to hold, to protect - A short
story about De garde brewing
The Oregon Coast holds a mystical allure, its rugged beauty drawing travelers into a world where time seems to stand still. Among its charming enclaves, Tillamook, OR, stands as a beacon of old-world charm.
Journeying along the meandering roads that wind through lush valleys and verdant farmlands, one feels transported to a bygone era. Each turn reveals a new tableau of pastoral beauty, with fields stretching to the horizon and forests cloaked in a tapestry of green.
As the road winds its way through the Tillamook Forest, small towns emerge like mirages on the horizon. Their quaint storefronts, frozen in time, harken back to a simpler age. Iconic corner store markets and gas stations mark the crossroads, their weathered facades a testament to the passage of time.
Venturing deeper into the countryside, the air takes on a new quality, tinged with the salty tang of the nearby ocean. It's a subtle reminder of the coast's proximity, a promise of the adventures yet to unfold.
And so, with each mile traveled, the allure of Tillamook grows stronger, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm and discover the secrets hidden within its storied landscape.
Our journey to the coast isn't solely for the breathtaking scenery or the allure of the Tillamook Dairy Factory. No, our destination holds a deeper purpose - we're here to sit down and converse with Trevor, one of the owners, founders, and brewers of De Garde Brewing.
The brewery itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its exterior boasts weather-stained wood juxtaposed with a medley of metalworks, evoking a rustic yet industrial charm. Garage doors line one side of the taproom, inviting in the gentle breeze on sunny days and extending the space to the outdoor seating area, enclosed by weathered oak barrels adorned with sporadic greenery.
Stepping inside, one is greeted by a meticulously curated space adorned with various paintings and artworks that reflect a profound appreciation for fine art and design. The bar, fashioned from old barrel staves repurposed from wine barrels, supports a speckled concrete countertop several inches thick, resting atop the horizontal staves with rustic elegance.
Much like the exterior, the interior design seamlessly melds wood, metal, and concrete, a harmonious fusion of artistic mediums that mirrors the ethos behind the beer crafted by Trevor and his team. As we prepare our recording equipment, Trevor graciously pours us a glass from the taps, the bright, summery red hue of the cherry-infused liquid dancing in the sunlight filtering through the taproom windows.
Trevor embodies a blend of passion, precision, and purpose that radiates not only in his business but also in his very being as we engage in conversation. To him, De Garde is not merely another avenue for creative expression; it's a living testament to the profound impact a craft and its history can have on one’s life.
The beers meticulously crafted by the team at De Garde are not just beverages; they embody the ethos and dedication that Trevor, his wife, and the crew infuse into every aspect of their lives. Choosing Tillamook as the home for their endeavor wasn't solely for its picturesque coastal scenery and lush forests but because its atmospheric conditions were ideal for the types of beers they envisioned creating. Through rigorous wort trials conducted across various coastal towns, Tillamook emerged as the perfect fit, conveniently located just a short drive from their residence.
Embarking on the journey of starting De Garde was no small feat, especially with their focus on wild-fermented and spontaneous beers, which offered no easy path to success. However, armed with unwavering determination, focus, and belief in their vision, De Garde became a beacon for beer enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest craving these historically unique and complex styles that were relatively scarce in Oregon.
The name De Garde, meaning "to hold", "to keep", or "to guard," encapsulates the steadfast commitment Trevor and his team has upheld for the past 11 years, tirelessly preserving the integrity of their craft and the legacy they've built.
As our conversation progressed, I couldn't help but notice the profound connection Trevor had established between himself, his craft, and his business. He possesses a deep understanding of the human experience, acknowledging the trials and triumphs that shape our lives. Having encountered numerous individuals who have been part of De Garde Brewing, I found a consistent theme: each one departed with a sense of fondness, reluctantly moving on to the next chapter of their careers. It struck me that amidst the rapid growth of the craft beer industry, we sometimes overlook the crucial role of the human component and community in sustaining our shared dreams. Trevor's philosophy at De Garde reflects this sentiment - while not everyone remains indefinitely, his aim is for each person to learn, evolve, and depart with gratitude.
Leaving the brewery behind, surrounded by carefully arranged oak barrels and amphoras, I felt rejuvenated and uplifted. It became clear that with more breweries teaching and leading in the same style as those at De Garde Brewing, our community, and industry have the potential to foster the most fulfilling working environments imaginable.
All images showcased in this article have been employed with explicit permission from Thru The Sightglass and De Garde Brewing who retain the copyrights for these images.