Microbrewer will expand to Washougal

A microbrewer located in North Portland is planning to open this summer in Washougal.

An announcement was made Saturday that Amnesia Brewing will expand to 1834 Main St., in downtown Washougal. The 5,500-square-foot site was formerly occupied by the AAA Pawn shop.

The new facility will include a tasting room, pub and brewhouse.

“The expansion will allow Amnesia to greatly increase their production capacity and expand their customer base and distribution,” said Adam Taylor, a representative with Lone Wolf Development.

Amnesia currently produces approximately 1,700 barrels of beer a year in its North Portland location. The Washougal site will produce up to 6,000 barrels in the first year of operation.

“Amnesia has plans to incorporate canning and bottling of their signature beers in the near future,” Taylor said.

Amnesia owner Kevin King said Washougal fits the personality of his company.

“The town is understated, has a great history and tremendous potential,” he said in a press release. “It’s not a flashy place, and Amnesia is not a flashy brewery.

“The first time I stood in front of the building on Main Street, I was taken back to Mississippi Street [in Portland] in 2003,” King added. “Washougal is ready for growth. We just feel lucky that we get to be in on the ground floor again.”

The future brew pub will be located next to the recently remodeled True Value Hardware store. The building is owned by Lone Wolf Development.

Taylor mentioned Washougal and its historic downtown are undergoing a renaissance.

“Lone Wolf actively recruited regional beer producers to find the right fit that would contribute further to the downtown revitalization effort that is currently underway,” he said.

Wes Hickey, owner of Lone Wolf, said he is excited to be working with King and the microbrewing company.

“Amnesia is a respected brewery in the region, with a loyal following,” Hickey said. “This is great news for Amnesia, their fans and downtown Washougal.”

An extensive renovation will take place to accommodate the brewery use. It will include the fabrication of a new 15-barrel brewing system, manufactured by MetalCraft, of Portland.

In a statement released Saturday, Washougal Mayor Sean Guard commended the city’s community development staff, as well as Paul Dennis, president and chief executive officer of the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association, and Hickey’s staff for putting together a redevelopment plan for the building.

“This is just one in a number of announcements of new and expanding businesses you will see in our end of Clark County,” Guard said. “I appreciate council’s continued support of our economic development efforts and your support of our staff and their efforts to make these developments come forward.”

Amnesia Brewing was founded in 2003 in Portland. It uses raw materials from England, Germany and Belgium, as well as locally grown Northwest hops, in its microbrews.