tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44074293332843557312024-03-05T10:42:13.986-08:00Beer Around TownA blog of new beer available in Portland. Because missing out on a good beer just aint no fun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-61458073958898042272008-12-14T16:26:00.000-08:002008-12-14T16:27:49.913-08:00New BlogSo I've finally gotten around to getting the new blog up and running, although I'll be making tweaks on it as I go. The new blog is at www.beeraroundtown.com.<br /><br />Let me know your thoughts.<br /><br />-DerekUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-12316261125693928752008-12-08T12:05:00.000-08:002008-12-08T12:10:17.872-08:00Green Dragon Taps 12/6/08A quick update. If you missed the Holiday Ale Fest you can still catch some of the beers on tap at the Green Dragon along with some other good winter warmers.<br /><br />As of Sunday they had:<br />Fort George North 2<br />Southern Oregon Old Humbug 2<br />Full Sail Old Boardhead<br />Ommegang Hennepin<br />Six Rivers Kriek<br />Stone 12th Anniversary StoutUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-8512107547788982292008-12-03T19:52:00.000-08:002008-12-04T09:19:04.513-08:00Holiday Ale Fest 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOfJ9n0xfq6A2-RhMW9M6ujLoTZfUERttCeQy6HYEvSbzywV1BR9TX5bJaN6rZNpk7A7q3UMqdJrotTP2ETJghHVJcZO8XfY6cd5YGkX9JnAj2NK-42H7EhqZNUJVqSGslMr3Wjk8eYA/s1600-h/haf1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOfJ9n0xfq6A2-RhMW9M6ujLoTZfUERttCeQy6HYEvSbzywV1BR9TX5bJaN6rZNpk7A7q3UMqdJrotTP2ETJghHVJcZO8XfY6cd5YGkX9JnAj2NK-42H7EhqZNUJVqSGslMr3Wjk8eYA/s400/haf1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275778178457512866" border="0" /></a><br />So the Wednesday session is on! Arriving at 3pm for the opening founding me waiting in a 40 person line, sure maybe a few more people than I expected, but I was in the company of people that were truly there to drink and appreciate some good brew. I have to give it up to Preston for adding this day, as I trekked around the tent I met a ton of great local beer enthusiasts. This really was the day for the beer geeks to show up and mingle.<br /><br />This years fest featured a new navigational hazard... the 2nd beer tent. Upon entering there was a sign to your left that showed that other beers were just a catwalk away. Glancing at the signs I knew that there were some must-try beers in the 2nd tent so I made my way over there. To get to the second tent you had to cross this.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxKlLR7vtNiqndOVCZfe0K1yFANY4_dPzy4NVjIf1iusi8myGqxOhf8Plsg7uknMOIvmKvfkJcxl7IUzCdvQVtJXVPHaAGduzQiUwSEFwv8D-YN4aD837GYmwzZt1xkYq7CJLKqCdoy0/s1600-h/haf2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxKlLR7vtNiqndOVCZfe0K1yFANY4_dPzy4NVjIf1iusi8myGqxOhf8Plsg7uknMOIvmKvfkJcxl7IUzCdvQVtJXVPHaAGduzQiUwSEFwv8D-YN4aD837GYmwzZt1xkYq7CJLKqCdoy0/s400/haf2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275779619226836482" border="0" /></a>Now, i've been to my share of beer fests, but this looks like a fricken mine field in the making, I mean how the heck do you expect people to traverse this thing after some of these beers? Now I was only here for a hand full of samples, but I have seen Friday and Saturday nights and some of the sauced people it creates, this looks like a lawsuit in the making. I understand the need for more space, but this was head-scratching. Also, no Jim for wheelchair bound people. But overall it lead to this tent.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGXKEsG_CfDbz0INzq9wJVe_nKtt7oQu7CIXgZxsPTVnT8JS3lBfEcd_uQDHSs8YvZyKY_lck5w5R6es9eJdgMeLNUEAYrHvW-CAoSmuWu7H-s_4fLC9FKXYCSKy2yiuNZC8uL2JFE3s/s1600-h/haf3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGXKEsG_CfDbz0INzq9wJVe_nKtt7oQu7CIXgZxsPTVnT8JS3lBfEcd_uQDHSs8YvZyKY_lck5w5R6es9eJdgMeLNUEAYrHvW-CAoSmuWu7H-s_4fLC9FKXYCSKy2yiuNZC8uL2JFE3s/s400/haf3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275781780512396418" border="0" /></a><br />The beer selection this year was excellent. From the 3 years of Jim to the special Firestone Walker releases, all selections at this fest lead to a bit of excitement. My favorite brews from this years fest were Cascade Sang Noir, Hair of the Dog Jim 3, and Firestone Walker Merkin Stout. Also, if it is still available check out the Cascade Vlad the Impaler. I thought Ron's Vlad creation was the star of the show.<br /><br />Overall some great times. I was able to share a brew with a bunch of the great local beer enthusiasts, and sample a lot of the great hard to find winter brews Portland has to offer. If you can try to get down to the Holiday Ale fest Thursday at opening, so you can sample these great brews before the crowds get overwhelming. Plan on attending this fest over a couple of days to enjoy this amazing selection of winter warmers.<br /><br />If you are unsure of what to try Jeff wrote a great breakdown of the hard to find beers <a href="http://beervana.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-ale-fest-intriguing-beers.html">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-71820285199476379162008-11-25T20:10:00.000-08:002008-11-25T20:19:58.020-08:00Green Dragon UpdateExcited to proclaim not much has changed at the Dragon. I dropped in for meet the brewer night and it was pleasantly familiar. After a nice glass of Fort George North II (which the mug club was still in effect), the happy hour hasn't changed yet. Next up was a glass of Baron Rauchbier which was excellent. There is something about a easy to drink smoked beer that is just perfect. You get the heavier smoked/scotch flavors, without to much kick.<br /><br />After that I talked with the brewer for a bit and sampled a few of the offerings. Strange to say, I really enjoy Pelicans standard beers, but their special releases are... well.. not my thing. I thought the Wee Heavy was rather bland, not enough earthiness and character, more like a typical American strong ale. The Bridal ale didn't have the malt depth of a good Bier de Garde. The Pelican Brune didn't have hardly any carbonation, leaving it flat and lifeless. I think Pelican makes an awesome IPA, stout, dark, and Stormwatchers is delicious, but all of these seasonals just seem to be mediocre. Even their Saison and Gran Cru which I had last year had a vegi flavor like they were rushed.<br /><br />Anyway, enough ranting, needless to say the Green Dragon still felt like home, although reading over the Rogue FAQ on each table showed you that things will be changing.<br /><br />So if you have writen this place off, know that it still holds the old charm at least for now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-51805312394610782722008-11-23T11:32:00.000-08:002008-11-23T11:35:30.189-08:00Bottles AvailableJust a heads up. I dropped into the Market of Choice on Terwilliger blvd yesterday and they had a few bottles of Abyss left and some bottles of Cherry Adam. So if you missed the dock sale you might luck out if you head down there quick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-46253897270590529892008-11-19T18:01:00.001-08:002008-11-19T18:15:10.713-08:001 good 1 bad 1 in progressSo my blogging has been few and far between, still waiting to get my camera back and a busy schedule has left holes in my blog. So at least this is something.<br /><br />I've been working on a new platform for my blog, no real reason, just thought it would be fun to have my own real domain for the site and get to know wordpress better. I should have the new site up in a few weeks, I still need to do some artwork and organization, but it will give me more options.<br /><br />So tonight I got home and popped the top on Heater Allens new winter seasonal Weizenbock. The pour was murky dark amber, very small beige head. The nose smelt off, sort of yeast and cleaner like. The beer tasted the same way, really funky and awful. I wasn't sure if I was drinking part soap and part yeast slurry. This was the first beer in a while I poured down the drain. Anyone else try this beer yet? thoughts? did I just get a bad bottle?<br /><br />Since that was a total let down I decided to open a bottle of Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam from the Wood that I scored at last weekends Anniversary dock sale. I think this beer isn't quite ready yet, very flat on the carbonation giving a thinner oily palate, very faint ring of a tan head over the dark ebony body with red hues at the edges. The smokiness from the original Adam from the Wood is there and the cherries are sweet but meld well with flavors of sherry and soft burnt chocolate, finishing slightly tart. Good now, but like most Hair of the Dog beers will continue to improve with age.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-40008026661827449082008-11-13T10:50:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:06:21.800-08:00Lack of posts and bad newsFirst, I apologize for the lack of posts this week. I've been displaced from my home all week while house-sitting, so my blogging and drinking haven't been connected lately. Also, my parents borrowed my camera for their work overseas, so my blog has been naked without that. With no pictures my horrible writing has to stand for itself, and it is trying to bide its time till the photos return.<br /><br />2nd, some sad news to report. Angelo just posted on the <a href="http://brewpublic.com/">brewpublic.com</a> blog that the Green Dragon is being taken over by Rogue. As a mug club member and big fan of the Green Dragon, this is quite depressing. I'm still hoping this doesn't come to fruition, but if this holds up the East side just had a major setback.<br /><br />I'll be honest, I don't like Rogue very much. Their beer is decent, a few are really good, but overall overpriced. They don't treat their employees very well, and the ones they do have often couldn't care less about knowing their product. Everything is overpriced in their pubs, so I'll stick to the bottles and maybe forking over the big chips to try something special if it is only on tap.<br /><br />I've enjoyed my time at the Dragon. Casual and laid back, good selection of rotating taps, a staff that does well at knowing their products. The weekly meet the brewer has been a great success, bringing some of the smaller breweries from the NW to the spotlight. What I don't understand is the Rogue takeover. Integrity Spirits is in the same building, is Rogue buying that also? Would Rogue house a direct competitor in the same building?<br /><br />Someone say this whole story isn't true.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-42326555982562529942008-11-08T09:24:00.000-08:002008-11-08T09:35:18.469-08:00Widmer Taps 11.8.08Just a quick post for Widmer beer selection as of last night. On their specials list was a solid schwarzbier called Black Beer, balanced with a fairly bitter hopped finish for a schwarz, and a excellent doppelweizen called Double River Doppelweizen. I think the doppel will be available around town soon, it might be part of the Collaborator project, but i'm not 100% on that, either way, make sure to give this a try.<br /><br />Beers on tap:<br />Brrrr<br />Alt<br />Fest Wit<br />X114 IPA<br />TeaserX Fresh Hop<br />Dormunder<br />Black Beer<br />Double River DoppelweizenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-56878366774346663712008-11-04T19:06:00.000-08:002008-11-04T20:11:13.422-08:00Election Night 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxUbQfSXLdNdw9BEBvcrxmUx3QSc0suRaXtSuvm3QIPAKwlj5kzZW7XxF9Nx3ESfH-ia32MsJ11wrzD2wtDbTYX-6okqGNJIXUiC7LL4cOBW290DsHfio07wFZ2OGtJ25wasznTLi1Rw/s1600-h/unibroue15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxUbQfSXLdNdw9BEBvcrxmUx3QSc0suRaXtSuvm3QIPAKwlj5kzZW7XxF9Nx3ESfH-ia32MsJ11wrzD2wtDbTYX-6okqGNJIXUiC7LL4cOBW290DsHfio07wFZ2OGtJ25wasznTLi1Rw/s400/unibroue15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265006979472445458" border="0" /></a><br />As the states begin to report I sit back, battling the excitement, beer in hand, looking forward waking up tomorrow with a renewed enthusiasm for our country. For this evening I pulled a bottle of Unibroue 15 from my cellar. No significance to it, not the best beer I have on reserve, just a overall delicious beer. Soft dry fruitiness up front, subtle hints of wild honey, dried pineapple, and sweet pear. Highly carbonated like most Unibroue beers, lively and fizzy on the palate helping to emphasize the spiciness. Between the beer and the results coming in things are looking good.<br /><br />7:10pm - As of right now Obama 207 / McCain 135 / Beer 75% remaining. They just called Ohio for Obama, big gain. Hope my uncle in Hamilton, OH helped out on that one.<br /><br />8:00pm - Obama 207 / McCain 141 / Beer 50% remaining. A few states have gone McCains way, no worries though as they were favored towards red from the start. Getting close to calling the west coast states.<br /><br />8:01pm - ABC just called the election for Obama, congrats America!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPC-zVcfjaGBZ8qp7nTHvZztLPoSGlcdYJ56OY1hF6cydGQpY9rPDU152Pf0Z1wruYr5cQtvZrI8A07ZjEN0c8Ok4RVeRibEOAv9o5c8zuc-yavd0cSMNw9gXyAshT4QazBRkotTgCYc/s1600-h/election2008.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPC-zVcfjaGBZ8qp7nTHvZztLPoSGlcdYJ56OY1hF6cydGQpY9rPDU152Pf0Z1wruYr5cQtvZrI8A07ZjEN0c8Ok4RVeRibEOAv9o5c8zuc-yavd0cSMNw9gXyAshT4QazBRkotTgCYc/s400/election2008.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265020812656549186" border="0" /></a><br />Now to celebrate with the remainder of my beer. Here's to tomorrow's America.<br /><br />Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-5119707643502353212008-10-30T19:54:00.000-07:002008-10-30T20:16:08.050-07:00J.W. Lees Manchester Star Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbhAurFGiF53wD2ke56djJUhgEkopZcGXyn4YnNGCy9K2n7qDVp2xDRlJXq-SwWhsrU56wPHX2MekNpo1ccTV41Tss7lT6idjJOC4rKzAw3nu7ckcM78l2MsTogMUx3yumAen5M2HwaY/s1600-h/JWleesManStar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbhAurFGiF53wD2ke56djJUhgEkopZcGXyn4YnNGCy9K2n7qDVp2xDRlJXq-SwWhsrU56wPHX2MekNpo1ccTV41Tss7lT6idjJOC4rKzAw3nu7ckcM78l2MsTogMUx3yumAen5M2HwaY/s400/JWleesManStar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263150584774880866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I passed this up the first time I saw it, luckily I ran into Angelo who informed me that this was a joint venture between J.W. Lees and Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewing. If you don't know Garrett Oliver, go pick up the book "The Brewmaster's Table", one heck of a good read about pairing beer with food. Next go out and trade beers with someone from NY and get a Brooklyn Black Chocolate stout, trust me, you won't forget Garrett Oliver again.<br /><br />Back to the beer at hand. As you can see in the photo above this thing pours like a bowling ball, pitch black, heavy like old motor oil, with a tall khaki head. The nose on this is filled with molasses and black licorice, bitter bakers chocolate seems to clog up the sinuses. Manchester Star drinks like an anvil, heavy and unrelenting, like a mini La Brea tar pit in your stomach. Burnt chocolate flavors flow into an earthy, roasted malt, almost meaty flavor. I'd like to see what Garrett Oliver would pair this with, maybe a dish of smoked ham or a big charred texas steak. Overall this beer is delicious, allbeit very heavy, don't plan on going running or doing anything productive for that matter, after you drink this just relax for the rest of the evening while catching up on "The Brewmasters Table".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-41991508183968117862008-10-27T19:38:00.000-07:002008-10-27T20:10:26.664-07:00Block 15 Brewery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkKu4RZtZ4px4lw0GchVxpMLsxaPaheegtRh_LStJWK2I36e9Cv9HIidVq_6v1i0mNb2roObUOz8lsgbG_STiHjaeXTA_HkH3StuS1ZolA8hJZe4g3s8JxGtppUGczadep5zNvJWV11o/s1600-h/block15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkKu4RZtZ4px4lw0GchVxpMLsxaPaheegtRh_LStJWK2I36e9Cv9HIidVq_6v1i0mNb2roObUOz8lsgbG_STiHjaeXTA_HkH3StuS1ZolA8hJZe4g3s8JxGtppUGczadep5zNvJWV11o/s400/block15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262031919575283346" border="0" /></a><br />This weekend we took a drive down to Albany to catch up with some friends. Albany, aka "fun town USA" made a really good excuse to drop into Corvallis and try out Block 15 brewery. After a nice drive down I5 and a quick stop at the corn maze, to appease the fall gods, we arrived at Block 15. From the outside this place looks small, but upon entering quite a difference to say the least. Good amount of seating, more up above the bar, brewery tucked back in the back room. I hadn't had a chance to try any of their beers yet, so I was fricken shocked to see about 15 beers on tap, needless to say I couldn't try them all, so a trip back is in order.<br /><br />I scrambled through the menu to find the sampler plate, discovering they only do a 5 beer sampler, so I loaded that up with all of the seasonal brews and a few others. Included were a belgian tripel, pumpkin beer, chocolate porter, ipa, and nebula stout. I was really impressed with the quality of brew from this place, excellent spicy citrus ipa, rich roasty smooth stout, the pumpkin beer was delicious without being over-the-top spicy sweet. The belgian tripel was excellent, dry and crisp, with a nice estery spice. The only beer I didn't care for was the chocolate porter, a bit sweet and overdone, kinda like sweet icing added in. After those I had a red and aboriginale that were also quite nice. Overall the beer and food top notch, good atmostphere with an impressive selection of beers. I'll be back for sure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-52658775145040771982008-10-23T20:25:00.000-07:002008-10-23T20:47:17.322-07:00201 IPAs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOYVNG9DONxQ6-4h930PRRrmhJtrPfNrGa4YaaRKIuysJv-K24vJA_IPg9phT9Zw_0mav8u3QFrIVZLMlwGmqQXXAdKnteTUiysoJSDtMM_wqMQm67lEmBmUhSvIwBWZD7TnP9ZBq5jg/s1600-h/hops.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOYVNG9DONxQ6-4h930PRRrmhJtrPfNrGa4YaaRKIuysJv-K24vJA_IPg9phT9Zw_0mav8u3QFrIVZLMlwGmqQXXAdKnteTUiysoJSDtMM_wqMQm67lEmBmUhSvIwBWZD7TnP9ZBq5jg/s400/hops.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260561781884973474" border="0" /></a><br />I keep track of most of the beers i've had, and I noticed that sometime last week I broke the 200 mark of different IPAs. Another great reason to love the Pacific Northwest! Now with 201 IPAs behind me I thought it would be fun to look back at my top ten.<br /><br />Top 10 IPAs i've had:<br />1. LaConner IPA Bottleworks Edition - ummm... dryhopped in bottle<br />2. Diamond Knot IPA - so good on tap<br />3. Bear Republic Racer 5 - always a solid favorite of mine<br />4. Terminal Gravity IPA<br />5. Southern Tier IPA<br />6. Ballast Point Sculpin IPA<br />7. Rogue Integrity IPA<br />8. Bells Two Hearted Ale<br />9. Walking Man IPA<br />10. Alesmith IPA<br /><br />Sure, I'm bias to the Pacific NW, half are from the PNW, 8/10 are from the west coast, oddly none from Portland though. But... the quantity of IPAs we have available in the PNW is amazing, so we have quite a few samples to pick from, so it may give us an edge.<br /><br />What are everyone's favorites?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-65358846792850726262008-10-20T18:36:00.000-07:002008-10-20T18:55:15.487-07:00Hopworks Fresh Hop Tastival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWeWCSkCWz2GE4apQumKOjaf_CQrBl2ZBP3wJVOdEAoe7ClcstMmz7cz7QvSoSFzI8fLHCTU10sgymo7m9MY5T5yCK8Ejs_Jz4GyvANizebeCnPGyk-U7vrGaee-FApPaYIfapjNJ5cU/s1600-h/hopfest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWeWCSkCWz2GE4apQumKOjaf_CQrBl2ZBP3wJVOdEAoe7ClcstMmz7cz7QvSoSFzI8fLHCTU10sgymo7m9MY5T5yCK8Ejs_Jz4GyvANizebeCnPGyk-U7vrGaee-FApPaYIfapjNJ5cU/s400/hopfest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259419026500761426" border="0" /></a><br />Portland sees its first full scale fresh hop fest, and well what do you expect, they oversold the hell out of it. I think the organizers grossly underestimated turn out, and if they didn't it was a cruel joke.<br /><br />Me, being the beer geek I am, always show near opening, so thankfully they had everything still available. Sadly anyone arriving at, well lets say a normal beer drinking hour (maybe you had lunch first and arrived at say 2pm), arrived to empty taps and long arse lines. I just don't understand advertising a beer fest and running out of most of your beers half way through, poor planning? or were they thinking.. the hop heads of Portland probably won't turn out for a hop festival? come on really... I hope they refunded people.<br /><br />I'm an introvert and don't like crowds, I show up opening day to festivals so my agoraphobic tendencies don't get the best of me, and I could only stand about an hour of this fest, even at opening, people crammed into the front parking lot showing all to well the desperate need for a full on fall beer festival between OBF and the Holiday Ale Festival.<br /><br />Sure there were some nice beers, most of which I had the Hood River fest, I thought the Laurelwood Fresh Nuggs really stood out and the Deschutes Fresh Hop Mirror Pond was very subpar. Overall I just want to see a fall beer festival on the size scale of Holiday Ale or Spring beer... Please?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-40372015298846125542008-10-15T17:47:00.000-07:002008-10-15T18:03:31.094-07:00Heater Allen Bobtoberfest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJTI-sipAvcbopcoo4w7QzISFlhC31NZLJ6bZ-vT8nustyzbaozK9i1mYg8D39Up7zyx24hIalsyn7MOKjVxK1oSyeVAQsX8ChOG6WeLldgAssPMVhpe5YM6hRLwUhclPM-7ZxJaMd3A/s1600-h/bobtoberfest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJTI-sipAvcbopcoo4w7QzISFlhC31NZLJ6bZ-vT8nustyzbaozK9i1mYg8D39Up7zyx24hIalsyn7MOKjVxK1oSyeVAQsX8ChOG6WeLldgAssPMVhpe5YM6hRLwUhclPM-7ZxJaMd3A/s400/bobtoberfest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257550519509428866" border="0" /></a><br />If you haven't had a chance to stop in to Belmont Station lately don't miss Heater Allen's Bobtoberfest. From what I've gather, Belmont Station is the only place to get their bottles so far, aside from the brewery in McMinnville. I've tried all but one of their brews and been more then impressed so far. Their fall seasonal, Bobtoberfest (5.4% ABV), is a true to form Oktoberfest, big warming toasty malts up front, rich caramel. Finish provides ample balance, even a bit on the bitter and hoppy side for an oktoberfest. Pours a fiery copper, perfect clarity, with a soft off-white head. Overall a delicious brew and one of the best oktoberfests I've had from the Portland market. Drop in to Belmont soon and make sure to grab a few of these before they are gone.<br /><br />Anyone else have any favorite Oktoberfests in the Portland market?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-56740686899345217222008-10-14T10:22:00.000-07:002008-10-14T10:34:49.125-07:00Green Dragon Meet the Brewer Hopworks 10/14/08Angelo posted the tap lineup for tonight's meet the brewer at the Green Dragon, and it looks like it should be an exceptional night to stop by and imbibe. The guys from Hopworks will be there with their GABF medal winning IPA. But even more exciting (at least to me) is the other four:<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">-Bourbon DOA</span> (I saw this sitting in the barrel when they first opened.)<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">-Evelyn Imperial Sunshine IPA</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">-Fest of Fury</span> (fresh hop oktoberfest)<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">-Newbie Baltic Stout</span><br /><br /><br />Check out Angelo's site <a href="http://brewpublic.com">brewpublic.com</a> for more info on the event and the beers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-91131491259742495432008-10-12T16:06:00.000-07:002008-10-12T16:10:18.894-07:00Green Dragon taps 10/12/08As of 4pm here is what is on tap at the Green Dragon. If you are out for a Sunday pint you should drop in.<br /><br />*Russian River Blind Pig<br />Diamond Knot XIPA<br />*New Belgium La Fluer Missuer and Tripel<br />Fearless Porter<br />Caldera Porter<br />Ninkasi Schwag<br />Great Divide Hibernation<br />*St. Bernardus 12<br />Bear Republic Racer 5<br /><br />*highly recommendedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-3625404160607781952008-10-07T19:13:00.000-07:002008-10-08T08:24:12.356-07:00Brewdog Meet the BrewerBrewdog (Scottish for we adore our dogs) gave one heck of a meet the brewer today at Belmont Station. Pouring their Punk IPA, Amber, Hardcore IPA, and Paradox line. While we are a bit spoiled in the PNW on the ambers and IPAs, these guys really have their stouts in a delicious niche. Seeing as how the paradox series is all based on the same mother imperial stout, the depth that each gets from the barrels they are aged in is beyond impressive. The Islay being a peaty smoked monster, flashbacks of complex scotch without the bite. The Port barrel, being a soft smooth troubadour, hints of vanilla and plum. In between reside the Spayside and Glen Grant, both showing spiciness and soft sweet flavors. You get the feeling at times that bourbon is... well boring in its additions to a beer.<br /><br />I'm sure they enjoyed their hoppy stay here in Portland.<br /><br />Striking up a conversation with the brewers shows their insight, they seek out barrels that compliment their beers best. Knowing a bit about the regions (flavors) of Scotland from college days trying to refine myself, unsuccessfully I may add, it was great to hear them talk about how they seek out specific barrels to build upon their beers.<br /><br />PS. Word is their are collaborating with Mikkelar on an barleywine this November, to be released in... you guessed it, scotch barrels. I can claim for sure that it will be better then my writing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-58252506777506287822008-10-05T14:32:00.000-07:002008-10-05T14:56:46.526-07:00Hood River WET hop fest 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfCKkqY_5S_cAxD4psaJuhCDn95ESqRS3yNEDRV2tQuj1_3L139kdhgSVHKgQ675X_Cg68ABLKwe77-Hj27qyQ0tQ2ISUX0c_3IUqrOiq5RZwGNZWsHwPdjmKy7hRi360XoMX7mpgfY/s1600-h/hops1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdfCKkqY_5S_cAxD4psaJuhCDn95ESqRS3yNEDRV2tQuj1_3L139kdhgSVHKgQ675X_Cg68ABLKwe77-Hj27qyQ0tQ2ISUX0c_3IUqrOiq5RZwGNZWsHwPdjmKy7hRi360XoMX7mpgfY/s400/hops1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253789193284970850" border="0" /></a><br />Well Oregonians never stop amazing me. A bitter and wet day in Hood River perfectly set the scene for the 2008 Hood River Hop fest. While some would argue to have this fest set indoors, there is something so perfectly Oregonian about drinking hopped up beers in the rain, all the while I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, laughing at the absurdity of the scene. Like people in all extreme climates you adapt, but it really shows how unique the craft beer scene is when people turn off their NCAA football, dawn their rain gear, and stand in the rain to sample this years hop harvest. The fest, looking like a REI raincoat showcase, went on, bitter beers for bitter weather.<br /><br />I missed last years event, but two years ago I don't remember the setup being the way it was this year. The beer booths separated from the "family fare". The problem this created was there was this big division in the event, all of the people packed in around the beer booths, taking up 1/3 of the event, leaving most of the area allotted for the event vacant. No tables, only really one small tent in the beer garden area. I'm all for family friendly events, but it is still a beer festival, lets give the beer drinkers at least 2/3rds of the event, then set aside the other booths for the remainder, it felt very crowded, and once the rain started, well, i'll let the next picture speak for itself.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN79AkCOvbqmGMVOpc4AMsMmGVs1JDGZqL4XJcRNpXmg5AEoWmRI8gPnwRD9Mvy2yKme59o9h6fUnaqoIAK9zFeXW9_-g3jB1rVUS1MrLSCBrYUvuQAbrwKC-pq3x2BA_QL81UiwKExcw/s1600-h/hops2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN79AkCOvbqmGMVOpc4AMsMmGVs1JDGZqL4XJcRNpXmg5AEoWmRI8gPnwRD9Mvy2yKme59o9h6fUnaqoIAK9zFeXW9_-g3jB1rVUS1MrLSCBrYUvuQAbrwKC-pq3x2BA_QL81UiwKExcw/s400/hops2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253790342981296194" border="0" /></a><br />Highlights of this year for me were:<br />Big Horse Vernon the Rabbit Slayer<br />Double Mountain Killer Green<br />Rogue Independence IPA<br />Port Townsend triple dry-hopped Hop Diggity<br /><br />Lots of delicious brews and another great year drinking fresh hops in the tempermental Oregon climate.<br /><br />Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-89877188838599318952008-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:002008-10-02T11:37:47.858-07:00Lack of postsSorry for the lack of posts lately, between having family in town and a multi-day trip down the lower Deschutes river (no beer involved), I haven't had time to post much. This weekend I'm headed to the Hood River hops fest, and it looks like it will be a good time of drinking in the rain. If anyone else will be there it would great to meet up for a pint (or sample, or whatever they have).<br /><br />I'll post after the event with photos and stories.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-64037216982156247872008-09-23T21:03:00.000-07:002008-09-23T21:10:49.415-07:00Ofests in TownSo the Oktoberfests are upon us. I dropped into the Green Dragon today, and while I didn't even make it around to the Hales Meet the Brewer tasting, the Oktoberfests were wrestlin for alpha dog. There were 4 on tap when I arrived: Widmer, Lompoc, Double Mountain, and one other that I can't recall. Overall the Double Mountain was my favorit, so head down there for a pint.<br /><br />Other new beers that were on tap:<br />Speakeasy Imperial Porter<br />Captured By Porches Belgian Brown<br />Deschutes Dissident<br />Russian River Damnation<br />Fist Tale Blind Pig Dunkel<br />Southern Oregon Brewing IPA<br /><br /><br />Also, new at Belmont Station:<br />Heater Allen Bobtoberfest and Coastal Common<br />Full Sail 21st Anniversary Doppelbock (3.99 a bottle!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-65954288076636993212008-09-20T16:52:00.000-07:002008-09-20T16:58:47.358-07:00Sick and SadSo the flu has hit, and it struck in the most evil manner possible.... right when I got a beer shipment. What a sad weekend, I have waiting for me: Duck Rabbit baltic porter, New Glarus Tail Wager barleywine, Unibroue 15, and Southampton Imperial Porter, all taunting me in my sickend state. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe i'll be immune later on in the season battling the heards of sick people at the Holiday Ale Fest.<br /><br />Whenever I get around to trying these out i'll write up something about them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-53144771041626914522008-09-15T18:40:00.000-07:002008-09-15T18:52:35.822-07:00Dissident tap vs bottleI know this may be a bit late, the Dissident taps long dried up, the bottles now a treasure, searched long and hard for, but I will just state it anyway. The Dissident in bottles just blows the stuff on tap away.<br /><br />When I first tried the Dissident, the day they first had it on tap at the Portland Deschutes, I enjoyed it. The beer was nice, a bit edgy, still had some heat to it, the flavors a touch sharp, the brett subtle. So last weekend I tried on of the bottles I had picked up, and my opinion of this beer changed quite a bit. What once was a "good beer, glad they tried it" sort of thing, is now a "impressive, where can I get more" thing. The bottles seem to have lost any heat the tap version had, the flavors less sharp and feel like they have settled with age, the brett and other wild yeast strains even had more character.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope everyone that went to try it on tap picked up a bottle or two. I know i'll be sad when my last one is gone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-31014550098719075012008-09-09T17:40:00.000-07:002008-09-09T17:47:52.880-07:00Full Sail "21" doppelbock releaseIn the recent <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Full Sail</span> newsletter they inform of an upcoming release for their 21st anniversary. Due in September is "<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">21</span>" a doppelbock to be bottled in 22ozers for their Brewmasters Reserve series.<br /><br />Here is what they have to say:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ></span><blockquote style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-family:Arial,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This beer is a labor of love. From brewhouse to bottle, 21 was given the care that only an owner can provide with all the time and attention that a beer this special deserves. Summer's brewing gives this beer a luxurious 12 weeks of lagering creating a deep amber colored brew in the German Doppelbock style. Its ample malt body complements the generous warming alcohol with just a hint of Noble hop character. 21 is part of our Brewmaster Reserve line up. This special birthday beer will be available in specially hand labeled 22 oz bottles in September. Tastes like a great way to celebrate your birthday!<br /><br />On Thursday, September 25th, at 5:00PM in the Pub, you’re invited to join in a special toast to celebrate “twenty-onederful years.” This same evening, we will tap a keg of 15 year old Full Sail Imperial Porter and launch our seasonal Brewmaster Dinners with a four course Brewmaster Dinner menu featuring “21”. </span></blockquote>So don't miss out, Thursday, September 25th @ 5:00pm, and in case that blurb was to much to handle they will be serving a 15 year old Imperial Porter. Yummm... I think.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWupBUeHFWKcjRdRDlF4Q0yuKTqhwbTSRN1IwXmG8xN7aPY6PA7dXs4WKNNZiM4IRTSqJs0Ao5Kjwqdeh51r5N4E4kfCoIXCjb36adaQwNsaUniUtW-YCPeq3os9K-Vb46XgpzVt-eyEY/s1600-h/fullsail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWupBUeHFWKcjRdRDlF4Q0yuKTqhwbTSRN1IwXmG8xN7aPY6PA7dXs4WKNNZiM4IRTSqJs0Ao5Kjwqdeh51r5N4E4kfCoIXCjb36adaQwNsaUniUtW-YCPeq3os9K-Vb46XgpzVt-eyEY/s320/fullsail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244187721344847314" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-70075999620647335312008-09-07T17:19:00.000-07:002008-09-07T17:29:51.389-07:00On tap at the Green Dragon 9/7/08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgbuPvM2GThzWCegGrw0vB_arvw8jVOGCUfDrSjJcolrIFLGRYV9q1CP1xQ7FlxEFtpxSCkIua9vxXTb5EFOnaUOUpyUPuxdpxGzuOBZv35z0a1wllpWDvOFWaOjC3Tgb2OS1ZvRgC7s/s1600-h/KegnHops.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgbuPvM2GThzWCegGrw0vB_arvw8jVOGCUfDrSjJcolrIFLGRYV9q1CP1xQ7FlxEFtpxSCkIua9vxXTb5EFOnaUOUpyUPuxdpxGzuOBZv35z0a1wllpWDvOFWaOjC3Tgb2OS1ZvRgC7s/s320/KegnHops.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243440845413096898" border="0" /></a><br />A few new beers are on tap at the <a href="http://www.pdxgreendragon.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">PDX Green Dragon</span></a> as of 3:00 today.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/ommegang-grand-cru-rouge/90997/10823/">Ommegang Grand Cru Rouge</a> - Flemish red aged in oak. Very enjoyable beer if you like the sours, dark red, nice tart cherry and oak flavor. If you liked the Dissident you would probably enjoy this, a bit less maltiness, but more esters in the finish. I thought this was really nice, drive down if you have the time, this is really worth the trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/new-belgium-giddy-up/92160/10823/">New Belgium Giddy Up</a> - A espresso laced brown ale with added lemon peel. This was interesting, but not really my thing. Felt to thin and nothing really seemed to work together. Not sure if this is an experimental beer or set to be released, but you probably won't see this many places.<br /><br />Others on tap:<br />St. Bernardus Wit & Special Brown<br />Amnesia Porter<br />Roots Pale<br />Allgauer Doppelbock<br />Fearless ScottishUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407429333284355731.post-39970680987523814952008-09-04T11:34:00.000-07:002008-09-04T11:38:49.589-07:00Widmer New Pale Pre-Release TastingJust a heads up, <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Widmer</span> will be doing a pre-tasting of a new <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">pale ale</span> at their Oktoberfest this Saturday. The pale is set to be released in 2009 and is currently void of a name, but if you show up to the fest early on Saturday they are going to be letting people catch an early preview of it.<br /><br />Here is the blurb from their newsletter:<br /><br /><span><a name="11c2e2e457408826_2"><span style="font-family:Arial,;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"></span></a></span><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-style: italic;"><span><a name="11c2e2e457408826_2"><span style="font-family:Arial,;font-size:85%;">The early bird gets the worm, and in this case the "worm" is a preview of our newest beer, a pale ale set to be released in 2009 (and yet to be named). Quantities are extremely limited, so get there quick if you want a taste!</span></a></span></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0