioned beer. “Finding the right balance of bitter and up front hop flavor and aroma in an IPA is a blast.” Conditioning in barrels was going to be a focus of Kobold Brewing. “After we coax the deep, rich flavors from the barrels we will move on to sours.” For Steve the science of beer was paramount but the art is where the real joy is.“ I love to create and build and beer is no different; when the result is something delicious and sometimes complex it’s tremendously satisfying.”

With the closure of North Rim Brewing in 2017 and Smith Rock Brewing shortly thereafter, there were opportunities to be had for emerging breweries like Kobold. Within 3 years, Steve went from a 2 barrel system in his converted garage, to purchasing North Rim’s 15 barrel system, setting up production where Smith Rock once brewed, and purchasing building in Redmond. Where once a bank resided, now resided The Vault, and Lawful Evil was released to the Central Oregon masses. While Steve may no longer be at the helm, you can enjoy their beers at the Vault in Redmond and in Bend, at The Lair, which opened in 2022 in the previous White Water Tap House on Bond Street.