Solera Brewery to open in Parkdale

Jason Kahler and John Hitt of Portland have purchased the business from Eliot Glacier owners Sinclair Kinsey and Bill Woodburn, who closed the popular upper valley locale a year ago.

Kahler, brewmaster at Big Horse Brewery in Hood River, will leave Big Horse in about a month. He said Darrek Smith, "a really talented home brewer," will take over brewing at Big Horse.

Kahler said he will begin brewing beer in Parkdale next week and he and Hitt intend to open the pub in February after extensive renovations.

Solera is named for a method of brewing sour beer in which kegs of beer that have aged for varying periods are progressively mixed until just the right blend is achieved.

"It will be our most unique product," Kahler said. But the Solera repertoire will be dominated by more traditional Northwest-style "hops-forward" ales such as IPA.

The first Solera brew will be available at local pubs and restaurants within about a month. The solera-style beers will take up to two years to hit the market.