Bend’s Old Mill hosts ‘Fermentation Celebration’

The Old Mill offered guests a taste of some of Central Oregon’s most popular brews Thursday evening.

The fifth annual Fermentation Celebration included some of the best beer, cider and kombucha in the region.

“We like to highlight Central Oregon’s breweries, because they do so much for our economy, so much to add to the tourism of Bend,” said event Coordinator Chelsea Woodmansee.

The one-day festival served up only local libations, and also offered food and live music.

Woodmansee said the event is always evolving.

“We saw a lot of breweries bringing different beers this year,” she said. “People are kind of stepping away from those IPAs, which tend to dominate events. I saw a lot of people bringing Pilsners or experimental beers. We even have a hard kombucha from Bucha Buena, which is really cool.”

Entry was free, but participation cost $20, which included a 5.5 ounce Silipint or glass and nine drink tickets. The crowd could then choose from over 30 different taps.

“I like the Shade Tree IPA probably best, I mean that’s something I’d buy,” said local attendee Mark Johnson.

Woodmansee said the event has been steadily growing, and now a lot of the breweries and cideries make something special just for the celebration.