In 2012, the journey of Backside Brewing Company commenced with the opening of its inaugural location in Roseburg, Oregon—a venture fueled by the passion of owners K.C. and Savannah McKillip. Transitioning from a rustic barn in rural western Oregon to an urban landscape, the McKillips transported their love for brewing beer to an entirely new setting. Now, with the establishment of a second location in nearby Sutherlin, the Backside Brewing Company seamlessly weaves pieces from its past into a meticulously planned future.
K.C. McKillip’s venture into home brewing began as a humble hobby in the back of his parent’s barn, where he discovered the allure of “a science that can be consumed.” This unconventional setting laid the foundation for a deep-seated passion for brewing and the eventual birth of the Backside Brewing Company. Hailing from the small town of Tenmile in the Umpqua Valley, K.C. drew inspiration from the local wineries, shaping his business model around their agricultural focus while envisioning a deliberately modest operation. As brewing expertise expanded and skills were honed, so did the scope of the business.
Opting to forge ahead independently, K.C. took calculated risks, acknowledging that evolution often springs from setbacks. Initially underestimating the challenges of financial success in the brewing industry, K.C. learned valuable lessons—prioritizing quality, recognizing the cost-effectiveness of discarding subpar products, and allowing distribution to grow organically alongside beer production. The sale of one of his other companies provided the funding needed to acquire a building in Roseburg, enabling the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment that elevated the beer to new heights.
Contrary to its unassuming neighborhood setting, the interior of Backside Brewing captivates with a cavernous space featuring high ceilings, wooden beams, and a warm ambience emanating from lights suspended in glass jars, casting a glow reminiscent of fireflies. Adjacent to the expansive bar stands a wood-fired pizza oven, a testament to the craftsmanship of K.C. and his uncle. The brewery’s mission is clear, expressed by a sign proclaiming, “If you tap it, they will come.”
On tap are authentic Northwest-style ales, including IPA, stout, and porter, embodying K.C.’s brewing philosophy: master the basics, ensure recipe replicability, and never compromise on quality. Integral to the success of their venture is Savannah, K.C.’s unwaveringly supportive wife, and the dedicated brewery crew, both past and present, to whom he attributes much of the credit. The Backside Brewing Company stands as a testament to passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of brewing excellence. 🍻 #BacksideBrewing #CraftBeer #BreweryJourney
