Buoy Beer Co + Pilot House Distilling opening new Taproom at former Reach Break Brewing — New School Beer + Cider (2024)

Astoria, Oregon’s small town Oregon coast charm has always went hand and hand with the amazing craft beer culture that has helped revive the area and put it on a list of global tourism destinations. It’s also not been without it’s tragedies, as the booming craft beer town suffered the loss of Buoy Beer Company’s waterfront overlooking brewpub in a pylon collapse in 2022, and the sudden closure of Reach Break Brewing in the heart of town at the beginning of 2024. But Astoria and it’s beloved beer culture is nothing if not resilient, as Buoy Beer quickly relocated both their brewing production into a new building and their restaurant into another, this summer they are set to pivot once again by reopening the Reach Break Brewing space as the official Buoy Taproom with Pilot House Distilling in tow.

After the collapse of their original location, Buoy Beer Co. re-established their public taproom a scant 2 weeks later in the mostly vacant Astoria Food Hub building. For most breweries, the disastrous accident on the waterfront would have been a death blow, but it did not take Buoy long to move all of their brewing, canning, and cellar across the street and come back to full capacity in 2023. Reach Break Brewing was a more recent and just as sudden development, when the brewery announced their closure without any earlier indications it was coming, and no chance for customers to make a final visit. In fact Reach Break had just expanded their taproom into the adjacent space with a barrel room.

“We were all sad and shocked to hear about Reach Break Brewing closing at the end of last year. Their unique brand, rooted in fish and wildlife, their work with wild beers, partnerships with distilleries like Pilot House Distilling, and their awesome downtown patio played a notable role in shaping Astoria’s presence in the Pacific Northwest beer scene,” says Buoy Beer Co.’s marketing manager Jessyka Dart-McLean.

Reach Break Brewing was the smaller but cult favorite brewery in town, a great anchor in what locals refer to as the “Fermentation District” with Bridge & Tunnel bottle shop and taproom, the new Breakside Brewery Astoria, Blaylock’s whiskey bar, Pilot House Distilling, an upcoming soda brewery, and Fort George Brewery just a couple blocks up the road. Though it didn’t have the name recognition of the former examples, Reach Break did have a real beer garden and a food truck pod that made it stand out as a casual lunch and happy hour favorite to enjoy a bite and a brew on a patio, and is sorely missed.

Images from former Reach Break Brewing taproom space

Buoy Beer’s new location will pop-up for a soft opening starting Friday August 9th, serving beer, wine, and co*cktails on weekends and expanding hours as staffing allows. The short timeline to opening is to capture a summer beer garden atmosphere while the weather is still good. But this is just phase one of a comprehensive remodel or “Buoy-ification” project that is planned for this fall/winter. The longer term vision is to relocate Pilot House Distilling’s tasting room and original distillery into “The Taproom” for a joint tasting room that will enhance the overall vibe, and blending elements of both brands. Once completed, The Taproom will be open daily, featuring a joint tasting room for both Buoy and Pilot House Distilling.

“Opening the new taproom is an important step for us,” comments Buoy Beer and Pilot House Distillng president Dave Kroening. “It’s a place where people can try what’s new from our brewers and distillers in a relaxed setting, enhanced by a great patio. Situated in an area that has become known for excellent beverages, including where Pilot House was founded in 2012, this location holds special significance. The taproom is not just about revisiting our origins but also about highlighting the ongoing evolution of our craft.”

One iconic feature of the Buoy brewpub over the waterfront that had not previously made a comeback is the 3bbl Pilot Brewhouse which was prominently on display in the original taproom. The pilot brewhouse will make a triumphant return at Buoy Beer’s new location “The Taproom” that allows the return to flexibility in small batch brews and room to expand the tap list of year-round, seasonal, and limited releases.

“We are absolutely thrilled about the expansive new outdoor space at our upcoming Taproom,” says Katie Shaw, Hospitality Director or Buoy Beer Co. And Pilot House Distilling. “The new space opens up fantastic possibilities for hosting private events and perhaps bringing back live music, something we’ve truly missed. I’m also really excited to get our pilot system up and running again, creating taproom-specific beers that our crew and regulars have sorely missed since the building collapse. The casual vibe of the space, combined with the diverse offerings from the food trucks, makes it an ideal spot to enjoy a pint or a co*cktail, whether you’re meeting one friend or gathering with a large group. It’s incredibly versatile and just what we’ve been hoping for.”

Drawing a distinction on the potentially confusing two different locations of Buoy Beer in Astoria, the current location at the Astoria Food Hub will be branded simply “The Restaurant” and the new location at Reach Break Brewing will be called “The Taproom.” Buoy’s Restaurant will continue focusing on house-made dishes like Fish N Chips made with local rockfish and the Buoy Louie salad featuring local shrimp. Meanwhile “The Taproom” is still home to some of the north coast’s best food trucks: Dee Dee Thai Fusion, Coastal Smash, Alma’s Mexican Cuisine, and Mis Panchos Mexican Grill & Seafood, will all remain on site and be the primary food options.

“There’s something special about enjoying a fresh Buoy Beer under the Astoria sun, especially in a spot that’s already known as one of the best patio locations in town. We’re looking forward to enhancing our customer experience and can’t wait for everyone to join us in this beloved setting,” adds Jessyka Dart-McLean.

Buoy Beer’s The Taproom pop-up soft opening launches this Friday 8/9, open 12-8; Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 12-6 at 1343 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103