1188 Brewing Company is A Frontier Family Establishment…

It is a brewery and restaurant rooted in the high desert community of John Day, eastern Oregon.

The small city of John Day stands on the high desert, framed by surrounding mountain ridges, wild rivers and timberlands. These rough and open wild spaces attract those who can make their own good time with chosen company and few restraints. At one time, John Day and neighboring Canyon City were the population center for all of Oregon, during the gold mining days of the 1880’s. Today you’ll see RV campers, Overland explorers, fisherman and hunters making their journeys on Highway 26 to rediscover John Day.

Our Story

The brewery hatched from the bond of two families, sisters Shannon and Jennifer, and their spouses, Jeremy and Ken. All valuing the freedom of the wilderness enjoyed in eastern Oregon. The brewery name comes from the racing numbers of Shannon and Jennifer’s father and Ken’s father, combining as ‘1188’. It’s been noted that these numbers work both right-side-up and upside down. As was the rough and tumble culture of classic snowmobile racing circa 1975 in eastern Oregon.

1188 Brewing Company, established in 2012 and opening the Restaurant and Pub in 2013, the sense of family inclusion, therefore extended through a growing team of brewers and staff. A theme behind the craft beers of 1188 is exploration into new territory.

Brewers John Spencer and Julie Bowling added their enthusiasm for the craft, consequently as increasing quantities of exotic malts, hops and rye were shipped in from farms as far away as England and Belgium. The beers of 1188 are organized around Series. The first series being named after the Garage Days of the launch of the brewery. Step by step and pint by pint an equitable organization grew up to serve excellent food and cold drinks to an eclectic variety of patrons. In sum, welcoming newcomers to the area and forging durable memories.

Our Culture

The city of John Day, Oregon imbues the culture of 1188 with a generous spirit and gregarious style. This is a small city with big heart, and all are welcome. From their initial roots in the region, Shannon and husband Jeremy envisioned that a brew pub could be a hub for the local community. Breweries have always been a frequent destination for these four. So, they created a motivation for mastering the craft of brewing. Adding to this the theme of widening the circle to welcome newcomers, whether around a campfire or a taproom, and the concept for 1188 was now set.

Enjoy a blossoming menu of craft beers brewed with passion on site. Restaurant quality food for every meal of the day. Expansive dining space for families and large gatherings. Come celebrate your special occasion, or simply the end of the workday with us. Inclusive for all ages.

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