Event Planner: OR: Pints for Prostrates Portland announces Pale Ale Invitational 7/25 5:30 – 8:30

Raise your hand if you haven’t heard of Pints for Prostates, the non-profit to benefit men’s health. Anyone? We thought so.

Founded in 2008 Pints for Prostates was created with a mission, to promote Men’s cancer awareness. And with that goal in mind founder (and cancer survivor) Rick Lyke has traveled across this country, inspiring colon cancer awareness.

“Men are 33 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to have breast cancer, yet few men know about the critical importance of early detection,” Lyke said. “The support of Beer West magazine, the Oregon Brewers Festival and the two dozen great craft brewers donating beer for the event will help us reach an audience that needs to hear our message.”

With an introduction like that you know what we’re about to announce is huge. Which is why we are happy to announce the first annual Pints for Prostates Portland Pale Ale Invitational, held July 25th at Portland’s Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

 As you might have guessed the primary focus will be on the Pale Ale category/style. For us the first thing that comes to mind is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. But there are other Pale Ales (English & American-alike) that will be featured at this year’s event. Featuring over 24 different breweries the festival is a great idea from the charity.

And it isn’t just Pints for Prostates that are promoting this event as Portland’s own Beer West magazine and the Oregon Brewers Festival will be lending a hand to help this worthy charity, while promoting great beer.

“We are bringing together a collection of great pale ales in a city where pale ales are truly appreciated, all to raise awareness about an important men’s health issue,” said Rick Lyke, a drinks journalist and prostate cancer survivor. Lyke founded Pints for Prostates in 2008 after successful prostate cancer surgery. “Our goal is to reach men through the universal language of beer with a message about the importance of early detection.”

Tickets are already on sale, for $30, and can be purchased online at http://www.pintsforprostates.org .

“We are excited about the brewers that have agreed to take part and the world class pale ales they will be pouring. Beer fans will get the chance to try a wide variety of pale ale styles in a single session,” said Megan Flynn, publisher and editor-in-chief of Beer West magazine. “Pale ales have become America’s favorite type of craft beer. This event salutes the passion brewers and beer drinkers have for pale ale.”

“This year marks the 25th annual Oregon Brewers Festival so we are proud to be able to help support Pints for Prostates by making our venue available for the Portland Pale Ale Invitational on the eve of our silver anniversary,” said Art Larrance, one of the founders of the Oregon Brewers Festival. “The Oregon Brewers Festival is already one of the world’s biggest beer events and the Portland Pale Ale Invitational is another reason for people to visit and enjoy great craft beer.”

Curious what 24 breweries are participating? The folks at Pints for Prostates were happy to send us a list.

The 24 participating breweries include: BridgePort Brewing, Portland, Ore.; Caldera Brewing, Ashland, Ore.; Cascade Brewing, Portland, Ore.; Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Ore.; Fire Mountain Brew House, Carlton, Ore.; Firestone Walker Brewing, Paso Robles, Calif.; Full Sail Brewing, Hood River, Ore.; Lompoc Brewing, Portland, Ore.; MacTarnahan's Brewing, Portland, Ore.; Moa Brewing, Marlborough, New Zealand; New Holland Brewing, Holland, Mich.; Ninkasi Brewing, Eugene, Ore.; NoDa Brewing, Charlotte, N.C.; Odell Brewing, Fort Collins, Colo.; Oregon Brew Crew, homebrewers from Portland, Ore.; Rogue Ales, Newport, Ore.; Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, Calif.; Silver City Brewery, Bremerton, Wash.; Snake River Brewery, Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Southern Oregon Brewing, Medford, Ore.; Stone Brewing, Escondido, Calif.; Tree Brewing, Kelowna, British Columbia; 21st Amendment Brewery, San Francisco, Calif.; and Wells & Young’s, Bedford, United Kingdom.

Cheers

About Pints for Prostates

Pints for Prostates is a 501(c)3 a campaign that reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, 240,890 new prostate cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2011. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

About Beer West Magazine

Founded in 2007, Beer Northwest has grown to become the leading beer culture and lifestyle magazine in the Northwest. In January 2011, the magazine expanded into California and became Beer West. The magazine covers the thriving West Coast beer market and is the only regional publication of its kind. Beer West has more than doubled its circulation and visibility in the past year, with a focused readership of 80,000 beer and food enthusiasts. Beer West is a celebration of the unique Western beer-loving life.

About the Oregon Brewers Festival

The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the nation's longest running and best loved craft beer festivals. Situated on the west bank of the Willamette River, with towering Mt. Hood as a backdrop, it is the ideal venue for anyone who loves craft beer. With a laid back attitude and scores of award-winning beers, the festival reflects the essence of the city of Portland, and is the crowning jewel of Oregon Craft Beer Month. The OBF was at the forefront of exposing craft beers to the public. A total of 84 craft breweries from all parts of the nation will serve more than 30 beer styles to nearly 80,000 beer lovers from around the world. Another 50 specialty beers will be available for tastes in the Buzz Tent.

Brewery Night: WA: Latona’s 25th anniversary continues with Black Raven 3/19. Starting at 6 PM

If you haven’t been visiting Latona these past few months then you have no idea it’s their 25th Anniversary. Since 1987, the Latona Pub has supported craft beer through it’s dedication to provide local and regional beers for people to discover and enjoy. Recognizing their achievement, the pub is hosting a brewery each month, leading up to their big party.

This month the pub is welcoming Black Raven Brewing this Monday night. Besides their (Black Raven) signature beers, the brewery will be bringing Extra Special Pepper. Brewed specifically for Latona, we can’t for sure tell you what it is. Instead we invite you to show up and try it for yourself.

The party get’s started around 8. But we are advising you to show up early to get a good seat before the brewery shows up.

Congratulations to Bob Brenlin & the entire staff of Latona Pub.

Monday March 18th, 2012 6:00 PM (suggested arrival time) 8:00 PM (206) 525-2238
Latona Pub celebrates 25th year with Black Raven Night
6423 Latona Avenue Northeast Seattle, WA 98115

Cheers

About Latona Pub

We have a mission here at the three pubs: to introduce you to some of the best beers in the world. In our opinion, this means that the beer brewed in our own backyard is created by some of the most talented, creative people in the world. Certainly some fine beers are imported, but often that beer doesn’t receive the care it needs during its travels. At our pubs, we want to present to you the closest thing to what the brewers create. We take care of the beer we pour so that you will have a fresh and wonderful experience. [more] –source, Latona Pub

Away from the Desk: Cigars & St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is about to overcome everyone in a couple of days. And by Sunday you will probably be one of the many, who got caught up in the green mess, with only a headache to show for it.

Plus we are pretty sure cigarettes, pipes, or cigars will be involved at some point. With that thought we wanted to throw some cigar ideas your way.

Full Disclosure notice

The following are cigar suggestions from Camacho’s Cigars.

As always, there are no prescribed brewery beers to try. We merely wish to inspire some variety in your day of joviality, while screaming “Kiss Me I’m Irish!”

• Pale Lager: Room101 Connecticut  (Medium Body Cigar)
  Suggested Pale Lagers might include Shift (from New Belgium)
• Wheat Beer: Camacho Havana (Medium to Full Body Cigar)
  Suggestions include Fremont Wandering Wheat, Widmer Hefeweizen, or maybe a Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
• IPA: Room101 Namakubi (Medium Body Cigar)
  Suggestions include Deschutes Hop Henge, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Diamond Knot Industrial IPA, Boundary Bay IPA, or maybe a Driftwood Fat Tug
• Dark Lager: Room101 OSOK (Medium Body Cigar)
• Pilsner: Camacho Connecticut (Mild to Medium Body Cigar)
  Suggestions include Chuckanut Pilsner, or cheat and have a Harp Irish Lager
• Ale: Camacho Corojo (Full Body Cigar)
• Stout: Camacho Triple Maduro (Full Body Cigar)
  Suggestions include Sierra Nevada Stout, Guinness Dry Irish Stout, Guinness Export Stout

Got other suggestions? We are all ears.

As always the list of suggested cigars is subject to interpretation and availability. We advise you to contact the folks at J & J Cigars if you have more questions.

Westminster Way N Ste 5C Shoreline, WA 98133 206-440-1474

Cheers

Pairing Preview: WA: Tizley’s Europub hosts Schooner Exact, 3/22

Craft beer advocates of Kistsap County, Tizley’s Europub is happy to announce they will be hosting Schooner Exact.

Starting at 6PM, on March 22nd, you are invited (after a prior reservation) to sit down and enjoy another of Chef Rob’s brewery dinners.

Menu details are a bit fuzzy. But given Chef Rob’s history we can imagine a couple of dishes derived from German recipes.

Stop reading this and call the number below, as space is limited, for this $45 per person dinner.

March 22nd, 2012 6:00 PM (360) 394-0080‎
Schooner Exact Brewer's Dinner, Tizley's Europub
18928 Front Street Northeast, Poulsbo, WA‎

Cheers

About Tizley’s Europub

Located in the heart of scenic downtown Poulsbo, Washington ...

Our Europub is surrounded by the beauty of geographical similarities to that of the fjords of Norway. Poulsbo is a town where the people are proud of their European heritage.

We are excited to bring to the residents of Poulsbo and tourists alike a great place where good food can be had, brews and spirits abound, and friends can made. We look forward to seeing you soon. –source, Tizley’s Europub’s website

Brewery News: OR: Upright Brewing celebrates 3 years with Blend Love!

Sorry Alex & Ezra but I thought I had already posted this, in between the calendar updates and beer release notices.

So yeah. It’s almost Friday and I hope you are reading this on Thursday March 15th, and not March 16th. Why? Simple answer is you should be in line for your purchase of Upright Brewing’s Third Anniversary beer, Blend Love.

Starting at 4:30 PM and running through 9, the brewery will be featuring Blend Love as well as a few other beers on draft.

Friday March 30th 4:30pm – 9pm
Upright Brewing celebrates the release of anniversary 3 beer Blend Love
240 N. Broadway Suite 002 Portland, OR

Brewery Description of Blend Love

Upright Brewing is three years in! To celebrate, come join us at the brewery Friday the 30th from 4:30 to 9 pm and check out our newest seasonal beer, Blend Love! In just 3 years Upright Brewing has created a mind numbing amount of beers and helped to bring Saisons and Farmhouse-style Ales back into style. Owner/Brewer Alex Ganum is known for his food oriented style of brewing and for his barrel-aged wild ales and fruit beers. There may be no beer more quintessentially Upright Brewing than the latest release 'Blend Love' which is set to become the breweries annual anniversary bottle release and is a tribute to fellow brewer Ben Love.

Four casks containing a sour cherry version of the Four were blended with about a cask and a half of raspberry laden Six to create this characterful sour ale, full of lactic and acetic character, fruit and oak tannins, and a light funkiness from brettanomyces yeast. It was a blast to produce and then name this beer after one of Upright's favorite people and brewers, Ben Love. It's perfectly ready to enjoy now but will cellar well for several years.

As previously mentioned, you should get in line early to purchase a bottle (for $12) or case (for $125) of Blend Love. The only ‘gotcha’ is that you’re only allowed to purchase one case per person.

Congrats guys!

About Upright Brewing

Upright Brewing specializes in farmhouse inspired beers rooted in France and Belgium but made with local ingredients and a Pacific Northwest twist. The name is a reference to Charles Mingus and his primary instrument. Mingus was a musician whose compositions defy categorization. At Upright we use a special saison yeast and open fermenters to produce beers that are a true hybrid style, sharing Mingus’ spirit of exercising creativity and craft.

Cider Review: J.K.’s Skrumpy Hard Cider Orchard Gate, Is A Should Buy

As an imbiber of various types of beer it’s easy to become complacent, when presented with a dizzying array of styles. Usually this writer remains loyal to the India Pale Ale or Imperial Porter / Imperial Stout. But there are times when it is helpful step away from the malt & hops and try something different.

For me that can often mean consuming something like a scotch, bourbon, or whiskey (or whisky if you prefer). And Then there those times when something on the lighter, fruitier side, is needed. For me that means Cider.

So it pleases me to continue to the discussion of Ciders by reviewing another in the long list of growing ciders.

Brewed in Michigan and distributed throughout the country, Orchard Gate from J.K.’s Skrumpy Cider is today’s likely choice and here’s why.

Cider Description

After the harvest, it is tradition at our farm to enjoy a large glass of cider. The pickers and I enjoy the Golden Cider at the Orchard Gate - the same as I did with my father and grandfather.

I strive to make the best cider possible using these old methods and the traditional family recipe. There will be slight variations from bottle to bottle and year to year. This is a natural product. The bottom line is that it could not be made anyplace else. It is reliant on the soil

Our Thoughts

You Should Buy This. Served up with savory cheese, a chicken pot pie, or by itself; Orchard Gate from J.K.’s Skrumpy Hard Cider is definitely a Cider to enjoy while the Winter chill floats in the air.

Tasting Notes

J.K.’s Skrumpy Hard Cider Orchard Gate is a pale yellow cider that produces a chili haze of clarity. Resting in the glass before warming up to match the room temperature the beer doesn’t produce much in the way of foamy head. However one does get some visual evidence of carbonation as dots of lace rest on the surface.

Swirling the glass around reveals notes of honey, tart green apples, as well as some phenol character.

Taking that first sip invites you to recall bits of tartness inter played with sweet apples. Further sampling reveals bits of breadiness that might be expected from a Cider. Overall Orchard Gate has a medium to strong weight to it as it rests on the tongue and there is a definite creaminess that might be perceived as cloying.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/jk-scrumpys-orchard-gate-gold-hard-cider/60381/
http://alcoholreviews.com/?p=826

Cheers

Pairing Preview: BC: Spinnaker’s Brew Pub hosts Pike Brewery, 3/20 at 6:30 PM

Another dinner paired with beer has come to our attention. This time it's from the folks in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada).

Hosting for another year Spinnaker’s Brew Pub is happy to host Pike Brewing on March 20th.

The event is sure to be interesting as Chef Ali Ryan is pairing 5 of his culinary creations against 5 of Pike’s Seattle-based beers. Adding further enticement to this $45 per person dinner is the fact that Pike founders Charles & Rose Ann Finkel will be in attendance to answer all your beer related questions.

Curious what is in store for you? We have included a graphic of the menu.

Plus from what we hear there will be door prizes, including a Spinnaker Growler.

Tuesday March 20th, 2012 $45 6:30 PM (250) 386-BREW
Spinnaker’s hosts Charles & Rose Ann Finkel from Pike Brewing for Dinner
Make it an overnight stay in one of our fabulous Guesthouses! With a purchase of 2 Pike Brewery Beer Dinner tickets you can stay for just $79 per night in our Heritage House suites!

Cheers

About Spinnaker’s Gastropub

As Victoria's only Gastro Brewpub, Spinnakers defines the art of combining exceptional regional food with outstanding beer. Simply put, Gastro Brewpub means, "gastronomically amazing fare"whether it is on your plate or in your glass.

Ardent support of local farmers brings only the freshest seasonal fare to your table. All food preparation is done on the premises, from beer based artisan breads to house smoked wild seafood, and unique house specialties using herbs picked from the gardens located on the premises. Inventive daily fresh sheets ensure diners they are only one step removed from the freshness of the farmers fields.

Spinnakers Restaurant is consistently voted Victoria's favourite by Monday Magazine and Newsgroup reader polls.

About Pike Brewing Company

Charles and Rose Ann Finkel founded the Pike Brewing Company in 1989 in the La Salle Hotel building in the Pike Place Public Market. In 1996 they moved Pike to its current location on First Avenue between Pike and Union, increased capacity, and opened the Pike Pub. The Pub features local, sustainable pub fare. Housed within the Pub is the Pike Microbrewery Museum.

Brewery Night: WA: Brouwer’s Cafe hosts Boundary Bay 3/14 at 6PM, featuring Dry Fly barrel-aged beers

Admit it. You saw the headline and more or less shrugged. Or are you one of the loyal imbibers of Boundary Bay IPA, Oatmeal Stout, Scottish Ale, or their Cabin Fever? Even if you answer yes to one of these beers you shouldn’t miss tomorrow’s scheduled event?

Why? The answer is simple Barrel-aged Cabin Fever and Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Still got your attention? How does those two beers aged in Dry Fly Whiskey barrels grab ya? Good.

The terms are simple. Head down to Fremont, grab a parking spot, and a seat to try an idea conceived many months ago; by the boys from Bellingham. As always there will be reps from the brewery to speak with, should you have any questions.

Wednesday March 14th, 2012 6:00 PM
Brouwer’s Cafe hosts Boundary Bay for Dry Fly barrel-aged night
400 N. 35th Street Seattle WA 98103

Cheers

About the Photo’s Author

Paul Gibson originally hails from Carlsbad, New Mexico, so it’s no wonder he prefers the Northwest’s cooler temperatures and its vast selection of hoppy delicious beers. As a kid, he first started taking photos with an Instamatic of his friends on their BMX bikes. Now he takes photos of beer, breweries and on occasion street photography, events and concerts—minus the Instamatic. You can see more of his photos on Flickr ( www.flickr.com/photos/p_d_gibson ).

Event Planner: WA: Foggy Noggin Brewing turns 2 this Saturday, 3/17 from 1pm to 4pm

Been watching the business reports lately? Yeah, me neither. But every once in a while I hear about the improving employment outlook, consumer confidence, and … blah, blah, blah.

Seems the economy is getting better. But it was only a few year’s ago that people were talking about how bad the job outlook was. And It was only a few year’s ago when people started going into business for themselves. Coincidently around this time there was a glut of alcohol-related applications being submitted with the intent to brew beer.

Jim Jamison was one of those applicants when he started Foggy Noggin Brewing.

Which is why we are happy to remind you guys about a special event this Saturday in Bothell.

Starting at 1:00 PM, at a location that can only be described as ‘a man’s garage’, Foggy Noggin Brewing is celebrating their second year.

True there are hundreds of breweries that make an Scottish-style Ale, a Brown; or English-style Porter. But how many use yeast with immediate roots in Great Britain? How many breweries provide a solid Porter, when the rest of the region screams for an India Pale Ale?

Which is why we want to celebrate a brewery that refused to empty a dump truck of hops into their beer.

Did we mention that it starts on Saturday March 12th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM?

Saturday March 17th, 2012 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Foggy Noggin Anniversary #2
22329 53rd Avenue SE Bothell, WA 98021

If we had you at Saturday March 12th then you don’t need to be convinced to swing in to enjoy their Anniversary English-style Olde Ale.

As we did last year, we are releasing our 2012 Anniversary Ale (English Olde Ale) for this milestone. We are only releasing 38 cases of this beer, most will be sold directly from our tasting room. A few selected bottle shops will be offered a case each of this beer. Limited kegs will be showing up at local beer events over the next several months too.

For the celebration, we will have one keg of our 2011 Anniversary on tap, in addition to this year's 2012 version. We may also have the 2012 version pouring on Nitro. We recently opened a bottle of the 2011 Anniversary and very excited on how well it has aged.

Plus we probably don’t need to tell you about guest food vendor The Jerk Station, for Authentic Caribbean sandwiches.

The Jerk Station is Seattle's First, Authentic Caribbean Food Truck. Classic flavors mixed with Caribreoso creativity, The Jerk Station is sure to provide you with a one of a kind eating experience.

They will be serving Jamaican patties - these are savory, flaky pastries filled with various fillings. They will have an assortment of beef, chicken, jerk pork and vegetable. The patties are about 5oz. each and easy to eat on the go and run $3.75 each.

They will also be serving one of their most popular sandwiches, Cuban Cheesesteak. It is a Caribbean variation of the Philly cheesesteak. The sandwich has fresh sliced rib eye seasoned with our house blend of Caribbean spices and coffee. It is accompanied by black bean mayo, a spicy olive salad and a blend of cheeses all piled on toasted bread and pressed like a Cuban sandwich. The Cuban cheesesteak is $9 and it includes an order of Caribreoso chips or sweet potato fries.

If none of the above has encouraged you to drive into the middle of nowhere for a pint of English-style Olde Ale paired with a Philly Cheesesteak then we can’t help you. For the rest of you, we say, thank you for paying your respect to Jim Jamison and the rest of the crew at Foggy Noggin Brewing.

Cheers

About Foggy Noggin Brewery

We are brewers of great English Styled Ales on a very small 1/2 BBL system. We will soon be one of the world’s smallest production breweries. We take great pride in every batch to bring you consistent high quality brews year-round. While we get up and running, you will only be able to get our fresh beers at our tasting room, located at our brewery in Bothell, WA.[more]

Brewery News: New Belgium announces expanded canning line

Today it was announced that New Belgium Brewery has completed their 16,000 square foot canning line. Now in full operation, one can start to expect New Belgium to pump out 6 times the number of 12 and 16 ounce offerings.

“People are loving craft beer in a can so we decided to increase production to keep up with demand,” said Bryan Simpson, New Belgium spokesperson. “We first rolled out cans in 2008 as an outdoor-friendly, light for transport and readily recyclable vessel. Our fans enjoy that cans can travel to places where glass is not an option and now tallboys can come along, too.”

The canning line resides just east of New Belgium’s bottling facility on the brewery’s fifty-acre campus in Fort Collins, CO. New Belgium contracted Neenan Company of Fort Collins for construction. The canning line and facility cost nearly $8 million to build.

Manufactured by KHS, the new line featured a “ … 40-head filler capable of filling 360 cans per minute; the previous canning line filled 60 cans per minute.”

Congrats to Kim Jordan and the entire staff for their efforts in offering another option for the beer drinker on the go.

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.