Swing Tree Brewing Company

Fantastic staff. Great beer. Dog friendly. Shuffleboard & darts… The perfect laid back little spot.

I have loved this little spot since the very first few weeks it opened. Tucked away in an industrial part of town, if you didn’t know it was there you definitely wouldn’t go looking. They have shuffle board, tasty sandwiches, and good beer. It is a fun place to hang out in the Spring and Summer and a nice atmosphere to watch local music.

Read reviews about Swing Tree — I agree. Friendly place, people seemed to know each other. We were probably some of the oldest people there, but struck up a conversation with another couple about our age (50s), had a great visit. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to strike up a conversation. We had the porch swing ale, because usually we don’t like IPAs. The other couple talked us into trying the Obligatory IPA — REALLY good beer. It’s so popular I couldn’t fill my growler (because they run out!). Went back the next night for music, but it was a cold rainy night so no outdoor area and very crowded. Music sounded good, but we didn’t stay. Went back again the next night, and got the IPA. Weather changed to warm and sunny, so less crowded.
Highly recommend Swing Tree for great beer and friendly atmosphere. We’ll be back when in Ashland again.

Located in a business park, we arrived a few minutes after they were supposed to open. A couple of locals arrived shortly after us, saying the owner should be here any time. Eventually, he did arrive and we could quench our thirst.
Swing Tree is definitely what you’d expect as a start-​up brewery. They have darts, shuffleboard, mismatched chairs, a random piano, and just a general «thrown together» atmosphere. He only had one of his own beers on tap, the Porch Swing Pale, and I thought it was a great, flavorful, beer. It was a little disappointing there weren’t others available as I’d love to see what he does with other styles. They had just installed a new single barrel system and were just getting things ramped up again. I loved this place and the vibe they have going. It appeared to have a great local following and well supported. I look forward to coming back and seeing what they do.

Good was great but the cheesecake was to die for, great choice of beers on tap as well, service was nice but a little slow. The atmosphere was very pleasant, nice view of the mountain, outdoor seating and great décor. This is a must stop and see.

Heard about a good local brewery, didn’t expect this. Don’t come for the food, don’t come for the atmosphere. Come for the experience of what authentic beer and people is supposed to be.

Small brewing company located in an industrial park. They have a rotating list of beers, and I’ve enjoyed all of them. They also have wine and cider available for those who are looking for something different. There’s also shuffleboard, darts, and life size jennga to keep you entertained. Super friendly staff!

I’ve been to a few breweries in my time big and small and this one for the shear taste of the beer is easily top five I’ve ever been to. The beer is quality is amazing. Look out Portland this place competes with the best microbrews there and some. The place itself isn’t anything to stress but if your into the beer, make this a stop along I-​5 in your travels. Worth the stop.

On a Saturday afternoon in Ashland without a play to go to, we decided to go for an afternoon game of shuffleboard and some good beer. The Swing Tree brewery really fit the bill for us. Felipe was our brew master, and provided us several tastes to help us decide what we were in the mood for. We enjoyed the Swing Tree ale and the Porter. We had a great time with the shuffleboard and Felipe also helped us with the rules of Cricket darts. This is a great place for good beer, friendly service and a relaxing afternoon.

Very good. No fuss. A fun, slightly out of the way locale (though you can take an over the field and across the track short cut!). Resisting the «20 beers on tap» thing.
Usually four or so.
I’m a big fan of their Two Shilling Ale, a dark brew with a nice texture and refreshing taste. Just right for a hot Ashland afternoon.

So this is long overdue. We were in Ashland less than a year ago and we went to all three breweries that we knew of in town and we discovered this nano brewery. We loved it. Instantly loved it.
It was bare. 4 good beers (2 of their own). It also lacked the pretentious vibe of the breweries we visited. It was an authentic brewery that didn’t have a misguided emphasis on fancy food with a ridiculous price tag (i only saw some snacks at the bar which i was completely fine with… its a brewery for god sakes!).
Oh and the environment and the sense of community that loved the place was awesome. Me and my partner and I are a gay couple and we felt that everyone was very welcoming to us (not just the owners, but the random people who drank there and had some conversations with us). Bartender was very attentive, my glass was never empty for long.
The customers started jamming and singing and it was just all really freaking cool. If I were a local, we would be there often after work.
The only bad thing was watching the Colts getting pummeled by the Patriots on their big screen, which was obviously out of the owners hands lol.

Meh. I think they have opened a taproom too early– they aren’t ready. They do not have enough beers, plain and simple. The night we went, they had 2 of their own brews on tap, an IPA and a brown session, neither of which blew me away. I just felt the beers were very average and unremarkable given everything else that’s available in our valley. I think they ought to focus on fine-​tuning their beers, upgrade their brew system so they can output more, and THEN maybe open a taproom?
As for the location itself, it’s very cute inside, although I wish they’d consider dimmer lighting because there is nothing i hate more than drinking in blinding bright overhead lighting. It’s just a pet peeve of mine. Apparently during lunch hours, they serve Hawaiian lunch plates which is awesome– I wonder if they have considered offering that at nighttime too to really separate themselves from the pack? I don’t know about you, but I prefer places that offer some type of nibbles to go along with my beers, even if it’s a food truck outside.

This garage hideaway for brewery misfits operates and tastes more like a hyperactive kid discovering the recipe for chocolate milk (or pbj or napalm). Swing Tree is merely sprouting its roots and needs to develop a wider and more complex brew. Ashland may heckle me with lighted torches but this is your rich college roommate’s concoction.
Digs:
We turned right into a long row of industrial small business ventures; visually like large storage units; Swing Tree took up two spaces with outdoor benches signalling we had arrived; concrete floors and scattered equipment with a lonely island food bar (open only on weekdays?!) was stationed to the left; to the right the shuffleboard entertained; past the high rounded tables seating 15 – 20 a chalkboard menu with thick wood trimmings beckoned us; listing only two…2…house brews on tap;
Drank:
— (For the record I’m still riding with my IPA training wheels; Laganitas being the only drinkable tap of choice currently);
Obligatory IPA — bitter unripened fruit; not sure of the IBUs but it was like a man hibernating with bears drink; not unpleasant but not enjoyable;
Shilling Brown — easy chocolate sipping; a mellow brew but don’t worry about a buzz it’s less then 4% alcohol, bloat-​city here we come;
Ate:
Nothing — only bagged snacks, chips and cookies for the weekend crowd;
Service:
With rounds of smiles and friendly banter we had nothing but praise for the 1-​woman show behind the counter; she was attentive to our empty glasses;
Bonus:
You can «beer it forward» with friends or family by simply paying for a glass and writing that special someone’s name down on the board to the right of the bar; plus dogs accepted;
Bummer:
Perched high above the bar was an explosion of branded merchandise which turned me off; yes you may have local funding but your product does not garner an onslaught of swag when you’re portraying a humble organic fixture (sorry inner design brat);
Overall:
If I was taking my first baby beer steps this would be a treat but knowing there are wiser hop wizards in the valley that can provide that casual tin shed architecture Swing Tree fizzles. Perhaps with time they can craft stronger elixirs and not borrow other breweries taps — there were two. It’s not worth the attention until they can show strength in business identity and selection. Next stop Opposition Brewery!

Swing Tree, how I wanted to love you… and I might one day! But you are SOOOO not ready for Prime Time… Hear me now:
Cool concept, and very similar to Opposition in Medford, except for one important point: Swing Tree is not really about the beer (at least yet).
On tap, were «2» of their own beers. Swing Tree has been plagued for months with a capacity issue: they cannot make enough beer. Problem is, they are using a homebrew setup that is not too much bigger than the setup in my garage: that said, you shouldn’t be operating a pour house if you cannot brew beer fast enough. The other 2 beers on tap were from 2 of the arguably most boring breweries in the Valley: SOB and Walkabout (both have fallen behind the times in terms of cutting edge or even clean, unique brews). We tried both of Swing Tree’s beers, the Obligatory IPA and the Schilling Brown Session: both were adequate, but not anything to write home about. The Schilling was on the coffee/​chocolate malt side of «heavy», yet very low in alcohol (thus a session beer) and the IPA was a typical hopped up American IPA, though cleaner and smoother than many I’ve had, but not totally my style of unique.
The tap house is a friendly and the staff are great – the only reason for my 3 stars is that it’s not ready for Prime-​Time. Also, the crowd funded approach, while being open for business and already operating, doesn’t resonate with me – I have so many options in the valley, I just want to drink, not necessarily be a partial owner/​supporter in your business by giving you my hard earned dollars, only to still not have beer. If you can’t get a loan from the bank to get some real brewing equipment, say a 3 barrel system, then there is a problem – it’s a big investment, but it is not a huge one.
I genuinely wish Swing Tree luck, and will return once they are ready for Prime Time (and, by this, I don’t mean become huge… you have a good thing started, just get your brewing operation sorted out).

Off and running. A «real» place in Ashland. About time! This feels less touristy than almost everything else in town. It’s off the beaten path, and has no feeling of Californication at this point. The beer isn’t quite 5 star, but as Lisa J. says, «a lot of potential».
WARNING: The shuffleboard table has some odd warping.
DOUBLE WARNING: I grew up beering and shuffleboarding at the old DRIFTWOOD TAVERN in Portland.
WORSE: Badly warped shuffleboard tables are just my style.
$ 5 a game, and a dollar for every point I beat you by.
Line up suckers! To paraphrase Lyle Lovett, «You’ll buy my beer for free.» at Swing Tree.

Swing Tree is my favorite brewery in ashland. Brandon and Teri rock. Live know us if tonite. Awesomeness

Great beer and a lot of potential. My friend and I stopped by Swing Tree on our way to dinner. They don’t have a kitchen but you can order delivery. We weren’t able to stay long but were glad to know we could order in next time.
We did get a chance to sample their beer and are incredibly disappointed we couldn’t take any with us. Great beer! We will definitely be visiting again.

I just love this place. The beer is phenomenal. And I love the industrial, stripped down feel.

I am so happy there is now another brewery in Ashland!
A real beer drinkers brewery, Swing Tree brews small batches of their ales in rotation, usually no more than one is on tap at a time. This means delicious, fresh beer! They also serve gust taps from the area. Brandon the brewer really knows his beer and is extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions. It’s an unassuming place with a great vibe.

There’s a new brewery in town… You won’t find cloth napkins on the bar, $ 25 fondues in the menu, or Beethoven on the sound system, but if you’re looking for excellent, hand-​crafted ales & lagers and some time with their passionate maker, you won’t regret visiting Brandon and Tanya’s brewery in the Hersey Street business park. Just a few doors up the driveway on the left