01/05/2024
I’m not sure how to start this post other than with tears for my good pal, Josh Allison, owner and wondrous brewer at Reach Break Brewing, Astoria. Today he informed me that he has closed his operation in Astoria. I’ve know Josh ever since he was a backwoods homebrewer out of Sweet Home, Or. when he would come into Corvallis Brewing Supply for ingredients and beer. An unfortunate on-the-job accident left him with only one boot strap to pull up, but with a passion and a desire to build an empire, he and his family switched gears, from a fisheries lifestyle, and built a great small business in Astoria and crafted beers that are unique of a stature exceeded by very few others. While small, he employed a staff, used only Oregon grown malts, hops, water, yeast, fruits and oysters and supported his communtiy. Josh held fundraisers for local charities in particular for local fisheries and fire fighters.
Several years ago I approached Josh with a brewing collaboration and he passionately jumped at the offer. Over the years we brewed multiple batches of McReas Black Pearl Oyster Stout, a delightful concoction of an Irish Dry Stout with the added bonus of savory brine and calcium-rich oysters from Netarts and Willapa Bay. While a 5-hour drive prevented me from just “bumping in for a pint” every once-in-a-while, he and his brewery have a special place in my heart and the tears I feel are of joy for the 10 years he gave it his all and I’ll miss his beers the most. Josh’s last day with employees at his pub was Dec. 31. He still has inventory to sell through and the best wish I could offer him is that folks from the Mid-valley and beyond make the trip to Astoria and help him liquidate his inventory. If you have a tap handle to spare at your pub, please think about a one last pour for Josh and Reach Break Brewing.