Getting to Know Goodfire Brewing Co.

David Redding and I went back and forth a few times trying to set up an interview. “Thanks for the reminder,” he wrote in a recent email reply, “we’ve been putting out fires.” Goodfire is small, new, and popular. As of this writing they only have four full-time employees, but already they’ve made a splash in the Portland beer scene. Prime and Waves, their two IPAs, are examples of the New England IPA that aren’t kowtowing to trends. They’re powerful but nuanced, juicy but delicate.

Dave pulled his head-brewer Gordon Jones into the interview, and their rapport was evident immediately. This is Gordon’s first time brewing on a big system, but the product proves he’s up to the task. For now Goodfire is turning out IPAs and other ales with impressive command, but Dave and Gordon made it clear they aren’t stopping there. The three of us chatted over some beers, and they brought me up to speed on their philosophy and trajectory.