Owner Kevin Robinson with new brewing equipment in 2024. Thomas McKenna | Collegian

Local brewery, Big Pines Brewing, added new picnic tables for customers to enjoy drinks right outside its front door. 

Big Pines owner Kevin Robertson said he secured a permit from the city to operate a patio area with tables because of his increasing clientele. Recommendations from surrounding bars helped the increase, according to Robertson.

He said Hillsdale Brewing Company and Dante’s have referred customers to Big Pines Brewing. Robertson said he likes to return the favor, too, recommending the same locations to his regulars.

“We actually heard about Big Pines through the other brewery,” said Brian Davenport, sipping a light beer while passing through Hillsdale. 

After opening in September 2024, Big Pines Brewing has made four varieties of beer and one seltzer in-house. 

Robertson said he brews every beer he sells in stainless steel tanks right behind the bar. 

“Everything we brew is brewed on site,” Robertson said. “We have a three-barrel system. So we try to brew 75 to 80 gallons once a week. To have good beer, you have to make sure everything’s super clean. We try to source as much as we can locally, and we try to have something for everybody. So we have some light wheat beers that are more like your gateway beer for people that drink American domestics.” 

Robertson’s best-selling beer is his IPA, which he said caters to the “hopheads,” people who enjoy the taste of hops, a bitter additive to IPAs.

While the brewery doesn’t serve food inside, Robertson said he hopes to have food outside in the future. For now, though, he refers customers just up the hill to Ethan’s Donut Factory.

“In the future, we’d love to try getting a food truck, and then maybe something that we’ll set up there permanently,” Robertson said.

Anne Kunkle, a regular at Big Pines Brewing and a friend of Robertson, spent her Friday afternoon talking with friends at the picnic tables. 

“I like the lavender-flavored seltzer,” Kunkle said. “It’s refreshing. It’s perfect for summer.” 

With a long, light-colored wooden bar facing the brewing room and many tables, Big Pines has plenty of space, according to Robertson. Customers can also watch fun TV or play games. 

As the sole owner and operator of Big Pines, Robertson said he likes to stick to an acronym that keeps his beer delicious and his job easier. 

“Our motto here is K.I.S.S.; Keep it simple, stupid,” Robertson said.

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