Beyond the IPA: Oregon’s Most Underrated Beer Styles (And Where to Find Them)

Oregon is known for its vibrant beer culture, and Falling Sky Brewing stands out for crafting unique, flavorful brews that celebrate tradition while adding a creative twist. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your journey through the world of Oregon beer, Falling Sky offers some truly one-of-a-kind styles worth seeking out. Below, we dive into their most memorable pours—each packed with character and crafted with care. This is one Oregon beer list you’ll want to keep handy.

Why Oregon Beer Brewing Is One of a Kind (And How Falling Sky Does It Better)

Oregon isn’t just one of the top beer-producing states in the U.S.—it’s one of the most creative and community-rooted. From hop-heavy IPAs in Portland to wild-fermented ales in the Willamette Valley, Oregon beer is built on experimentation, independence, and a deep respect for tradition. Falling Sky Brewing in Eugene embodies that spirit—while pushing it into bold, often unexpected, directions.

So, what sets Oregon beer apart?

It starts with access to ingredients. Oregon is home to the Willamette Valley, one of the world’s premier hop-growing regions. Local hops mean fresh, flavorful beer—and a playground for brewers who want to highlight citrus, pine, dank, or tropical notes. Falling Sky takes full advantage of that, but doesn’t stop there. Their lineup moves well beyond hop-forward brews and into lesser-known styles, something rare in the broader Oregon beer scene.

Take Mango Lime Gose, for example—a tart, tangy, and sweet wheat beer rooted in German tradition. It’s not a flashy IPA, but it’s daring, refreshing, and complex. That kind of beer doesn’t happen by accident. It happens in a place like Oregon, where breweries are encouraged to be weird, nostalgic, and innovative all at once.

Same goes for their Upside Brown, a rich, malty dark ale that might be overlooked in a state so obsessed with hops. But here’s the thing—Oregon drinkers are smart. They’re curious. They know what they like, but they’re always down to try something new, especially if it’s done well. Falling Sky doesn’t chase beer trends. We lean into the craft.

That’s the other thing: Oregon beer isn’t just about the product—it’s about the community. Many Oregon breweries are community hubs, and Falling Sky’s location in Eugene is no exception. It’s dog-friendly, student-friendly, event-friendly, and proudly unpretentious. Whether you’re crushing a flight on the patio or grabbing a pack to-go, the vibe is equal parts backyard hangout and beer geek haven.

The localism also extends to sustainability and sourcing. Falling Sky emphasizes ingredients that support local ecosystems and producers. That sense of responsibility and intentionality is baked into the Oregon craft beer identity—and it shows up in every pint.

Lastly, Oregon beer culture encourages small-batch, one-off experimentation. That’s why you’ll see Falling Sky pulling off a Schwarzbier one month and a Roasted Chocolate Porter the next. These aren’t beers brewed for mass appeal. They’re brewed for flavor, for story, for people who care about beer.

So yes—Oregon beer is special. But Falling Sky? We take that uniqueness and turn it up a notch.

Because while other breweries might go big, Falling Sky goes deep—into tradition, into flavor, and into the kinds of styles that make beer worth talking about.

Introducing the Lineup

With flavors that stretch from boldly hoppy IPAs to well-balanced ales and roasty lagers, we crafts beers that are as diverse and vibrant as Oregon itself. Falling Sky, at our core, is about celebrating community, curiosity, and creativity—all poured into every pint, beers and brews, and trivia. Our beer list isn’t just a collection of styles; it’s a flavorful expression of what makes Oregon beer culture so exciting.

Each brew is made with purpose and personality, blending traditional brewing methods with unexpected ingredients and twists. Whether you’re sipping something salty, dark, or delightfully sour, there’s a sense of craft and care behind every pour. So whether you're building your Oregon beer list or searching for a new go-to, Falling Sky has something unique to offer.

From small-batch seasonal releases to classics that locals swear by, here’s a deep dive into the must-try craft beers that truly showcase what Falling Sky—and Oregon beer—are all about.

1. Bare Hands (English Bitter)

This classic session bitter blends toasted malt and subtle caramel with earthy Northwest hops. At around 4.6% ABV, it’s crisp, balanced, and endlessly drinkable. If you want to taste heritage in a pint, start here—especially during pub trivia or Pint Night.

Style: English Bitter • ABV ~4.6% • IBU ~47

2. Space Is The Place (Schwarzbier)

This dark lager feels velvety and smooth yet finishes surprisingly light—a stealth bomber of craft beer. Flavors of chocolate, subtle roast, and balanced hops make this one of the most elegant beers on any Oregon beer list.Style: Schwarzbier • ABV ~6.0% • IBU ~23

3. Cloud Break Munich Helles

A twist on the traditional German Helles, this unfiltered lager delivers soft malt character and spicy floral notes from Czech Saaz hops. Bright, approachable, and perfect for patio sipping. Style: Munich Helles • ABV ~5% • IBU ~35

4. Rain Gauge (American IPA)

Not your typical IPA—Rain Gauge bursts with tropical aromas and melons from hops like Comet and Citra. It’s bold but balanced, a staple that feels distinctly Falling Sky in flavor. Style: American IPA • ABV ~6.7% • IBU ~50

5. Drizzle Dunkle (Munich Dunkel)

Rich with malt complexity, this lager balances toffee, bread crust, and mild nuttiness with a crisp, refreshing finish. A classic German-style body without heaviness—ideal for layering against seasonal comfort food. Style: Munich Dunkel • ABV ~5% • IBU ~22

6. Upside Brown Ale (Brown Ale)

A crowd pleaser, this Northern English–style brown combines toasted malt, chocolate aroma, and subtle nutty finish. It’s complex yet easy—one of the best examples of balanced malt-forward ale you’ll find across Oregon craft beers. Style: American Brown Ale • ABV ~5.4% • IBU ~22

7. Stormwalker Irish Red Ale

Sourced with Irish malt, this red ale delivers smooth caramel flavor and gentle hop bitterness. It's consistently available, approachable, and a reliable favorite among locals. Style: Irish Red Ale • ABV ~5% • IBU ~25

Why These Styles Matter in Oregon Beer Culture

Falling Sky chooses styles less seen in hop‑obsessed circles. These beers reflect broader Oregon beer diversity—offering drinkers a palate-expanding experience beyond hazy IPAs and barrel-aged imperials. They honor tradition while delivering freshness, balance, and accessibility.

How to Explore Our Craft

Order a flight—Falling Sky offers 4-beer flights so you can taste across styles. It’s the ideal way to sample some of the more adventurous beers on our list, from tart Goses to rich Dunkels. Flights give you the full experience, letting you compare flavors side by side and discover new favorites you may not have picked on their own.

Ask about daily pours or staff recommendations—many rotate seasonally. Our bartenders are deeply familiar with the entire Oregon beer list and love helping guests find the perfect pour. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or experimental, they’ll point you toward what’s drinking best right now.

Look for availability to-go: cans and growler fills are often on offer, perfect for sharing back at home. If you fall in love with a particular brew, there’s a good chance you can take it with you. Grab a few cans for a weekend trip, or fill up a growler to bring to your next dinner party. It’s the easiest way to extend your Falling Sky experience beyond the taproom.

Our Unique Style 

At Falling Sky, we take pride in embodying Oregon beer culture—but we never stop there. While we honor brewing traditions, we thrive on pushing boundaries. Our beer list doesn’t just feature the styles you expect—it’s packed with flavors you’ve never seen coming. We're talking Czeck Pilsner with unexpected spicy floral twists, a Northwest Bitter that drinks like a modern classic, and limited runs that you'll be dreaming about long after the keg kicks.

Our taps are always rotating. That’s not a marketing ploy—it’s our commitment to staying creative, evolving, and brewing what excites us. If you see something that catches your eye, don’t wait. Come try it. And if you taste something you love? Better come back before it’s gone.

A Taste of Community in Every Pour

Falling Sky isn’t just about brewing great beer—we’re about building community, one pint at a time. Our Eugene roots run deep, and every beer we craft is inspired by the people, culture, and creativity that make Oregon beer so special. From collaborating with local farms and food artisans to hosting events that celebrate music, art, and local causes, we strive to make our brewery a reflection of the place we call home.

That spirit of connection shows up in our taproom, too. Whether you're a die-hard Oregon beer fan or a first-time visitor, you’re welcomed like a regular. We believe that craft beer should be approachable, fun, and—most importantly—shared. Our brews are made to bring people together, to spark conversation, and to celebrate the diversity of the Oregon craft beers scene.

As part of a thriving brewing state, we see it as our job to contribute something meaningful to the Oregon beer list—not just more options, but memorable experiences. And if that means inventing a whole new style along the way? Even better.

Let it pour—into your glass, into your memory.