It began when Al Toepfer received a home brewing kit as a Christmas gift in 2007 and started brewing small batches of beer in the kitchen with his wife, Susan. His enthusiasm for the craft led to expansions until the entire house was filled with brewing equipment.

They developed an old barn, known as “The Rat Hole,” into a small two-and-a-half-barrel brewing facility, producing less than 78 gallons of beer at a time. In 2013 The Rat Hole Brewpub opened at the SW Upper Terrace Drive location in Bend. It quickly became evident that the quality of their beer created demand that their limited barrel system could not support.

To address the demand for growth, Susan’s brother, Les Keele, took over brew pub operations in October 2014 so that Susan and Al could focus on brewing and increase distribution. They found a 2,200 square foot location in the Sunriver Business Park, which was a perfect location for additional brewing. Then, since the space was already equipped with a kitchen, they opted to turn it into a second brewpub and began serving delicious food right alongside their innovative and flavorful beers.

“The Rat Hole at Sunriver takes pride in providing good food, good service, and a fun atmosphere,” said Susan Toepfer. “That has been the key to our success. I am very proud of my husband and the beer he produces.”

The Toepfers are seeking financing to expand to a seven-and-a-half-barrel system to produce enough beer for both brewpub locations and to support additional distribution. Future growth is largely dependent upon their ability to expand brewing operations.

“We currently brew seven of our own beers but Al has recipes for 12 solid beers that he has brewed on a small batch scale. We need the ability to brew enough to keep up with demand,” Susan explained.

The Rat Hole is still in the process of building a reputation within Sunriver.

“The support from the Sunriver community has been great. Once we can brew more beer we will be able to take part in the festivals and events in Sunriver,” Susan said.

Inside the brewery a “Rat Hole Saloon” diorama depicting rats drinking beer sits inconspicuously above a row of taps. Susan’s face beams with pride as she remembers finding the piece at the Santa Fe New Mexico Art Faire. The unusual diorama has become an iconic emblem for the brewery.

“We were at an art fair and I spotted this ‘Rat Hole Saloon’ diorama and it was just perfect. I have never regretted purchasing it,” Susan said.

The Rat Hole was awarded silver and bronze medals at the 2014 Best of Craft Beer Competition in Bend.

With Al’s brewing ingenuity, craft beer enthusiasts can only hope they are able to produce more to share.