USA, OR: For Tomorrow We Die Brewing ready to fully open in Salem

The newest addition to Salem's brewery scene, For Tomorrow We Die Brewing, has been shrouded in mystery, until now, the Statesman Journal reported on April 7.

Since its soft opening in November, FTWD Brewing has remained largely vague online – no info on their social media pages, review site pages or Google business page until earlier this year. But with almost everything in place, Christopher "Toph" Holland is ready for people to enjoy the labor of his newest venture.

The space of the former Salem Ale Works has been transformed into a cool and natural brewpub, with plants and customized touches across the space, from booths with actual trunks refurbished into tables plus the addition of pinball machines and high top tables with unique wood tabletops. Though much of the space has not changed, the addition of a giant mural of the brewery's name and one of a griffon on the wall are prominent signals this is a turn away from former tenant Salem Ale Works and is a concept not seen anywhere else in Salem.

The vision for this theme came to Holland in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Inspired by the philosopher Epicurious and the volatility of life at the time, Holland wanted to create a space where "eat, drink and be merry" could be epitomized.

He joked that since "YOLO" was "already taken," "for tomorrow we die" was the next best. The phrase comes from 1 Corinthians 15:32, which states "What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

"I had been thinking of a brewery for a long time, but you know what," Holland said. "I thought, 'life's short, why not go all in?'"

FTWD's tagline "love fiercely" is an embodiment of the life brand that Holland is trying to build with the brewpub – even the receipts have "love fiercely and live boldly" printed on them as well. He wanted the place to have folks celebrate life, especially in the face of everything seen in the pandemic.

"We got this opportunity to open and it's a gamble as we're in very uncertain times still," Holland said. "(But) we all have to work, so why don't we do something we enjoy?"

The most on-the-nose component in the space is the center table with a tree growing in the middle of it. No, seriously – it's just a small addition to the overall vision that Holland wanted and now has brought to life.

On the edge of the parking lot, you'll notice the Taproot Trolley. Akin to Holland's other restaurants, the food served is from Taproot, but with a twist unique to FTWD.

Holland opened Taproot Lounge & Café in downtown Salem in 2015, while Taproot Old Mill Café located in the Willamette Heritage Center in 2020.

Holland wants to make clear that the brewery is its "own thing," and distinctly "not Taproot," hence the differentiation between the trolley and the brewery.

The menu is limited but includes classics like Taproot's fried Brussel sprouts, pulled pork sandwich and Taproot tacos, among others, with more "brewery pub food still in development." Specials to the location are "twister fries," which look and taste like a cross between a JoJo and a curly fry.

The brewery currently has four brews of theirs available: Maiden Voyage stout, Orange You Lucky pale ale, an unnamed IPA and Love Thy Neighbor, a mead braggot done in collaboration with Santiam Brewing.

"Since we're the new kids on the block, we wanted to collaborate with Santiam since they've been super supportive of us," Holland said. The brew is a mead and beer hybrid, fermented with honey, and while at 8.7% ABV, it's refreshingly light.

FTWD's brewmaster Jeremy Borde said he's excited to be brewing and seeing what people like. He's currently shooting to brew 5-7 core brews that'll be available on the 14 taps, with the rest being a rotation of guest taps.

Borde joked the unnamed IPA remains unnamed because he's "not good at the naming," and he and Holland will eventually get to a name that sticks. The brew is a golden ale brewed with cashmere hops.

For those not into beer, there's a full bar available with an interesting array of house cocktails. The liquor selection is stacked on gorgeous shelves above the taps, including the likes of Japanese whiskey, Irish gin plus various vodkas, tequilas and more.

The brewery has not had a grand opening yet, which Holland attributes to the pandemic, but is planning for an official celebration in the summer. In the meantime, Holland encourages folks to come in and unwind.

FTWD is open every day except Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and kid-friendly until 10 p.m.

Holland is excited for the Mug Club, which is launching soon, and folks who sign up can get an exclusive mug with discounts and other specials like birthday announcements, among other things. There is also other FTWD brewing merchandise available.

"You don't have to deep dive into the philosophical to understand (what we're about,)" Holland said. "Just come in and enjoy yourself."

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