Dru Bru in Cle Elum, WA, is an example of how a local brewery can deeply reflect the character and lifestyle of its mountain surroundings. Since its founding in 2014, Dru Bru has developed a reputation for producing carefully crafted, easy-drinking German-style beers, ciders, and housemade sodas that capture the spirit of mountain living. The brewery’s presence in Cle Elum, WA, represents not only a commitment to quality beverages but also a dedication to the community and environment that define the region.
Relocated from Snoqualmie Pass to Cle Elum in 2021, Dru Bru expanded its production capabilities while maintaining its strong ties to local values and sustainability. The brewery’s philosophy emphasizes simplicity, authenticity, and environmental stewardship, making it a hub for both residents and visitors who appreciate the connection between outdoor lifestyle and craft beverage culture. Through this combination, Dru Bru has become an important part of what makes Cle Elum, WA, a unique and welcoming place to live and explore.
Living the Mountain Made Lifestyle Every Day
Dru Bru’s identity truly shines through their commitment to being “Mountain Made.” This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lifestyle that influences every aspect of their brewing process and business approach. The team behind the brewery lives and works where they brew, which lends an authenticity and passion to their craft that’s evident in every sip of their German-style beers, ciders, and housemade sodas.
Their roots in the mountains have taught them to value simplicity and balance, which is reflected in the flavor profiles of their beverages. The straightforward, easy-drinking style is designed to complement an active mountain lifestyle rather than overshadow it. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast winding down after a hike or a local gathering with friends, Dru Bru’s offerings are meant to be enjoyed without complication, inviting everyone to savor the spirit of their mountain home.
Source: drubru.com
Crafting Excellence With Sustainability at the Core
One of the most inspiring aspects of Dru Bru in Cle Elum, WA, is its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Expanding into a larger facility allowed them to not only double production but also integrate an in-house canning operation, improving efficiency and reducing waste. But their focus goes far beyond just brewing beer.
The partnership with Christie Farms highlights their innovative approach to waste. By donating spent grain, yeast, and hop debris to this local farm, they close a vital loop in the farming and brewing cycle. Christie Farms uses the brewing byproducts as feed and fertilizer, preventing these materials from contaminating the wastewater and reducing strain on municipal systems. This close cooperation benefits both the brewery and the local ecosystem, demonstrating how business and nature can support each other in meaningful ways.
Moreover, Dru Bru maintains a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system that ensures any liquid byproduct is carefully neutralized before release. This attention to detail underscores their commitment to protecting the waterways around Cle Elum, WA. The brewery stands as a model for how local businesses can prioritize environmental health while producing outstanding craft beverages.
Building Community Through Charitable Outreach
Beyond its brewing accomplishments, Dru Bru prioritizes giving back to the community around them. Their charitable focus centers on supporting local causes, especially those related to nature conservation and outdoor recreation, the very foundations of their mountain-inspired lifestyle. Nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) charity status can apply for donations, demonstrating the brewery’s commitment to supporting projects that preserve and enhance the region.
This approach strengthens the bond between Dru Bru and the residents of Cle Elum, WA, creating a shared sense of purpose. It’s a cycle of generosity that reflects how this brewery views its role—not just as a producer of drinks, but as a custodian and catalyst for positive impact. The community becomes a vital partner in this journey, making each pint poured a celebration of collective effort and shared values.
Source: Dru Bru Google My Business Page
What Cle Elum Offers to Those Who Stay and Those Who Come
For anyone thinking about making Cle Elum, WA, their home, or simply seeking a place with an authentic mountain lifestyle, Dru Bru offers a lens through which to appreciate what this town embodies. It’s a place where outdoor adventure meets community connection and sustainable living, anchored by companies like this brewery that practice what they preach.
The presence of Dru Bru is symbolic of the larger energy that flows through Cle Elum—a blend of hardworking people devoted to the land, producing high-quality goods, and celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Choosing to live here means embracing a slower pace, valuing nature, and participating in a robust social fabric that honors tradition and innovation alike.
This is not just about a place to enjoy a craft beer. It’s about becoming part of a culture that respects the environment, supports local businesses, and thrives on shared experiences. For long-term residents and new arrivals alike, Cle Elum and Dru Bru invite you to be part of something enduring and deeply satisfying.
Dru Bru in Cle Elum, WA, represents more than just craft beverages. It embodies a philosophy deeply tied to place, people, and purpose. The quality of their beers and ciders is a testament to their careful craftsmanship, while their environmental and charitable efforts demonstrate a business model built for sustainability and community health.
Their story is a reminder that success in business doesn’t have to come at the expense of the natural world or local communities. Instead, it can foster relationships, inspire stewardship, and create spaces where people feel connected—to each other, to their environment, and to a shared way of life. For those considering Cle Elum as a destination or a home, Dru Bru offers a powerful example of what it means to live fully and responsibly in the mountains.
Visiting Dru Bru or exploring what Cle Elum, WA, has to offer is stepping into a lifestyle that values authenticity, sustainability, and community. It’s an invitation to join a journey that’s both rooted in tradition and open to the future—a true celebration of life in the mountains.
Sources: drubru.com, Dru Bru Google My Business Page
Header Image Source: drubru.com
