Gigantic Brewing Celebrates 12 Years of Craft Beer Awesomeness

Twelve years ago, Van Havig and Ben Love opened Gigantic Brewing as a production brewery with taproom in Southeast Portland near Reed College. The two had a respected brewing history, Van spent many years at Rock Bottom Brewery and Ben at Pelican Brewing and Hopworks Brewery. After developing a business plan and a build out of a brewery at the corner of SE 26th and SE Steele, Gigantic Brewing opened its doors on May 9, 2012.

The duo opened with the tongue in cheek tagline of “Taste the Awesome”, brewing only one year-round beer, Gigantic IPA, and then doing a rotation of seasonal beer releases. Since this time, the brewery has expanded its year-round beers to include a handful of other offerings, now mainly in 16 ounce cans and has expanded its footprint. First with the Robot Room at 6935 NE Glisan St in August 2020 and then its first full on pub, Gigantic Hawthorne Pub at 4343 SE Hawthorne in November 2022.

To celebrate its 12th Anniversary, Gigantic Brewing will be hosting the celebration at the OG location where the brewery is located. The celebration is slated to take place on Saturday, May 4th, from Noon – 6:00pm at their Brewery location at 5224 SE 26th Ave. 

“Since its inception in May 2012, Gigantic Brewing has remained steadfast in its commitment to crafting exceptional brews while staying true to its roots as a small-scale operation,” wrote Ben Love in a press release. “We would be nothing if it weren’t for the people who have supported us, and we would like to invite everyone to a huge party to celebrate.”

Gigantic Brewing’s 12th Anniversary festivities will offer up an afternoon of craft beer, great food, live music and lots of fun. If it’s like any of its previous anniversaries, you’re sure to run into old friends and make new ones as well.

To celebrate 12 years in style, Gigantic Brewing has gone down memory lane for a special beer release as it brings back its popular High Fidelity IPA for a limited release. This IPA just so happens to be the twelfth seasonal beer ever brewed by Gigantic. High Fidelity IPA is a citrusy and floral IPA, featuring Simcoe and Mt Hood hops atop a base of bready northwest pale ale malt. It also happens to be one of the brewery’s favorite beers. High Fidelity IPA will be available on tap and in limited-release custom cans. 

For food, Gigantic Brewing is bringing in Nacheaux PDX for the afternoon. Nacheaux isn’t just a food truck; they are a flavor experience, blending innovation with a sprinkle of Southern charm and a dash of Mexican flair!

But that’s not all as the festivities will also bring some live music and soccer to the Barrel Room. The musical lineup promises to keep spirits high throughout the day, with performances by Dreckig at 1:30 pm, offering Latin dance rhythms fused with elements of krautrock and electronic club music, followed by Heirloom Monsters at 2:30 pm, treating audiences to their unique blend of psychy surf blues. DJ Fernando will keep the groove going with soulful vinyl sounds at 3:30 pm. It all culminates when the brewery turns on the gigantic screen in the Barrel Room to cheer on the Portland Timbers as they take on Charlotte FC on the road at 4:30pm.

Gigantic Brewing extends a heartfelt invitation to all to raise a glass in celebration of twelve years of crafting beers meant to be enjoyed with friends new and old. We are very grateful for all your support.  

Since the anniversary celebration is taking place at the brewery taproom, one must be 21 years of age or older to attend. To learn more follow Gigantic Brewing on Instagram at @giganticbrewing or visit the brewery’s website at www.giganticbrewing.com.

Gigantic Brewing – 5224 SE 26th Ave – Portland, OR