‘Zwickelmania’ lets beer lovers tour breweries

Dozens of breweries throughout the state opened up their doors to the public Saturday for Zwickelmania. It’s a beer tour to let people get a good look behind the scenes.

At Good Life Brewing Co., dozens of people were taking the tour. The owner said several people came from out of town just to visit Central Oregon’s famous breweries.

Eleven of the region’s breweries took part in the fifth annual event, and brewers said it’s a great opportunity to show beer lovers exactly how they craft their tasty creations.

“They get hands on, one on one with the people who make the beer at every brewery in town,” said Ty Barnett, co-owner of Good Life Brewing Co. “So whether it’s us, or Boneyard or Deschutes, they’re able to talk to everyone individually, and see how we might be different from the rest of the breweries.”

People visiting Good Life Brewery Company had a chance to take a tour every 15 minutes, with free samples of beer offered along the way.

“This is what’s great,” said visitor Gayle McConnell. “We really like seeing how it all takes place, and we’re hoping to ride the (pub) cycle.”

A shuttle bus was set up to let people stop along several of our famous craft breweries.

Learn more here: http://oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania/