Hopworks Brewery, often known simply as HUB, is a Portland original that has helped define what sustainable, community-driven craft beer can look like in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2008 by Christian Ettinger, a former brewmaster at Goose Island and a lifelong cyclist, Hopworks was built at the intersection of organic brewing, environmental responsibility, and bike culture. From the start, the brewery set out to prove that great beer and deep sustainability are not mutually exclusive, but fundamentally connected.
Hopworks made history as one of the first breweries in the world to be certified organic, brewing exclusively with organic malts, hops, and ingredients whenever possible. That commitment extends well beyond the brewhouse. HUB became the world’s first Salmon-Safe certified brewery, reflecting a holistic approach to protecting waterways and ecosystems throughout its supply chain. The brewery also operates as a Certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards for environmental stewardship, transparency, and social responsibility.
Sustainability is baked into every aspect of Hopworks’ operations. Their facilities have incorporated solar power, CO₂ recapture systems, high-efficiency brewing equipment, water conservation programs, and aggressive waste diversion practices. HUB’s beer delivery fleet famously includes pedal-powered bikes, reinforcing the brand’s belief that beer, transportation, and environmental impact are all connected. Even their pubs are designed with sustainability in mind, often featuring reclaimed materials and bike-friendly layouts.
In the glass, Hopworks is known for brewing clean, balanced, highly drinkable beers that showcase organic ingredients without sacrificing flavor or creativity. Their portfolio spans approachable session beers, classic Northwest IPAs, crisp lagers, robust stouts, and experimental seasonal releases. While innovation is always present, HUB’s beers tend to emphasize balance and refreshment, beers made to accompany movement, conversation, and everyday adventures rather than overwhelm the palate.
Community involvement has always been central to Hopworks’ identity. The brewery has long supported local nonprofits, cycling advocacy groups, environmental organizations, and food justice initiatives. Their pubs function as neighborhood hubs, welcoming spaces where cyclists, families, and beer lovers gather around shared values as much as shared pints. The brewery’s culture emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and using business as a force for good.
Hopworks Brewery stands as a pioneering force in American craft beer, showing that values-driven brewing can thrive at scale without compromise. Rooted in Portland, fueled by organic agriculture, and propelled by a love of bikes and the outdoors, HUB continues to brew beer with purpose, proving that sustainability isn’t a trend, but a long-term commitment that makes the beer, and the community around it, stronger.
