Northwest Beer Guide (aka, The Pickled Liver)

Pairing Preview: OR: Full Sail Brewmaster Dinner is 2/9

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Listen up commuters of I-84. Full Sail has sent out a reminder that their monthly Brewmaster Dinner is coming, February 9th.

With a theme on retro classics, each course’s beer will be paired with dishes you’ve heard of, like the Waldorf Salad. Cost is $30 per person and it starts at 5:00 PM until the kitchen runs out of food.

For more information about the dinners call the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247. And don’t forget to review the menu below.

First Course

Prawn Cocktail with Blood Orange Cocktail Sauce and Chiffonade paired with LTD 04

Second Course

Waldorf Salad with Grilled Ricotta Salata paired with Session

Third Course

Stout Marinated Beef Wellington with Roasted Broccolini and Bearnaise Sauce paired with Extra Special Barney

Fourth Course

Brioche Bread Pudding with Session Caramel Sauce and Nutmeg Whipped Cream paired with Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter

Thursday February 9th, 2012 5:00 PM (541) 386-2247
February Brewsmaster Dinner featuring Retro Classics Menu
Full Sail Tasting Room & Pub 506 Columbia Street, Hood River , Or 97031

About the Brewmaster Dinner

Our Brewmaster Dinners are held the second Thursday of the month during the fall, winter and spring. Our next dinner will be held Thursday, March 8th and will feature seasonal dishes paired with our award winning brews.

Cheers

About Full Sail Brewing Company

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment our specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Wassail, Session, Session Black, and Session Fest Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 25 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in 28 states.The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. http://www.fullsailbrewing.com

About the photo’s author
"Matt Wiater is a photographer covering the Portland beer scene for portlandbeer.org."

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon … Deschutes Chainbreaker India Pale Ale (in six packs!)

2012-01-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Raise your hand if you have been to the Deschutes Brewery’s Portland or Bend Pub. Except for pretty much all of PDX & Bend, there aren’t too many places outside the city that have ever heard of a certain white India Pale Ale.

No we aren’t talking about Conflux #2 but instead the original that might have inspired Conflux #2, Chainbreaker White India Pale Ale.

What is Chainbreaker?

… a hop-forward, citrus-packed beer with an unmistakably smooth character.

“We’re always experimenting with new ingredients and new styles at the brewery,” said Cam O’Connor, brewmaster for Deschutes. “In the case of Chainbreaker our experimentation really paid off: the marriage of wheat, spices, yeast and hops have all come together to make a very drinkable, complex White IPA.”

The name Chainbreaker White I.P.A. was inspired in part by a legendary mountain bike race in Central Oregon called the Cascade Chainbreaker. The challenging race features a demanding course with multiple terrains, just as this beer challenges the palate to expand with a fusion of wheat and spice low notes alongside significant hop highs. Sweet orange peel and coriander round out the flavor profile for a refreshing ride.

As we stated in the beginning, Chainbreaker had remained a stable of the Bend and Portland Pubs since its introduction a few years ago. Presented as a seasonal, it wasn’t until recently that the brewery elected to brew this year pretty much all year.

Look for Chainbreak IPA to be featured in six packs this March and continue to rollout to other states outside the Northwest in the months following. As always if you don’t see this on the shelf when it’s scheduled to be released ask your grocer to get some!

Cheers

About Deschutes Brewery

Located in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That's why we started off in 1988, on the banks of the Deschutes River here in Bend,Oregon, by selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to push the envelope, especially if it makes someone nervous. But for us, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of "Bravely Done!" For more information about Deschutes Brewery and its courageously crafted beers, please visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com orwww.Facebook.com/Deschutes.Brewery.

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon (Again) … Full Brewing Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

It’s nearing the end of January and you know what the means, Full Sail [insert alternating Barrel-aged beer]. All kidding aside, it’s time for Top Sail Barrel-aged Imperial Porter to make its biennial debut. This year’s batch much like previous year’s is a little different in part because of the barrels used.

Aging since 2011 this beer has always been a favorite of this writer.

“We love the concept of the bourbon barrel aging our beer. Our barrel aged beers have been a Full Sail tradition since 1998 when the Master Distiller from The Maccallan visited the brewhouse and suggested we try it. It was then we discovered the magic that happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. It’s an art form and when done right, it’s a wonderful thing. We brew this special beer in small batches, that’s why it is available in very limited quantities. You should get some while you can,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

“Brewed back in January of 2011, this imperial style porter was reserved and aged in Kentucky bourbon casks from Maker's Mark, Jim Beam and Austin Nichols. After a year we created a blend that is 100% barrel aged beer to craft Top Sail. This aging amplifies our robust porter and brings out hints of chocolate, figs, vanilla and oak. It’s deep black in color, with a roasty malt flavor and a rich malt and vanilla sweetness that’s smooth and amazingly drinkable. A wonderful addition to any beer cellar,” added Emmerson. To help the beer aficionados that have the self-discipline to cellar this beer, Full Sail marks the bottle label with the reserve year. Top Sail was awarded a gold medal at the 2010 & 2011 World Beer Championships and was named One of the Top 25 Beers of 2010 by Wine Enthusiast. The beer will be available in 22 oz bottles and limited draft. (ABV 9.5%, IBU 40)

Plus much like the beer itself the brewery has held a tradition of hosting a Vertical Tasting at both their Hood River Tasting Room & Pub as well as their other location inside McCormick & Schmick’s.

“Since Top Sail is a blend of the three barrel varieties, we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson.

Wednesday February 1st, 2012 5:00 PM (503) 222-5343
Top Sail Vertical Night at Full Sail’s Riverplace Brewery
307 Southwest Montgomery Street Portland, OR 97201

Wednesday February 1st, 2012 5:00 PM (503) 386-2247
Top Sail Vertical Night at Tasting Room and Pub
506 Columbia Street Hood River, OR

Look for Top Sail Barrel-aged Imperial Porter to be featured side by side such bottles as Session, Session Black, Session Fest.

Cheers

About Full Sail Brewing Company

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session and Session Black Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 25 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in 28 states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. http://www.fullsailbrewing.com

Beer Release: BC: Get It Now (Again) … Granville Island’s Imperial India Pale Ale

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Vancouver needs to wake up and smell the hops! It’s time once again for the release of Granville Island’s limited edition Imperial India Pale Ale. Locals would prefer to call this Vern’s Imperial IPA but we can all agree this is a really good beer.

Brewery Description of Granville Island Imperial India Pale Ale

Granville Island Brewing is calling all hopheads with the release of its big, bold and flavourful Imperial IPA. In this highly-anticipated beer’s debut last year, the online and in-store response was so strong that GIB decided to make it available on a larger scale in 2012. “Imperial IPA is packed with lots of flavour,” says Granville Island Brewing brewmaster Vern Lambourne. “We use 4 varieties of Pacific Northwest hops for bittering, flavour and aroma with notes of marmalade, citrus peel and pine. This brew has an assertive 100 BUs of bitterness that Imperial IPA enthusiasts will love.”

With so much flavour, Imperial IPA is best enjoyed on its own or paired with bold-flavoured foods such as a rich Indian butter chicken or spicy Thai beef curry. This brew also balances out the heat in slow-cooked barbecued ribs with a peppercorn rub or other strongly smoked meats with lots of spices and pepper. The bitterness of Imperial IPA’s citrus peel layers cut through aged, sharp cheddar or the pungent tang of a Stilton with delicious results. You can even have Imperial IPA with dairy-based, rich desserts. Try it with a creamy white chocolate cheesecake topped with raspberry compote.

Look for this beer to be featured at the Granville Island Gift Shop and BC Liquor Stores throughout the province.

For more information on the GIB, visit www.gib.ca or www.facebook.com/granvilleislandbrewing or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itsgoodtobehere.

Cheers

About Granville Island Brewing (GIB)

Established is 1984, Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is Canada’s first microbrewery offering a variety of West Coast inspired and award-winning beers. Our Limited Release beers combine innovative brewing with all-natural ingredients. Each of these brews is created locally at our small-batch brewery on Granville Island for all those who appreciate unique, extraordinary beer. For more information, visit www.gib.ca

Beer Release: NW: Coming (Real) Soon … Elysian Brewing’s Idiot Sauvin (Nelson Sauvin-hopped) India Pale Ale

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend whiles we were celebrating the coming Apocalypse it was brought to our attention that Elysian’s Dick Cantwell and company are releasing a new series of India Pale Ales. Under the Manic Series label, Dick is proud to announce the first of three new IPAs for the new year.

So many IPAs, so little time...

Elysian Brewing Company is planning to make brewing life a little more challenging by kicking off its IPA Specialty Series in February of 2012 with Idiot Sauvin, an IPA both fiercely fruity and floral, made with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops. The beer has appeared before only at Elysian's pubs, and will be issued in both 22 oz bottles and draft.

Then in June will come Prometheus, an aggressively aromatic blend of Northwest classic Chinook, Cascade, Centennial and Amarillo hops fondly familiar to Elysian regulars.

Rounding out the year will be Valhalla, a reddish fall-into-holiday IPA using Sorachi Ace and Citra hops, scheduled for release in October. Too many IPAs? Bah, humbug! -Dick Cantwell

Starting in February we encourage you to start searching shelves through the Northwest for this uniquely labeled beer. Then in June comes the release of Prometheus IPA, before the arrival of Vahalla Sorachi an India Pale Ale infused with Sorachi Ace & Citra hops.

As always if you can’t find Elysian Idiot Sauvin Nelson Sauvin-hopped India Pale Ale, ask your grocer or server to get some!

About Elysian Brewing Company

The Elysian was founded in 1995 by principals Dick Cantwell (President/Head Brewer), Joe Bisacca (CFO/Head of Operations) and David Buhler (Sales & Marketing Director). Our first Seattle location, a 220-seat beer hall and our main brewery, opened in 1996 on Capitol Hill, Seattle’s most populous neighborhood. In 1997 Elysian was chosen to operate a pub and small brewery at Gameworks—a large entertainment complex owned by Universal Studios, Dreamworks & Sega. Elysian left this partnership in 2002 upon expiration of the five-year contract. A short year later Elysian opened TangleTown, an 80-seat neighborhood brewery/bistro. With a 3-bbl pilot brewery, Elysian-TangleTown acted as the brewers' test kitchen, fueling the creative fires and helping cement Elysian's reputation as Seattle’s top brewpub. The most recent addition to the Elysian empire, Elysian Fields, opened in August 2006. Perched next to Seattle’s two sports arenas, Fields seats 400 and packs the house at lunch and on gamedays. It is typical for us to offer over twenty different Elysian beers between the three locations.

Cheers

Event Planner: WA: Elliott Bay (West Seattle) hosts Imperial Stout vertical night, 1/25

2012-01-23T19:35:00.001-08:00

Something occurred to us as we tried to recover our thoughts from ‘Snowmageddon’, West Seattle’s Elliott Bay Brewing is hosting a vertical night.

The days may finally be getting longer, but it is still that time of year where darkness rules Seattle. So in honor of that, Elliott Bay Brewery and Pub presents an Ode to Darkness. We have broken into our deep, dark cellar and pulled out a couple kegs from years past of our Imperial Stout. We will be serving a sample tray of three versions of our Imperial Stout: '11, '10, and '10 aged in a bourbon barrel. These samples will be complemented by candied walnuts and chocolate covered cherries, all for $8.00. The event starts at 4pm on Wednesday, Jan 25th, with a meet the brewers session starting at 5pm.

Brewery Description of 2011 Elliott Bay Imperial Stout

Imperial Stouts were originally brewed for exportation from England to the Imperial Court of Russia. To survive the long transportation in the days before refrigeration the beer was strong. Elliott Bay's Imperial Stout was brewed to a high alcohol content (9+%) but kept a drier finish, yielding strong coffee and chocolate flavors and aromas, a silky texture from the use of oats, and a dry, coffee-like bitter finish. Significant amounts of hops were used to balance out the sweetness.

Brewery Description of 2010 Elliott Bay Imperial Stout

So what does age do to a beer? Hop oils breakdown, leaving a less bitter finish; Yeast continues to do its work, fermenting sugar into a little more alcohol; Probably most importantly, oxidation occurs and time mellows the edges from all that alcohol and hops, so the beer is smooth and well-rounded, showing more of the chocolate and coffee and less alcohol and bitterness.

Brewery Description of 2010 Elliott Bay Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout

Put an aged beer in a used bourbon barrel from the Heaven Hill Distillery and you get all the benefits of aging beer, plus the flavors and aromas developed during the whiskey's time in the barrel. Vanilla, chocolate truffle, and oak flavors emerge, creating a wholly different experience: the smoothness and rich flavors of a well aged whiskey, without the alcohol bite...the best of the beer and whiskey worlds.

Wednesday January 24th, 2011 5:00 PM to ? (206) 932-8695
Elliott Bay Brewing ‘West Seattle’ presents an Imperial Stout Vertical Night
4720 California Avenue Southwest Seattle, WA 98116

About Elliott Bay Brewing

Elliott Bay Brewing Co. is a family owned company of high quality neighborhood brewpubs in communities throughout the Seattle area. Owners Todd Carden and Brent Norton met in 1994 while working for the iconic Maritime Pacific Brewing Co. They forged a friendship and explored their common goal and dream of owning and operating their own brewpub. They also met Head Brewer Doug Hindman at Maritime Pacific.

Todd and Brent incorporated the company in November of 1996. In March 1997 they signed their first lease and began construction of a brewpub in the historic “Junction” of West Seattle. They opened for business on July 11, 1997. Doug joined the ranks in September of 1997 and has been Head Brewer ever since.

Over the past thirteen years in West Seattle, Elliott Bay Brewery & Pub has been a leader in sustainability, philanthropic support, and instumental in creating an amazing sense of community in the neighborhoods which it serves. Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub, the companyís second brewpub, opened in Burien in March of 2007. The Burien Brewhouse, like its West Seattle sibling, supports a progressive company culture and socially responsible business practices.

Cheers

Event Planner: WA: Cheap Beers & Niko quits on 1/21 starting at 12pm

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Break open the coin jar. Get ready to spend little at 12 PM this Saturday. If you’re like us then you won’t need initiative to get out of the house. So head down to Uber Tavern for some cheap drinks. And say good ridd-luck to Niko while your at it.

Starting at 12 PM when the bar opens you can start enjoying featured draft beers at $2.50 off their regular price. Curious if the place is serving mostly Spaten Pils? Here’s the list for those willing to stick out the weather for a 8 or 17 ounces something.

$4.5 - 8oz - Lost Abbey Angel's Share 2010 (Brandy Barrel)
$3.5 - 8oz - Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine 2010
$2 - pint - Deschutes Hop Henge Double IPA
$2 - pint - New Old Lompoc C-Sons Greetings
$2 - pint - Chuckanut Vienna Lager
$2 - pint - Alameda Black Bear XX Stout
$2 - pint - Anderson Valley Boont Amber
$5 - 8oz - Delirium Tremens
$3 - 17oz - Stiegl Pilsner
$2.5 - 17oz - Franziskaner Hefe-Weiss
$2.5 - 17oz - Spaten Premium Lager
$2.5 - pint - Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
$2.5 - pint - Silver City Fat Scotch
$3.5 - pint - Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Don’t sit at home too long trying to decide though as Uber will raise the price of each listed beers by $.50. Once the clock strikes 10 PM, all beers will be back to their regularly priced selves. But it isn’t all bad as starting at 10 PM they will be selling those same beers (mostly) for %50 off their per ounce cost.

Again don’t forget to wish Niko the best of luck in his new financial endeavors, as this will be his last night bartending.

See you there!

Saturday January 21st, 2011 12:00 PM – CLOSE (206) 782-2337
Uber Tavern’s & Niko’s Last Hurrah, before they close for reconstruction.
7517 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA 98103

Just in case you are reading the headline and scratching your head’s here’s the back story from their newsletter back in December (2011)

After 5+ years, our bar is ready for a facelift and we’re going kinda big…for our little place, hence the 3 week closure. Über has 17 taps. Every one will be replaced with a new keg when we reopen. So let’s kill all the old ones on our last night.

Cheers

About the photo’s author
+Russ is a photo blogger and an avid beer fan who got immersed in beer and the Seattle beer culture through homebrewing and the thirsty pursuit of new craft ales to sample.

Event Planner: WA: Beer Authority Hosts Bill Jenkins 1/24

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Add this one to your guys’ calendar as Lake City Way’s Beer Authority will be hosting one of it new neighbors Bill Jenkins.

A respected figure in the Seattle beer scene, Bill was recently hired by Elliott Bay Brewing to brew at their Lake City Way Brewery & Pub. So while the brewpub is under construction you should swing over to Beer Authority and ask him his plans for his latest adventure.

Tuesday January 24th, 2011 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Beer Authority hosts Special Guest Bill Jenkins of Elliott Bay Brewing
12716 Lake City Way NE Seattle, WA 98125

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Get It Now (Annually) … 21st Amendment’s Bitter American Session Ale

2012-01-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Gather around the fireplace and take a deep breath as you sip on something unexpected.

Bitter American released early January 2011 is back for another run and this time the brewery is prepared to meet the demand.

"People were "Bitter" when we ran out last year. Yep I said it, Bitter!," said 21st Amendment Brewery co-founder Nico Freccia. "We got so many emails and tweets asking us to make this a year-round beer, we just couldn't ignore them. It's the perfect antidote to the big beers of winter and also the perfect summer brew."

"Bitter American is a great beer during colder times when strong beers seem to be pretty prevalent," added founder and Brewmaster Shaun. "When we first brewed this beer it really scratched the lower-alcohol-session-beer-itch that I would get when I was tired of drinking barley wines, imperial stouts and other stronger hoppy beers. I wanted and I think a lot of good beer drinkers want a session beer where you can enjoy a few pints of a beer with huge flavor but without all the alcohol. Bitter American is a mere 4.4% ABV. It's got all the flavor and you can keep moving."

"The amazing thing about brewing Bitter American is achieving a balance between malt flavor and hops," says O'Sullivan. "Our secret is the use of a special, imported English heirloom malt called Golden Promise. This malt has a rich, full body and distinctive flavor that gives the beer a complex, light caramel and toasty flavor. It sets up a nice firm malt backbone allowing us to hop up the beer for incredible aromas and flavors without over bittering the beer."

As always we encourage you to seek this out where you find 21st Amendment beers like Live Free or Die IPA or Hell of High Watermelon Wheat.

About 21st Amendment Brewery

Who the heck are these guys? Hey, we're Nico and Shaun. We live for great beer. In 1920, there were thousands of breweries acrossAmerica making unique handcrafted beer. The passage of Prohibition wiped out this great culture. After thirteen years without beer, the states ratified the 21st Amendment, ending Prohibition in America. At the 21st Amendment Brewery, we celebrate the right to brew beer, the freedom to be innovative, and the obligation to have fun. www.21st-Amendment.com

Cheers

Beer Release: OR: Get It Now … Upright Fantasia Belgian-style Peach Lambic

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-08:00

It’s been awhile since we’ve written a notice associated w/one of the few open-fermented breweries in the Northwest. Yet here we are again, promoting a brewery that many have yet to discover outside the I-5 corridor.

Announced a couple of days ago, Upright Brewing is happy to announce the release of Fantasia.

Brewed back in the hot summer of 2010, this all barrel-aged ale has never touched a metal fermenter. Aged for over a year and a half and produced with fresh peaches and multiple yeasts (and bacteria), Fantasia has been likened to a traditional Lambic.

More about Fantasia from Upright Owner and Head Brewer Alex Ganum:

It was a tremendously friendly Trevor Baird, whose family operates an orchard producing wonderful fruit, who planted the idea in my head to make a peach beer. I set about to brew something totally different from anything I've done before and began by propagating some lactobacillus and brettanomyces, which don't reproduce all that quickly. I wanted a healthy and respectable pitch to get the flavors I had in mind, and by the time the peaches were ripe and ready, the yeast and bacteria were plenty ready to go. The few weeks leading up to the brewday were also spent procuring some appropriate oak barrels, eight in total sourced from four different wineries. After finally getting the call from Trevor that the peaches would be ready on the 23rd, everything was in order and Gerritt fired up the brewhouse while myself and a few very hardworking friends unloaded 800 pounds of fruit and spent most of the day cutting them up and stuffing them into the barrels. It took quite a while, and the wort enjoyed an extra long boil in the meantime much like the processing of traditional lambics. The recipe on the brewlog that day was simple; all barley malt (unlike the wheaten lambic style), but employing warm aged hops from the 2008 harvest. By the end of the boil, all eight barrels were full of the fruit plus a mixture of saison yeast and the aforementioned lactobacillus and brettanomyces. The wort was then cooled and pumped directly into the barrels, all of them getting filled to roughly 2/3 or 3/4 capacity to allow room for the fermentation, which after a couple weeks was on it's tail end and the barrels were topped off with one of two beers; the Four and the Tokay d' Portland, a small batch barrel aged experiment of sorts. At that point, the Fantasia was ready for extended maturation in the casks, so it was hard bunged and set aside until the following August when seven of the eight barrels were blended and bottled shortly thereafter. Those bottles have been conditioning in the back of the brewery since and are in prime form and ready to enjoy, although I expect it to develop nicely for two more years before the fruit character begins to fade away. –source, Upright Brewing

Look for wax-dipped, 750ml bottles, at the brewery ($20 or $225 for a case, with a 1 case limit) or at select bottleshops in the Northwest.

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.

Cheers

Beer Release: OR & WA: Coming Soon … Midnight Sun’s XXX Black Double IPA

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

For many of us winter has officially started with the recent snow. And while many of the 'Winter' releases are resting on the shelf getting older, we couldn’t pass up the chance to mention the pending release (around February) of XXX Black Double India Pale Ale.

Brewery Description

8.5 % Alcohol By Volume

87 International Bittering Units (IBUs)

Originally brewed in 2009 to celebrate Specialty Imports’ 30th Anniversary, XXX Black Double IPA is now produced each winter. XXX offers bold, American hop character — comfortably cloaked in dark, luxurious malt. This exciting “winter warmer” will take the chill right out of your bones. Curl up with this session-beer-meets-nightcap.

Sometimes XXX just means 30.

In 2009, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Specialty Imports' specialty wine and beer import business, Midnight Sun Brewing Company brewed a very special beer--a black double IPA--to honor this Alaska company's long-term success. In 2010 this beer was added to MSBC's "seasonal double IPA" line-up.

Look for XXX Black Double India Pale Ale to be featured anywhere you find Midnight Sun's annual beers, like Arctic Rhino Coffee Porter or Monk's Mistress Belgian-style Special Dark Ale.

Cheers

About Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

Since firing up its brew kettle in 1995, Midnight Sun Brewing Company has become a serious yet creative force on the American brewing front. From concept to glass, Midnight Sun relies on an "art marries science" approach, mixing tradition with innovation, to design and craft bold, distinctive beers for Alaska...and beyond.

We at Midnight Sun find inspiration in the untamed spirit and rugged beauty of the Last Frontier and develop unique beers with equally appealing names and labels. But the company’s true focus remains in its dedication to producing consistently high-quality beers that provide exciting flavor and satisfying refreshment in all seasons.

From our extreme Pacific Northwest locale, we offer our wonderful beers on draft and in 22-ounce bottles throughout Alaska. Some of these beers are also distributed in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California. We invite you to visit our hardworking brewery and retail Loft in South Anchorage every chance you get!

Event Planner: WA: The New Year Beer Festival is 01/22. Sponsored by Fritz European Fry House.

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Time flies when your no longer having to think about the next Christmas present, or New Year’s Eve party. And for many of you this past week has provided waaay too much time to be idle. So why not take some of that spent energy and instead use it on something fun, like a beer festival.

This coming Sunday with the prospect of the Seattle weather improving from a blanket of snow to regularly scheduled we invite you to hop the Ferry and head to the 1st Annual New Year Beer Festival.

Sponsored by Fritz European Fry House and joined by a group of West Sound brewers, the New Year Beer Festival is another opportunity for those in Seattle (and beyond) to enjoy Kitsap County’s many breweries.

“Puget Sound has one of the nation’s fastest growing and most diverse craft beer communities, and this festival is an excellent opportunity to sample some of the best beer the region has to offer, while supporting a great cause,” said Jessica Husted, event organizer and co-owner of Der Blokken Brewery and Fritz European Fry House in Bremerton.

Located just off the Ferry at the Kitsap Conference Center, this two session (4 hour each) festival offers you the imbiber the chance to sample 8 different beers.

Included breweries at this event are …

American Brewing Co.
Battenkill Brewing Co.
Big E Ales
Der Blokken Brewery
Grove Street Brew House
Hale’s Ales
Harmon Brewing Co.
Hood Canal Brewery
Port Townsend Brewing Co.
Schooner Exact Brewing Co.
7 Seas Brewing
Silver City Brewery
Slippery Pig Brewery
Sound Brewery
and Valholl Brewing Co.

Be on the lookout, for Battenkill Brewing Company’s Doppelbock and Double Black Imperial Stout from Der Blokken Brewery.

Proceeds will benefit The Coffee Oasis community outreach efforts to reduce substance abuse, homelessness, gang activity and violence throughout Kitsap County.

For tickets and updated information we ask that you visit the New Year Beer Festival’s website, included below. See ya there!

Sunday January 22nd, 2012 12 – 3 & 4 – 7 $30 (advance purchase) $35 at the door
The New Year Beer Festival at the Kitsap Conference Center
100 Washington Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337

Cost of entry includes eight sample-size drink tickets and a commemorative glass. A limited number of tickets are available, so reserve yours today.

About Coffee Oasis Community Outreach

While serving as a pastor, volunteering as a police chaplain and doing foster care in Bremerton, Washington in the 1990s, Dave and Cindy Frederick began to see a part of Bremerton they had never really noticed before. Drug abuse. Homelessness. Gang activity. Violence. They came face to face with youth whose lives were a spiraling plummet toward lifelong incarceration, addiction or death. They had to do something.
They began Hope in Christ Ministries, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, in November 1996 as a first step toward making a difference in the lives of hurting youth. On July 1, 1997 they purchased The Coffee Oasis, located on 622 Warren Avenue in Bremerton, to provide a place to serve such youth.

Teen Night began at The Coffee Oasis on the first Friday evening of September 1997. What started with 4 youth coming from "smokers' corner" across the street from Bremerton High School to “check it out” has seen hundreds of youth pass through over the past years. Some just come to check out the action. Many make it their regular Friday night place to be.

On July 1, 1998 The Coffee Oasis was relocated to 822 Burwell Street in Bremerton. This provided a much larger space to grow both the business and the ministry.
What began as Teen Night has expanded the ministry to include: Oasis Center, Street Hope, The Refuge, Bible studies, mentoring, job-training, jail visitation, provision of temporary housing, pastoral counseling, helping with community service, a clothing and food bank, tutoring, and special outings such as hiking or camping.

Cheers

Beer Release: ID: Coming Soon … Grand Teton’s 5 O’Clock Shadow Double Black Lager

2012-01-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Folks in Victor Idaho are in for a treat as the first in this year’s Cellar Series from Grand Teton Brewing is released. Announced a couple of days ago, 5 O’Clock Shadow Double Black Lager is coming to a glass near you.

Brewery Description

5 O’Clock Shadow Double Black Lager is brewed in the German Schwarzbier (black beer) tradition. Schwarzbier is to lager what stout or porter is to ale. Like those dark British beers, Schwarzbier has long been considered nourishing and even curative. German doctors often recommend Schwarzbier for nursing mothers. Our Brewmaster, born in Munich, was the beneficiary of just such advice.

We have taken the traditional Schwarzbier, intended to be a “session beer” with typically moderate alcohol, and almost doubled its strength to 7.6% alcohol by volume. We brewed our version with a fine balance of crystal and roasted malts and spiced it with noble hops. We fermented 5 O’Clock Shadow at cold temperatures with a select German lager yeast and cold-conditioned it for over four months to create a velvety smooth, easy-drinking springtime brew.

The 5’OClock Shadow marks the first ever black and white label from Grand Teton Brewing Company designed by our very own Kathleen Hanson. It is complete with its own QR code directing consumers to a homemade video about the brew.

This German lager pours a deep brown, almost black color with ruby highlights. It has soft dark chocolate notes with hints of caramel and a light roasty finish.

5 O’Clock Shadow pairs nicely with hearty, spicy foods. Try it with barbecued, roasted or blackened meats and sausages. Steaks and burgers, especially charred, will taste great. A cheese of choice might be a fine Munster or even a buttery, well-aged cheese like Gouda. For dessert we suggest a raspberry tart or ginger pear cake.

Beer Geek Information

Original Gravity: 18˚
International Bitterness Units: 38
Alcohol by Volume: 7.6%
Color (Lovibond): 40˚

If you are anxious to try this you don’t have to wait long as the brewery will be tapping the first keg on Wednesday February 1st.

Wednesday February 1st, 2012 (888) 899-1656
Grand Teton releases 5 O’Clock Shadow Double Black Lager
430 Old Jackson Highway Victor, ID 83455

Look for 5 O’Clock Shadow to be featured at the brewery and bottleshops throughout Idaho. As always if you don’t see this on the shelf near you, ask your grocer to get a few bottles!

Cheers

About Grand Teton Brewing Company

Grand Teton Brewing Company was founded in 1988 as the first modern “micro” brewery in the state of Wyoming. Today, Grand Teton Brewing Company is in the Brewer’s Association’s “Top 100 Craft Breweries in North America.” Their premium microbrews include the 9x gold-medal-winning Bitch Creek ESB, the 2009 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winner (American Pale Ale) Sweetgrass APA and the favorites of the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks; Old Faithful Ale (pale golden), Howling Wolf Weisse Bier (hefeweizen) and Teton Ale (amber.) From their production facility in Victor, Idaho, Grand Teton Brewing Company beers are hand-crafted from only the finest ingredients, including locally-grown grains and pure Teton mountain spring water. Grand Teton Brewing Company is a green company utilizing environmentally conscious and sustainable practices whenever possible. Grand Teton Brewing Company is also the inventor of the modern glass growler, which is estimated to save over one billion bottles and cans from entering the ecosystem every year. Discriminating beer drinkers can find their favorite Grand Teton Brewing Company brews on tap and in bottles throughout California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Brewery News: NW: Kona Brewing cans Longboard Lager

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

It may not big deal to most of you but one of the breweries affiliated with the Craft Brewers Alliance is jumping into the canned business.

Long since known for Longboard Lager, Kona Brewing has formally announced their flagship beer (Longboard) will soon be released in 12 ounce cans.

Thoughts on canning by Kona Brewing Company

Aluminum cans offer a range of benefits for consumers, beer, and the environment. Perhaps the biggest benefit for fans of Kona Brewing Company’s Longboard Island Lager, however, is that cans allow consumers to enjoy Liquid Aloha where glass bottles typically aren’t allowed – like on the beach or at the pool.

According to Kona Brewing president Mattson Davis, the can’s enhanced portability as a take-along is especially beneficial to Kona beer drinkers who enjoy rewarding themselves during outdoor pursuits. “Cans are lifestyle-friendly for the Kona consumer, who’s more likely to take us to the beach, hiking or snowboarding in the mountains, paddling their local lake or river, or any other time where glass bottles aren’t the best way to go. Now they’ll have a lighter, more compact way to take our beers along.”

…

“Longboard Lager has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years and we’re hopeful the Longboard cans will add to the excitement our fans continue to have for craft beer,” continued Davis. “Liquid Aloha in a can is what Kona beer drinkers have asked for and we’re stoked to bring it to them.”

About Kona Brewing

Kona Brewing Company was started in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, who had a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit, passion and quality. It is a Hawaii-born and Hawaii-based craft brewery that prides itself on brewing the freshest beer of exceptional quality, closest to market. This helps to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing shipping of raw materials, finished beer and wasteful packaging materials. The brewery is headquartered where it began, in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. It has grown into Hawaii’s largest brewery, has three restaurant sites in Hawaii and beer distribution reaching 30 states and Japan. It is the 13th largest craft brewery in the country. For more information call 808-334-BREW or www.KonaBrewingCo.com.

Look for this and other Kona brewed beers at bottleshops and grocers throughout the Northwest.

Cheers

Brewery News: Dogfish Head Brewing’s Sam Calagione responds to “… Overated Brewery” tag on Beeradvocate.com

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

This blog admittedly values the limited number of opinions posted on this site. Because of this we couldn’t resist the chance to promote a story that is circulating around the web.

This past Sunday a member of Beeradvocate’s ‘flock’ decided to post the equivalent of a f**k' you to all breweries by asking the pointed question, “Most overrated brewery?”. This forum question obviously elicited many responses. And as of this post there are over 450+ replies. But that isn’t the end of this story.

Dogfish Head of Delaware decided to speak up and frankly this writer applauds the willingness to respond.

It's pretty depressing to frequently visit this site and see the most negative threads among the most popular. This didn't happen much ten years ago when craft beer had something like a 3 percent market share. Flash forward to today, and true indie craft beer now has a still-tiny but growing marketshare of just over 5 percent. Yet so many folks that post here still spend their time knocking down breweries that dare to grow. It's like that old joke: "Nobody eats at that restaurant anymore, it's too crowded.” Except the "restaurants" that people shit on here aren't exactly juggernauts. In fact, aside from Boston Beer, none of them have anything even close to half of one percent marketshare. The more that retailers, distributors, and large industrial brewers consolidate the more fragile the current growth momentum of the craft segment becomes. The more often the Beer Advocate community becomes a soap box for outing breweries for daring to grow beyond its insider ranks the more it will be marginalized in the movement to support, promote, and protect independent ,American, craft breweries.

It's interesting how many posts that refer to Dogfish being over-rated include a caveat like "except for Palo...except for Immort...etc." We all have different palettes which is why it's a great thing that there are so many different beers. At Dogfish we've been focused on making "weird" beers since we opened and have taken our lumps for being stylistically indifferent since day one. I bet a lot of folks agree that beers like Punkin Ale (since 1995) , Immort Ale (wood aged smoked beer) since 1995, Chicory Stout (coffee stout) since 1995 , Raison D'être (Belgian brown) since 1996, , Indian Brown Ale (dark IPA) since 1997, and 90 Minute (DIPA) since 2000 don't seem very weird anymore. That’s in large part because so many people who have been part of this community over the years championed them and helped us put them on the map.These beers, and all of our more recent releases like Palo Santo, Burton Baton, Bitches Brew continue to grow every year. We could have taken the easy way out and just sold the bejeezus out of 60 Minute to grow but we like to experiment and create and follow our own muse. Obviously there is an audience that appreciates this as we continue to grow. We put no more "hype" or "expert marketing" behind our best selling beers than we do our occasionals. We only advertise in a few beer magazines and my wife Mariah oversees all of our twitter/Facebook/dogfish.com stuff. We have mostly grown by just sharing our beer with people who are into it (at our pub, great beer bars, beer dinners, and fests) and let them decide for themselves if they like it. If they do we hope they tell their friends about. We hope a bunch of you that are going to EBF will stop by our booth and try some of the very unique new beers we are proudly bringing to market like Tweason'ale (a champagne-esque, gluten-free beer fermented with buckwheat honey and strawberries) and Noble Rot (a sort of saison brewed with Botrytis-infected Viognier Grape must). One of these beers is on the sweeter side and one is more sour. Knowing each of your palettes is unique you will probably prefer one over the other. That doesn't mean the one you didn't prefer sucked. And the breweries you don't prefer but are growing don't suck either. Respect Beer. The below was my favorite post thus far.

This thread is hilarious. Seriously, Bells, Founders, FFF, Surly, RR, DFH, Bruery, Avery, Cigar City, Mikkeller are all overrated?

Since I'm from Ohio, I'll pile on and add Great Lakes, Hoppin Frog, and Brew Kettle to the list. Your welcome.

Hopefully soon we will have every craft brewery in the US on the list.

- source, Beeradvocate.com’s Most Overated Brewery? Thread

Editorial Warning

On a personal note this writer has often thought that there would come a day when a brewery’s success might be its undoing. For me I grew up on breweries like Redhook, Guinness, Olympia, and Rainier. But there comes a time when one must continue to try new and interesting beers. But we will always come back to the beers we consider safe. As to the relevancy of the list we can only say that at best it’s suspect and at worst down-right sad. Anytime you promote / ridicule anything you impact its momentum.

Remember, not everyone has tried Dogfish Head, Lost Abbey, Stone, or even Boston Beer’s Sam Adams Lager. For every ‘been there, done that’ there is someone who has never even tasted their first, craft beer. But for every award-winning, high quality, beer or brewery, there is an equally deplorable beer or brewery. And much like anything Darwinian the excellent, hard working, breweries will succeed and the, so-called overrated breweries will fail.

So before you bury a brewery as ‘overrated’, you should consider if the title is deserved.

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Get It Now … Diamond Knot’s Slane’s Irish-style Red

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that as soon as the gifts have been handed out and the food consumed people start to relax and prepare for the next holiday season. But despite being January there are quite a few things going on, including the release of Slane’s Irish-style Red from Diamond Knot Brewing.

About Slane’s Irish-style Red

“Slane’s Irish-Style Red blends the best of Irish tradition with the boldness of West Coast style. The challenge was designing a beer that balances the complex malty sweetness, while still letting the Pacific Northwest hops shine through. We think we’ve come up with something that our customers really look forward to year after year.” said Brewmaster Pat Ringe.Slane’s Irish-Style Red Ale is deep red in color with a sweet, caramelly aroma, complex malt flavors and a very subtle smokiness at the end with a crisp, hoppy finish.

Beer Geek Information

Style: Red Ale
Malts: 2-row Pale, Flaked Barley, Munich Malt, Chocolate Malt, Caramel Malt
Hops: Galena, Willamette

ABV: 6.6%
IBU: 30

Food Pairings: Wide range of food: chicken, seafood, burgers; lightly tangy cheese; poached pears

As expected you can anticipate this beer to be on the shelves in 22 ounce bottles and on draft wherever you see Diamond Knot IPA and other regular release beers from the brewery in Mukilteo. As always ask your server or grocer to buy some if you don’t it on draft or on the shelves.

About Diamond Knot Brewing Co

Founded in 1994, Diamond Knot Brewing Company, Inc. is a privately held company and is Snohomish County’s oldest continuously operating brewery. Diamond Knot’s hand-crafted ales can be found in multiple states, both in bottles and on draft. Additionally, Diamond Knot operates three full-service restaurants; two in Mukilteo, WA and one on Camano Island, WA. The Camano Island location and the original alehouse offer a unique, interactive dining experience with Stonegrill^TM, in which customers are able to cook their meal right at their table. Diamond Knot prides itself in providing all their customers with the finest foods and beers, all while being integral, productive and charitable members of the communities in which they operate.

Cheers

Beer Review: Beer Review: The Alchemist / Ninkasi / Stone More Brown Than Black IPA, Is A Should Try

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while we venture outside of our Northwest comfort zone to enjoy a beer made not from the Northwest to remind us that there is good beer everywhere. This time around we elected to enjoy a Stone Collaboration in More Brown Than Black IPA. Produced by The Alchemist Pub & Brewery, Ninkasi Brewing, and Stone (natch) we thought we would try it out.

Brewery Description

Stats: 7.4% abv, 80 IBUs

Malts: Maris Otter Pale, Light Munich, Carafa III Special Dark, and CaraHelles

Hops: Super Galena hop extract for bittering, Nelson Sauvin and Delta for flavor, dry-hopped with a blend of Citra and Galaxy.

Tasting notes, provided by Brewmaster Mitch Steele

Appearance: Deep brown, a bit hazy, with tan foam.

Aroma: Whoa! This beer is all about, resiny, piney, dank and citrusy hops! The first shot is intense blend of pine and orange rind, and then as your sense of smell just starts to recover, the dankness and resiny herbaceousness come through with hints of grapefruit. This is a powerful hop blend!

Taste: The hops also dominate the flavor of this beer. Orange and grapefruit rind take center stage in the flavor, followed by, you guessed it: piney / resiny notes. The beer has a modest body…not sweet at all…and has a lingering bitter, drying end. Beyond the bitter end there are light hints of roasted malt and chocolate in the finish.

Overall: The hop character in this beer is unique and very pronounced. Galaxy is a newer hop variety from Australia that we think has strong tropical fruit and stone fruit characteristics. Citra and Delta are newer American hop varieties — Citra possesses strong citrus and dank flavors, while Delta has a milder profile with melon and berry notes. And of course Nelson Sauvin from New Zealand has its intense namesake’s white wine notes along with—surprise!—more dank notes. They all blended together well in this beer, a tribute to one of our favorite styles.

Our Thoughts
You Should Try It. In the world of Black India Pale Ales, American-style Black Ales and Cascadian Dark Ales, it's easy to forget about the diversity that exists even today amongst those in the Black India Pale Ale / Cascadian Dark Ale crowd. For some reason we feel this beer would work well with some dank cheese (blue, brie, etc.) or a BLT with pepper-bacon. But hey we could be wrong.

More Brown Than Black India Pale Ale starts normal enough with its inch and a half of off-white foamy head, resting on a dusk filled ocean of darkness. Warming up over a short period the cap of foam collapses leaving behind only a ragged, tattered, curtain of lace behind.

Giving the glass a swirling 'once over' I smell notes of pine and simcoe-like spiciness, as well as grapefruit citrus, and a definite roasted malt character. Sipping on this it's easy to pick up strong notes of simcoe-like spiciness, pine bitterness, as well as citrus (orange & grapefruit). Overall More Brown Than Black leaves behind a thin layer of stickiness on the tongue which produces the impression of a medium bodied ale.

At over $3 for 12 ounces, it's easy to see why some people might be a bit nervous to grab a bottle of the shelf. But this hasn't stopped reviewers on popular rating websites from sharing their thoughts. Released around mid December (19th) this beer should still be around. But like many of their Collaborations beers, this won’t be around for long.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/76525
http://www.ratebeer.com/forums/the-alchemist--ninkasi--stone-more-brown-than-black-ipa-collab_188251.htm

Bottle purchased at The Last Drop Bottle Shop in the Lake City Way / Maple Leaf neighborhood, in Seattle.

Cheers

Beer Release: OR: Coming Soon … Block 15 Caves India Pale Ale & Block 15 Caves Saison

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday (January 8th) Corvallis’ (Oregon) Block 15 made an announcement regarding new beer.

As part of their expansion (with the opening of Les Caves) the brewers at Block 15 brewed (and released) two new beers, Cave India Pale Ale & Caves Saison.

Brewery Description - Caves IPA

Our Caves IPA is brewed with all Oregon grown hops. The aim for this IPA is to put the emphasis on hop flavor and aroma with restrained bitterness. This is achieved by moving the majority of our kettle hop additions the end of the boil. The malt make up is simple, 2-row and a touch of biscuit & Munich, and meant to only support the hops. We are bringing the gravity down to make it more quaffable, weighing in currently at 6% heading towards 5.75%. The Oregon grown Nugget and Cascade hops really shine with nice citrus and floral notes. The recipe will be tweaked ever so slightly until we reach what we consider is a perfect pint highlighting our unique Oregon bounty.

Brewery Description - Caves Saison

Our Belgian inspired farmhouse ale will evolve with the seasons: light and refreshing in the summer and stronger in the fall and winter. As the Saison style is open to vast interpretations I decided to employ a couple of unique techniques.

Our first unique technique is the treatment of our yeast. For our first batch we purchased a farmhouse yeast strain from Wyeast. This will be the only time we purchase commercial yeast.* Our Caves Saison is open fermented in our wild cellar and the yeast is top cropped. The yeast is reused for each consecutive batch. In theory, over time the yeast will morph into our own house strain, picking up resident character from the cellar.

As a side note the brewery is also working on another beer as part of their Solera project.

“… The quick rundown on solera is that for each batch of Caves saison a portion will be removed from the barrel for blending and then a portion added back to the barrel. Over time the character of the barreled mother beer will become more complex. Also, each batch of Caves Saison will have portions of every previous batch.

Our first batch of Saison was pretty straight forward. The aroma was slightly spicy and hoppy and the body crisp with a refreshing hop finish.

For batch two we increased the gravity a touch and layered in a few more specialty malts. We then blended in the barrel from batch one, mixed, and then refilled the barrel.

When we first tapped batch #2 the character was similar to batch one, seemingly unaffected by the barreled portion. However, as the beer matured in kegs over the last two months, the character changed dramatically. There is a noticeable brettanomyces influence in the nose. The character reminds me of brettanomyces bruxellensis with earthy and subtle “horsey” notes. I am really excited where this project is going and can foresee some small bottle offerings in the future.

Look for Les Caves India Pale Ale & Les Caves Saison to be featured on draft (if isn’t already) at Block 15’s new watering hole, Les Caves on 308 SW 3rd Street in Corvallis.

About Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery

Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery is the Mid Valley’s premier Brewpub. We specialize in locally sourced casual food and premium, from the source, craft brews. Take some time to browse our website where you will find what top quality goods and techniques form the brain of our establishment.

Block 15 is situated in downtown Corvallis, Oregon. We are in the heart of a bustling area amid shopping, commerce, historic buildings, and the waterfront park. We are also only a few blocks from the Oregon State University campus. Located at the corner of Third and Jefferson, our building was originally built in 1926 for the Gazette-Times newspaper. Through a fusion of old and new, traditional and unique, Block 15 was born. [more] –source,Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Get It Now … Deschutes’ Hop Henge Experimental India Pale Ale

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another year of Hop Henge Experimental India Pale Ale is upon us and with it the prospect of praise or condemnation. For many years Deschutes has supplied us that India Pale Ale with an asterisk attached to it. If you’re up to the challenge here is what the brewery had to say about this year’s release.

Brewery Description

The 2012 version of Hop Henge examines the virtues of high alpha hops in concert with less malty sweetness. Six bold hop additions make this imperial IPA a force to be reckoned with. This year’s creation includes Cascade and Centennial hops and the rare Columbus variety added to an all-star profile already boasting heavy hitters like Millennium, Citra and Simcoe. Generous quantities of high alpha hops were added at every turn, guaranteed to make any hop lover pucker. The brewery also changed the malt profile, lowering sweetness to allow even more hop flavor, aroma and bitterness to shine through. Unencumbered by the usual malt muscle, Hop Henge chisels a dynamic monument to hops.

Deschutes Brewery has been experimenting with high alpha hops for some time. They not only possess more bitterness, but also more flavor and aroma potential. It is a question of choosing the right high alpha hops. New Brewmaster Cam O’Connor admitted there is something intangibly irresistible about them as well. It is clear that he and hop fans everywhere share the same love for the almighty hop.

Hop Henge is the result of a daring, daily effort to create a unique, desirable drinking experience.

Beer Geek Information

ABV: 9.0% IBUs: 90 Calories: 275/12 oz

Malt: Pale, NW Pale, Munich

Hops: Millennium, Northern Brewer, Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe, Brewers Gold, Citra, Columbus

Look for Hop Henge Experimental India Pale Ale to be featured on draft and on shelves, wherever you find Deschutes Jubelale, Mirror Pond, or Black Butte sold.

About Deschutes Brewery

Located in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That's why we started off in 1988, on the banks of the Deschutes River here in Bend, Oregon, by selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to push the envelope, especially if it makes someone nervous. But for us, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of "Bravely Done!" For more information about Deschutes Brewery and its courageously crafted beers, please visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com orwww.Facebook.com/Deschutes.Brewery.

Cheers

Event Planner: WA: Bambino’s Pizzeria celebrates National Pizza Week, Starting Tonight 1/9 thru 1/16

2012-01-09T19:27:00.001-08:00

Chances are pretty good you’re probably watching something OTHER than the Bowl Championship Game on ABC right now. But if you are then what we are about to tell you won’t mean much. Starting tonight and running through the week, Bambino’s as part of personifying National Pizza Week is hosting some sweet deals, associated with one of our favorite pairings, beer and pizza.

Starting tonight you are encouraged to drop what you're doing and head over to Bambino’s for 15% off pizzas to pair with that Belgian, German, Italian, or American artisan beer. And to take the guess work out of what Pizza works best with your glass of Russian River Pliny the Elder, the Pizzeria is proud to supply you this sample menu.

Bambino’s Bottles and Bambino’s Pizzeria Pairings

Lost Abbey Avante Garde suggested pairing: Benedetto Calzone with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Spicy Calabrese, Sausage, Spicy Pepper
Russian River Pliny the Elder suggested pairing: Gaius Plenius Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Spicy Salami, Castelvetrano Olive, Pecorino Pepato
Hitachino Nest Ancient Nipponia suggested pairing: Cheese Plate: Monchego with Monchego Cheese served with House made Crostinni
The Bruery Autumn Maple suggested pairing: Primavera Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Olive, Onion, Tomato, Mushroom, Pepper
Port Santa's Little Helper suggested pairing: Tropicale Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Ham, Pineapple
St Fuellien La Blanche suggested pairing: Tre Gusti Pizza with Truffle Oil, Fontal, Potatoes, and Onion
Lost Abbey Judgment Day suggested pairing: Mole Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Salumi’s Mole Salami

Bambino’s Pizzeria is located on 401 Cedar Street in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. For more information including hours and reservations contact Bambino’s at (206) 269-2222 or visit their website.

National Pizza Week observed, Bambino’s Pizzeria
401 Cedar Street Seattle, WA

About Bambino’s Pizzeria

We opened Bambino´s because we wanted a place to call home, a place where our customers will be our extended family and friends. Our service is unceremonious because our restaurant is run the Italian way - passionate and homely with a little flair.

We love simple Italian cookery - there´s nothing eccentric about it — pizza, calzoni, salads. It starts with the ingredients — fresh, in season and well prepared. We have signature pizzas that have become much-loved classics, but we´re also constantly dreaming up new ones. All are rustic and absolutely un-translated and they will take you on a journey through local farms to Italian curiosities. Your guide, Pizzaiola Coelho, does not know the meaning of the word short-cut. Everything is hand made in her kitchen, using methods guaranteed by the centuries and her mother. All of this is good to know, but the true joy of the food only really comes when you taste it. And it is the taste of fresh ingredients from the local farmers market that truly makes the difference. We did the searching on your behalf.

You're very welcome!

Cheers

Disclosure notice
In the interest of honesty Bambino’s is a paying sponsor of the Northwest Beer Guide.

Event Planner: OR: Saraveza celebrates Full Sail “Barney’s Special Bitter” ESB, 1/12/12 6:00 – 8:00 PM

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another rapid fire option has arrived for those looking for a way to spend their Thursday, away from the house.

Just around on the corner on Thursday January 12th from 6pm to 8pm, you are welcome to come in and support a local charity. Here its the Columbia Gorge Arts in Education.

But it get’s better as the man whose namesake is attached to this beer will be on hand to speak to you about the beer and why as a Brewer’s Share participant he chose this worthy organization. Additionally the pub will be offering a special keg of Old Boardhead.

So grab a pint or bottle of Full Sail at ‘Veza and get to know Barney.

January 12th, 2012 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saraveza hosts Full Sail’s Barney Brennan & his “Barney’s Special Bitter”

Cheers

Beer Review *Revisited: Redhook Ales’ Down Under Sweet Stout, Is A Should Try

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Originally Tasted 2011-12-28

With the current weather being anything but wintry we finally took the time to pull a beer out of the fridge that required the right mood. Redhook Ale's Down Under Stout, is the latest in their Blueline series.

Essentially one could almost equate the Blue Line series as when the brewers collaborate and decide to produce something that says "we’re still capable of producing a beer that makes you think twice about us". This isn't a dig on the brewery's current reputation. Instead this is another example where a brewery like Redhook is still willing to produce risk taking beers, like Down Under Stout.

Brewery Description

... dark smooth and goes down easy….”a smooth and creamy brew that is loosely modeled after Australian and sweeter styled stouts. Brewed with plenty of specialty malts, this stout is dark in color with a rich & decadent taste.” (22oz 7% ABV)

Suggested Guidelines via the Brewers Association

Sweet stouts, also referred to as cream stouts, have less roasted bitter flavor and a full-bodied mouthfeel. The style can be given more body with milk sugar (lactose) before bottling. Malt sweetness, chocolate, and caramel flavor should dominate the flavor profile and contribute to the aroma. Hops should balance and suppress some of the sweetness without contributing apparent flavor or aroma. The overall impression should be sweet and full-bodied

Our Thoughts.
You Should Try This. For this writer we have to admit that we are anxious to track another bottle down of this beer. Honestly there aren't many Sweet or Cream Stouts. Those of you that live in Seattle will no doubt welcome this as a competitor to beer's like Hale's Cream Stout. We can't testify to it's ability to maintain quality, but this might be the perfect beer to have on Valentine's Day with some brownies, or creamy truffles. Else if you are up to it, you might enjoy this with a slice of left-over Holiday pie.

Appearance dark & inviting with a prominent inch a half of off-white head. Aroma is filled with dark chocolate, bits of licorice, and burnt coffee. Sipping is quite the opposite as one can pick up notes of cream, cocoa, as well as a slight herbal quality. Overall Stout has a medium to strong weight as it rests on the tongue and there is a small amount of stickiness.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/redhook-blueline-down-under-stout/161253/

Cheers

An Editorial Note. A little while ago the fine folks at Redhook Ales sent us a care package right before the start of the Holiday season. While I would have enjoyed an opportunity to write a 'fresh' review this writer instead got sidetracked by a severe sinus cold, which turned into a full blown case of bronchitis. Even now I am still occasionally coughing up bits of nothingness, so to Redhook Ales and the rest of you we apologize in advance.

About the photo’s author

Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.

Event Planner: OR: Burnside Brewing hosts Matt Wiater’s & his photography, 1/6 6pm - 8pm

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been a regular subscriber to this website have no doubt gotten use to seeing the word's Portlandbeer.org. We do this because we wish to support the man who’s passion for beer is overshadowed only by his love of photography. A man for whom had it not been for his many photos, we would have an almost generic story.

Matt Wiater has been one of our contributing photographers and for that we thank him. And we wanted to mention a special event that benefits him directly. Friday January 6th, Burnside Brewing as part of their local artist campaign will be selling his photos taken around Oregon.

I’ve been covering the Portland beer scene for the last five years, documenting everything from brewing to beer festivals. This show will focus on the brewing process and the equipment through black and white photography. You can take a look at some of my work here.

So, stop by Friday and say hello! Of course, you’ll also be able to grab a pint and some delicious food to kick off your Friday night!

January 6th, 2012 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Burnside Brewing hosts Portlandbeer.org’s Matt Wiater for special night
701 E Burnside St Portland, OR 97214 (503) 946-8151

Cheers

About Matt Wiater

States lived in: IL, CA, NJ, NY, PA, SC, OR. Jobs held: Certified Produce Professional, Photographer, Pizza Delivery Driver, Newspaper Delivery Bicyclist, Furniture Mover, Web Developer, University Instructor, Screenwriter.

About the photo’s author
"Matt Wiater is a photographer covering the Portland beer scene for portlandbeer.org."

Beer Review *Revisited: Samuel Adams The Vixen Chocolate Chili Bock by Boston Beer, Is A Should Try

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Originally tasted on 2011-11-24

Despite what you might have heard beer isn't always a simple marriage of Malt, Hops, Water, and Yeast. As the water boils, grains milled, hops added, and the yeast fed, something magical occurs. Even now no doubt while you read this you have enjoyed a beer that jump started your memories, as you imagined chewing on a slice of freshly peeled orange or a chocolate bar.

But there are times when those four ingredients are not enough, which is why we have to mention a beer from the folks who produce Sam Adams' Boston Lager. Introducing The Vixen one of four beers in the Single Batch Series.

Brewery Description (The Vixen Chocolate Bock)

A twist on Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock, The Vixen is a dark, rich and enticing chocolate chili bock with a spicy kick and velvety smooth malt taste.

The Vixen is a vibrant beer, brewed with ancho and chipotle chilies for an added complexity and touch of smoky heat. This full-bodied brew is slowly aged on a bed of cocoa nibs from Ecuador for a deep chocolaty flavor that’s roasted, earthy, nutty and slightly sweet. The richness of the dark cocoa is blended with cinnamon and the subtle spice and heat of the chilies for a rich and complex taste.

Pairing suggestion: This full-bodied brew is best paired with chicken mole negro. The dark cocoa and spice character of the beer marries perfectly with those similar spice notes in the dish, bringing out the best in both.

The Vixen tasting experience video, follow along with Jim Koch:* http://www.youtube.com/samueladams#p/u/14/gUBSNhDWErU

Our Thoughts
You Should Try It. Consider this beer as a dessert beer while chewing on some spice-infused chocolate cake, brownies. Or better yet, stow this away for February to share with your loved one alongside a plate of chocolates.

Poured from it’s 22 ounce bottle, The Vixen pours dark as pitch and without any apparent clarity. Resting in the glass this writer notices a mocha-colored foamy head. Over time this fades leaving behind some lace inside the glass.

Reminiscent of their Chocolate Bock, The Vixen produces notes of roasted oats, bits of dark chocolate which is carried over in the sip. Further analysis reveals dark fruit (almost raisin-like) as well as a sharp spice of chili pepper; although not nearly as much as we expected. Overall The Vixen Chili Chocolate Bock has a medium to strong mouth feel and there is some minor stickiness.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/74579
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-the-vixen-chocolate-chili-bock/157431/29952/

An Editorial Note. A couple of months ago the fine folks at Boston Beer (aka, the largest CRAFT brewery *by definition) sent us a care package right before the start of Thanksgiving. While I would have enjoyed an opportunity to write a 'fresh' review this writer instead got sidetracked by a severe sinus cold, which turned into a full blown case of bronchitis. Even now I am still occasionally coughing up bits of nothingness, so to Boston Beer and the rest of you we apologize in advance if this beer is no longer on the shelves.

Cheers

About the photo’s author
Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.

Beer Release: Get It Now … Emerald City Betty German-style Black Lager

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

It seems quite a while since we have been able to announce another beer from the test kitchen on the ground of the Rainier Brewery. But just a couple of days ago Emerald City announced another beer in Betty Black Lager.

Oddly enough we hope that the name of this beer doesn’t collide with another breweries similarly named Black Betty Lager. Although we feel it will be a while until Australia considers appealing Emerald City’s choice of words.

Here is what the brewery has to say about Emerald City Betty Black Lager

Betty Black Lager is a session beer (under 5% abv) made from Washington Grown Barley & Hops. Like Dottie, Betty also has a light crisp finish but it's Chocolate Wheat in Betty that gives the beer it's bold roasted body that drives dark beer fans crazy!

Look for Emerald City Betty Black Lager to be featured at bars and alehouses throughout Seattle, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Bellevue, and many others.

About Emerald City Beer Company

Emerald City Beer Company (ECB) is an American Lager Brewery located out of the Old Rainier Building in Seattle, WA. The Company’s Founder and Brewmaster, Rick Hewitt, has been bringing new beers to life as a home brewer since his grad schools days at the University of Washington in 2005.

ECB is inspired by the traditional lager brewing methods of the world. We are a melting pot of innovation, dedicated to carving our own path forward while staying true to our belief that balanced beers made with quality grown & fresh ingredients will always be the most enjoyable and flavorful beers to drink. Cheers!

Cheers

Beer Review *Revisited: Redhook Ales’ Winterhook Winter Ale, Is A Consider It

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

The food & drink-inspired holidays Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Eve; are gone. But between the presents. turkey, and hangovers, would you want to relive any of it between now and 365 days? We didn’t think so. Instead we want to remind you that just a couple of weeks ago, the Winter Solstice was officially made known and with it the permission to enjoy all kind of Winter beers.

So we continue that thought with another in our long line of ‘Winter Beer’ reviews with Redhook’s Winterhook Winter Ale.

Brewery Description

Regardless of whether you spend your winter months on the slopes, shoveling your driveway or just hiding out, Redhook Winterhook is a great way to chase off the winter chill. This year will be our 27^thconsecutive release of Winterhook. The recipe changes slightly every winter because nobody likes getting the exact same Holiday present year after year. Redhook’s 27th brew of Winterhook has roasted chocolate notes that smooth out the quick, spicy hop finish. The rich body and nutty, malty backbone make this winter ale slighty naughty and very nice.

STYLE......................Winter Ale

ABV.........................6%
IBUS.......................42 IBU
ORIGINAL GRAVITY..15 degrees plato
BREWED SINCE.........1985
TIME FRAME...........Winter Seasonal

Historically the term Winter Ale has been interpreted to mean something associated with an ale that has a strong focus on dark malts and less hops. But the term can be loosely associated with a ‘roasty’ brown ale, a ‘spiced’ porter, or any other styles that the brewery wishes to associate with Winter.

This isn’t to be confused with Winter Warmer which is traditionally associated strong ales or lagers. Again style is not a factor as demonstrated by breweries like Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg (Samichlaus).

Now that this is out of the way, let’s discuss Winterhook Winter Ale.

Our Thoughts
You Should Consider It. Whether you’re heading to a party, or feel like knocking back a couple while standing in front of the camp fire, this beer works alongside any holiday dish.

The following impressions were originally conceived on 2011-11-08.

Resting in our glass Winterhook Winter Ale is clear and with a reddish-brown hue. Resting into its home the beer produces an initial inch and a half of strong head before receding, leaving behind isolated peninsulas of lace within in the glass.

Swirling the glass around reveals notes of pine, caramel, and orange citrus in the aroma. Sipping you get an immediate sense of biscuit breadiness, citrus, and caramel. Overall Winterhook Winter Ale has a medium weight as it rests on the tongue.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1330/13906
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/redhook-winterhook/668/

Cheers

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.

Beer Release: OR: Get It Now … Laurelwood Workhorse India Pale Ale

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

From the large to the small every brewery has its ‘flagship’ ale or lager. Redhook has the ESB, Alaskan has the Amber, and Laurelwood has the Workhorse. The breweries might disagree with our logic but there is no denying that drinkers would be up in arms if their ‘it’ beer disappeared from the shelves and taprooms through the region.

And that is exactly what happened to Laurelwood when they ceased production of Workhorse India Pale Ale. The justification was reasonable, an inconsistent supply of specific hops, needed to recreate the same beer every time. So rather than substitute and hope that you would accept the new recipe they went a hiatus.

Starting 1/1/2012 you should consider the hiatus over. Need proof? Here is what the brewery posted on their website, this past January 1st, 2012.

We think that it’s fair to say that you should expect to see kegs and bottles of Workhorse to return to the shelves, eventually. But until then we ask that you stop into a nearby Laurelwood and relive the taste of a Workhorse India Pale Ale.

About Laurelwood Brewing Co.

Laurelwood is a family owned brewery that creates one of the most recognized regional products of craft beer. Dedicated to sustainable and organic practices, Laurelwood first began producing certified organic beer in 2002. Laurelwood’s craft beer is recognized for its creativity and quality and the company has won many national and international awards. The company’s handcrafted beer can be found on draft and in bottles throughout Oregon and Washington

Cheers

About the photo’s author
"Matt Wiater is a photographer covering the Portland beer scene for portlandbeer.org."

Brewery News: OR & ID: Shawn Kelso & 10 Barrel Brewing announces brewer acquisition and expansion into Boise

2012-01-02T17:03:00.001-08:00

Today it has ‘formally’ come to our attention that Bend’s (Oregon) 10 Barrel Brewing has acquired another regional celebrity. Introducing Shawn Kelso, formerly of Barley Brown’s Brewing.

Thoughts by 10 Barrel Brewing on Shawn Kelso (formerly of Barley Brown’s Brewing).

Shawn is one of the highest decorated single brewers in the country, winning 50 national medals over the last seven years. He will be the Brewmaster of 10 Barrel’s second brewpub, opening this summer in Boise, ID. Shawn will also play an integral role in all product development for the overall company, working hand-in-hand with Tonya Cornett on our 10 Barrel experimental system in Bend.

When asked for an opinion regarding the upcoming role as head brewer of 10 Barrel Brewing’s Boise brewpub, Shawn had this to say.

“What I am most excited about is having the opportunity to work with such world-class talent in Jimmy and Tonya. Joining 10 Barrel is a chance to jump on board with a really aggressive young company that is working hard to push the boundaries of conventional brewing in the northwest. They are providing me an opportunity to not only contribute to that growth, but to play a critical role in helping shape the direction of the company and challenging myself as a brewer. Joining an up and coming brew scene in Boise will allow me to really showcase my talents in front of a larger audience, including the entire 10 Barrel footprint” Shawn Kelso.

Congrats to 10 Barrel Brewing and Shawn on their new relationship. We look forward to hearing more on how 10 Barrel is received in the city of Boise, in the year’s to come.

About 10 Barrel Brewing

We brew into a 10 Barrel Brewhouse, giving us the freedom to experiment with our recipes in order to produce the highest quality of beer that we can. This isn’t just any 10 Barrel brewhouse though, it’s a state of the art system that allows us to blend new technology with the tradition of craft fundamentals. In other words we can’t produce a TON of beer, but we can make it the highest quality.

Cheers

Event Planner: OR: The New School Beer Blog & Burnside Brewing Celebrate Anniversaries, 12/31

2011-12-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's New Year's Eve. Which means that you’re like many of those that aren't pub crawlers or bar hoppers you’re looking for something to do. Although your plans might have already been set by now we would like you to reconsider.

Tonight from 8:00 (20:00 for you military / European types) The New School Beer Blog, Pink Boots Society, and Burnside Brewing; are collaborating for a dual celebration.

First it's New Year's Eve so we preety much don't have to say much more here. But if you need further justification for why you would abandon your plans for New Year's Eve at Burnside we have this ...

1. Alameda Brewing: 2010 Siberian Bear Russian Imperial Stout

Brewmaster Carston Haney has graciously donated a keg of his kick ass Imperial Stout from his cellar that was brewed a year ago.

2. Breakside Brewery: Mystery Beer TBA

3. Burnside Brewing: Gooseberry Berliner-Weisse - Special Midnight Toast ONLY. A special barrel-aged version of Burnside Brewing's tart refreshing seasonal Berliner-Weisse this one aged on very rare and expensive Gooseberry's. Only half a keg is left in existence and Burnside will be pouring a free midnight toast with it.

4. Coalition/Pink Boots Society: Raspberry Chocolate Porter. Brewed at Coalition Brewing in Southeast Portland in collaboration with the Pink Boots Society uses all donated Great Western Malting Oregon Select malt and Country Malt Group donated hops with an addition of Oregon Raspberry puree and Cocoa nibs from Theo Chocolate in Seattle.

5. Full Sail: 2010 Old Boardhead Barleywine

6. Laurelwood: Cardinal Sin Quad

7. Oakshire: Very ill-Tempered Gnome

8. Portland U-Brew: Oak-Aged House IPA with Target hops

9. Upright Brewing: Dorham’s Dunkel. is being brewed in a traditional German style, with some malt forward flavors but remaining balanced throughout. Using the same Munich lager yeast as the Engelberg Pilsener and a mix of German and Belgian malts, this should be a fine beer to enjoy throughout January. Named after the underrated jazz trumpeter/composer Kenny Dorham, because the dunkel style just doesn’t get much love in Portland.

If this is still not enough then you won't mind missing out on (FREE) brewery-sponsored raffled items, guest beers (like the ones listed above), or the chance to wish Burnside Brewing & The New School Blog a happy anniversary.

Besides what we just mentioned there’s also peace of mind knowing your participation at this year's party will benefit the Pink Boots Society, through donations generated with each pint purchase.

Further details for those still not convinced.

Starting at 8pm Burnside Brewing will be pouring 6 out of the 8 special beers donated to The New School's 2 Year Anniversary, the beers will be specially priced at $4 for a pint or glass with $2 of each sold going to PBS. The Pink Boots Society and Coalition Brewing's collaboration beer of which yielded only a single 1/2 barrel will be on tap from 8pm until the keg kicks with other specialty beers rotated in as kegs blow. Almost all of the donated beers are in very short supply and should turn over quickly. At Midnight Burnside Brewing has graciously offered to tap the last only half full keg of their Gooseberry Berliner-Weisse that was barrel-aged and brewed specifically for a small release at the Portland Fruit Beer Festival early this year. The last remaining gallons of this beer will be poured free as a midnight toast for those who stick around.

In addition to the special beers The New School has put together raffle prizes including free beer schwag like Hats and T-Shirts but also special bottled beers like select Barrel-Aged brews from Breakside Brewery, Sierra Nevada Ovila series and beer books like The Craft of Stone Brewing, Brewed Awakenings and the first ever hand numbered special bottling by Burnside Brewing. Before it's release later this year Burnside Brewing offers up the hand numbered #1 bottle of Neptune's Wrath an ultra rare beer packaged in magnum bottles and limited to only 100.

Burnside Brewing's 1st Year Anniversary
701 E Burnside St Portland, OR 97214

The New School Beer Blog Celebrates 2 years
701 E Burnside St Portland, OR 97214 (503) 946-8151

About The New School

All about the craft beer culture The New School website is the most up to date source for Craft Beer News in the Pacific NW. Consistently breaking more stories about new breweries and shakeups in the Oregon community and peppered with beer reviews, commentary, interviews and it's own Hi-Def video series Behind The Pint.http://www.newschoolbeer.com/

About Burnside Brewing

When Burnside Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2010, the vision was concise. Focus on easy to drink beers that accompany and enhance the culinary experience. Brew master Jason McAdam is a creative trendsetter in brewing, bold enough to take risks and smart enough to leave a creative impression on your taste buds. He balances our desires for tradition such as the Oatmeal Pale, then throws in food inspired beers such as the Sweet Heat, an apricot wheat beer dry hopped with scotch bonnet peppers that is reminiscent of a Caribbean chutney.

Burnside has also extended this alchemist approach in their food using indigenous and handcrafted ingredients making anything possible. You will encounter tasty lineups such as the “Cohiba” duck confit cigar with a Stock Ale, homemade seasonal brewery sausages with our IPA, or a Brewery Burger with our signature Oatmeal Pale Ale.

Our menu and seasonal brews are constantly evolving, so make sure to stop in often to check out or newest lineups. http://burnsidebrewco.com/

About the Pink Boots Society

Pink Boots Society is a nonprofit association created to inspire, encourage, and empower women beer professionals to advance their careers through networking and education. We are just starting to build our scholarship program, and sales of our Coalition Pink Boots Scholarship Raspberry Porter tonight will help us send a deserving women beer professional back to school. Thank you for your support. Enjoy! http://pinkbootssociety.org/

Cheers

About the photo’s author
"Matt Wiater is a photographer covering the Portland beer scene for portlandbeer.org."

Alehouse News: WA: Introducing The Publican. The latest creation from Matt Bonney & Matt Vandenberg

2011-12-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

Review generated after a preview of The Publican, pre-Christmas 2011

On a cold, mist-filled night; this writer had the pleasure of visiting Bandelero's successor, The Publican. Located on the corner of North 56th and Kirkwood Place North, The Publican is the latest project from the same guys who gave us Bottleworks bottleshop and Brouwer's Cafe.

Admittedly when we first heard of another public house being open by the same guys that owned Brouwer's Cafe we were feeling both eager and a skeptical. It's easy to be eager when you consider that Brouwer's Cafe has become a craft beer landmark in the city of Seattle as well as the Northwest. To the purest there will never be anything close to Horse Brass Pub (nor should there be) but for those in the Emerald City, Brouwer's is the best. On the other hand I can't help but wonder what 'the Matts' might do with a much smaller, single story building, that once hosted Bandelero.

Walking in it's apparent that the main focus by Matt Bonney & Matt Vandenberg is promoting spirits. Featured prominently against it's western wall is a remarkable, all-wood, bar; with single malt scotch, bourbon, whiskey (or whisky), tequila, and many other spirits. And in a sort of reversal of Brouwer's Cafe The Publican features its draft selection of 22 mostly American / Northwest craft beers. In fact one should that you will hardly-ever find a Belgian-style / Belgian ales featured at The Publican. There are a few other options but we prefer to let you discover these for yourself.

We have to say that anyone presuming a grandiose design similar to Brouwer's Cafe can continue being a frequent visitor of 400 North 35th Street. Instead what has been created can be described as warm, cozy, with a strong attention to minimalistic tones and design.

But I haven't even gotten to the food menu which as of this story features items like Belgian-style Frites, Waffles w/ Battered Chicken Tenderloins (on top of Sausage Gravy and Maple Syrup), Field Green Salad with roasted Walnuts & Vinaigrette Dressing, or a hearty Lamb Burger. But let's not forget that The Publican features All-Day Breakfast Menu for those getting off work or needing an excuse to have eggs and bacon at 4 in the Afternoon.

Although the menu was still in-progress I also learned that some of the additional items include, corned beef & hash, Belgian waffles, as well as a few Seattle-inspired dishes as well. Be sure to ask about the locally sourced sausage, beef, and lamb.

So if all this sounds absolutely worthwhile we ask that you head over to 2253 North 56th Street between the hours of 10:00 AM & 12:00 AM (Midnight). A couple of gotchas. The Publican is a 21 and over establishment so regrettably no young ones allowed. And the kitchen typically remains open till 10 PM, most days.

The Publican
2253 North 56th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

Cheers

Event Planner: OR: 12/29 Cascade Barrel House Re-Releases Auld McShagger & Barrel-aged Crude Diesel, starting at 4 PM

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Portland, OR - Just a short (and random) reminder that the Cascade Barrel House is re-releasing their Auld McShagger Scottish Strong Ale & Barrel-aged Crude Diesel, starting at 4 PM.

Beer Geek information about Auld McShagger Scottish Strong Ale

This strong Scotch ale cuts the chill and warms from within. A nose of sweet malt and a hint of chocolate and smoked peat start the journey. Chocolate, kilned coffee and German Rauch malts combine to lend this big Scottish ale a hint of whiskey. This be a beer that any clansman would be happy to put to his lips! 8.35% ABV, $5 for a teardrop glass.

Beer Geek information about Barrel-aged Crude Diesel

… a barrel aged stout brewed with chocolate and roasted malts, black strap molasses and dark Belgian candy sugar, then aged for eight months in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels and Pinot Noir barrels. Now over 13-months-old, the layers of flavors are just starting to unfold. Dark sweet chocolate, coffee, Bourbon and molasses with hints of vanillin greet you in the nose. Dark coffee and bittersweet chocolate intermingle with the roasted malts and dark molasses to finish with a noticeable Bourbon heat and a lingering sweet, dark vanilla finish. Look for notes of milk chocolate, coconut and cherry as it warms up. 8.8% ABV, $8 for an 8 oz glass.

Look for food pairings courtesy of the kitchen, including “a hand-crafted coconut flan on Thursday as a special treat to pair with the Barrel Aged Crude Diesel, although it goes well with any of our beers ($3)!”

December 29th, 2011 4:00 PM – ?
Cascade Brewing Barrel House
939 SE Belmont Street Portland, OR 97214

Cheers

About the photo’s author
"Matt Wiater is a photographer covering the Portland beer scene for portlandbeer.org."

Restaurant News: WA: Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe introduce Executive Chef Wayne Johnson

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Seattle, WA – Although this is not necessarily focused on strictly beer (ala, Collins Pub or Spur) we thought we would remind you about who will be at the helm come next year’s Brewmaster’s Dinner.

We are thrilled to announce that Chef Wayne Johnson has been selected to be Ray’s next Executive Chef! Chef Wayne’s passion for beautiful food and extraordinary flavors, love of mentoring, and dedication to giving back, are a perfect match for Ray’s distinctive cuisine, trademark hospitality and commitment to community. He comes to Ray’s from the elegant Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle where he has served as Executive Chef of the award-winning Andaluca Restaurant and Oliver’s Lounge since 1999.

A Kentucky native, Chef Wayne has traveled the world as an “army brat”. He fell in love with food while cooking holiday feasts with his mom, and began his culinary adventures in high school working as a dishwasher and prep cook to save money for his first car.

Chef Wayne has earned numerous awards over his 30+ years in the restaurant industry, including being selected as a “Rising Star” by StarChefs.com, cooking at the James Beard House, and competing in Season 9 of Iron Chef America. He will be in the Ray’s Kitchen starting February 6, 2012. Please join us in welcoming Chef Wayne into the Ray’s family!

THANK YOU!

We know there are a lot of delicious choices when it comes to dining in Seattle, so on behalf of our owners, managers and crew, I want to personally thank you for being a Ray’s Guest. As we head into 2012 and Ray’s embarks on a new chapter in our incredible fish story, our most important mission continues to be providing you with the very best in food, quality and service. If there is ever anything we can do better, please don’t hesitate to let us know at rays@rays.com.

We look forward to what Chef Wayne comes up with, especially for my spouse the vegetarian. Congrats.

Cheers

(Revisited) Beer Review: BC: Swan’s Tessier’s Witbier, Is A Should Try

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

Can you recall the last time you enjoyed a Belgian / Belgian-style Wit? Or are you like the majority of people in the Northwest whom rarely see a Wit on the shelves or on draft? Fact is there isn't many breweries that produce a Belgian / Belgian-style Wit. Instead many of us are often forced to consume beers like Blue Moon or Hoegarden.

However while we were in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia; we came across a Belgian-style Wit from Swan Brewing. Located in Victoria BC, Swan's much like the Portland's Crystal Ballroom is a brewery within a hotel.

Suggested Style Guidelines from the Brewer's Association

Belgian white ales are very pale in color and are brewed using unmalted wheat and malted barley and are spiced with corianderand orange peel. Coriander and light orange peel aroma should be perceived as such or as an unidentified spiciness. Phenolicspiciness and yeast flavors may be evident at mild levels. These beers are traditionally bottle conditioned and served cloudy. Anunfiltered starch and yeast haze should be part of the appearance. The low to medium body should have some degree of creaminessfrom wheat starch. The style is further characterized by the use of noble-type hops to achieve low hop bitterness and little to noapparent hop flavor. This beer has no diacetyl and a low to medium fruity-ester level. Mild acidity is appropriate

Our Thoughts
You Should Try It. Lack of cloudiness not withstanding this beer should be considered during the late summer / early fall days filled with watching baseball, football, or just relaxing with a book. Heading to the grocery store after picking one of these up from the Liquor Store? We suggest you pick up some peppery cheeses (monterey, feta, or edam), some locally sourced oysters or mussels with a bit of lemon garnish. Yum.

It's not often that you hear about a Belgian-style / Belgian-inspired Wit. And currently it's even more rare when you hear that it's coming from British Columbia. Located in the Swans Suite Hotel and just off506 Pandora Avenue on the island of Victoria, Swan's Brewpub is bistro treat for those willing to take a ferry. But we aren't reviewing their many sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes. We are reviewing one their bottled releases in their Tessier's Witbier.

Named after their dedicated brewer, Tessier's Witbier appears pale golden and clear in the glass. Poured straight down in our 6 ounce glass a two inch off white head forms quickly. And just as quickly as it formed the shaving cream's worth of head leaves behind no evidence it existed.

Aroma is chocked full of lemon peel, bits of orange, and some minor coriander notes.Sipping one can pick up of an overall creaminess with peaks of citrus zest, medium spice, and a dry-hopped finish. Overall Tessier's Witbier has a mild to medium weight to it and it is a little bit dry.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1250/24690/?sort=high&start=0
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/buckerfields-tessiers-witbier/35587/

Given that Swan’s Tessier’s Witbier currently only distributes in Canada this bottle was purchased at the Viti Wine and Lager, liquor store (900 Seymour Street Vancouver BC V6B 3L9). One of the very few liquor stores that has probably one of the better beer selections in Vancouver.

Cheers

Event Planner: WA & OR: Diamond Knot (12/21) , Bourbonic Plague ‘08 returns to the Barrel Room (12/22), and By the Bottle (1/15)

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

This Thursday as people start to wind down from Christmas shopping and working their butts off, the Cascade Barrel Room (939 S.E. Belmont Street) will be pulling something amazing from their cellar, a 1/4 barrel of Bourbonic Plague circa 2008.

About Bourbonic Plague

The original award-winning version of this Northwest-style sour is the cure for what ails you. Dark malts, spices and black currants with hints of bourbon and vanillin greet you in the nose. Big rich dark fruits, dates, black currants, oak, leather and tobacco dance on the palate. Tart dark fruits and a warming Bourbon flavor finish this off as only Bourbonic can.

At 12.70% this beer needs to be approached with respect and not chugged like you are at a frat party. A word of caution to collectors out there who wish to take this home. There will be no bottles for sale. Sorry.

December 22nd, 2011 (503) 265-8603 4:00 PM - ?
Cascade Barrel House celebrates Bourbonic Plague ‘08
939 SE Belmont St . Portland, OR 97214

But the boys of Cascade aren’t finished. After the passage of Bourbonic Plague comes the arrival of Pre-Bourbonic. If you don’t know what this is you probably won’t be purchasing a bottle of Bourbonic Plague in the first quarter of 2012. But if you are interested in a preview (of sorts. Then you will want to stick around for this beer.

About Pre-Bourbonic Plague

Dark malts, spices and black currants, with hints of Bourbon and vanillin greet you in the nose. Big rich dark fruits, dates, black currants, oak, leather and tobacco dance on the palate. Tart dark fruits and a warming Bourbon flavor finish this off as only Bourbonic can. 11.7% ABV.

Much like Bourbonic Plague ‘08 this beer rests around 11.70% and will be offered up in glasses ($7.50) and tasters ($2).

Finally here is what else is being offered at Cascade’ if Bourbonic / Pre-Bourbonic isn’t your thing.

Also on the Blenders Reserve Taps will be Vintage Helga the Hammered, a buxom spiced blonde that's been sitting in the cellar quietly waiting for a reason to cut loose! Sweet malts, Belgian candi sugar and spices greet you in the nose. Subtle spice notes blend with a touch of malt sweetness ending with a gently warming alcohol finish. Careful, this is one homewrecker of a blonde! 8.8% ABV, $5/teardrop. The four Blender Reserve taps may or may not always have something on them, but when they do, they'll be rare and very limited, so get them while you can!

Also on tap, we have our 2011 Winter Gose, our take on a historic German wheat beer style that was nearly lost to time. The winter version is slightly soured and spiced with rose hips, orange peel, cinnamon and sea salt. Soft, creamy wheat and spice greet you in the nose, while a light spice bite and hints of lemon and roses cross the palate. It finishes off with a soft, lingering sour bite and just a slight dusty fruit note.5.5% ABV and $4.50/Teardrop. And save the date for January 12 for our "Four Goses of the Apuckerlips" event, featuring all four seasons of Gose!

You'll want to get a glass of our Glueh Kriek while it lasts. Our spiced mulled sour cherry ale is an oak aged blend of Bing and sour pie cherry sour red ales that's been steeped on spices fresh from Grenada and wild flower honey. It's served with a slice of orange at 70 deg. It's like Christmas in a glass before the credit card bill comes due! $6/glass. –source, Cascade Barrel House

For those who live across the Columbia here is an event coming in January to buy tickets ahead of time.

January 15th, 2012 4:00 – 6:00 (360) 696-0012
By the Bottle presents Beerdo 101 Best Tasting & Appreciation
104 W. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660

In recognition of of Clark College’s Winter course Beer 101, By the Bottle invites you (for $40) to participate in some extra credit.

Expand your knowledge of the many taste profiles involved in the world of beer. Learn what makes each style different and what senses are involved in their complexities. Learn the proper way to taste and fully enjoy various basic styles, including what type of glass will enhance the flavors. Hands on: learn new techniques by doing. Arlene Nunez, BTB owner, will be teaching the class. Sign-up on line, here. Space is limited, must be 21 years old, bring valid photo ID.

December 21st, 2011 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (206) 417-9629
Beer Authority hosts Diamond Knot Brewing
12716 Lake City Way NE Suite A Seattle, WA 98125

And for those in Seattle we haven’t forgotten to mention a stop over to Lake City at Beer Authority. Often when one thinks of a Bottleshop they recall places like Malt & Vine, Bottleworks, Beer Junction, or Full Throttle Bottles.

But for the folks on the North End there is Beer Authority. Under new management Burc McFarlen continues sharing his love of beer by hosting Diamond Knot’s Pat Ringe. Featured on the bar top is a scheduled cask of Diamond Knot beer (Industrial !Ho !Ho?), as well as a couple of draft beers, to be sure.

Stop in between 6:00 and 8:00 to share a pint, a laugh, or observation about your favorite Diamond Knot beer.

Finally we wanted to take this moment to remind you that Double Mountain Brewing (Hood River, OR) is featuring 4 years of Fa La! La!.

Come sample the last four years of the Fa La La! Tasters will be $2 for a 5-ounce mini-snifter, and $7 for a full flight of four Fas. We'll be putting on one keg of each vintage, so it's definitely first-come, first served. Brewmaster Matt will likely be lurking. And with any luck there may be some left post-Christmas, too. Happy holidays everybody!

December 24th, 2011 11:30 – 2:30 PM
Double Mountain presents Four Years of Fa' La La'!
8 Fourth Street, Hood River, OR 97031

Obviously there are more events than those listed here. So seek one out from our calendar or who knows, there might an event at your favorite bar this week.

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon (Again) … Konda Brewing’s Koko Coconut Brown Ale

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Still looking for that perfect beer to enjoy for Christmas? Why not try some Kona Coconut Brown Ale?

After a successful launch of Koko Brown Ale to west coast mainland markets this spring, Kona Brewing Company has announced that east coast markets will also receive Koko Brown Ale when it’s released again in January 2012. The 2011 arrival of Koko Brown Ale marked the first new mainland beer offering from Kona Brewing in four years, and also the third seasonal in the brewer’s Aloha Series. Koko Brown Ale was first tapped at Kona’s Kailua-Kona pub in the summer of 2009.

About Koko Brown’s label

The vintage artwork on Koko’s bottle and packaging depicts a stand-up paddler on the calm waters of Maunalua Bay, in the shadow of Koko Head and Koko Crater. Stand up paddling (SUP), or hoe he'e nalu, is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Paddling served as the ancient Hawaiians’ mode of solo transport in visiting remote villages and fishing grounds, and today, SUP competitions often launch at the docks below Kona Brewing’s Koko Marina pub. Kona Brewing sponsors a number of SUP events including Battle of the Paddle, Maui Jim Surf Monkey and the first ever SUP Awards as well as brand ambassadors Jenny Kalmbach, Candice Appleby, Andrew Logreco, Jerry Bess and Tom Pokahu Stone.

Beer Geek Information

Dried, toasted coconut is added to the mash resulting in a pleasant nutty aroma and flavor.
Deep amber with rich mahogany hues. Distinctive and pronounced toasted coconut aroma. Toffee and nutty coconut flavor is complemented by the mildly roasty Victory and Munich malts.
Malt: Premium 2-Row, Victory, Carapils, Munich, Chocolate
Hops: Cascade, Willamette, Warrior, Millennium
Original Gravity (OG): 13.3 P
Alcohol by Volume: 5.5%
IBU: 28
Extras: toasted coconut chips.

It goes without saying to look for this on the shelves immediately and if you are a fan of dark coconut-infused beers like we are, you will probably like this one as well.

Koko Brown Ale pairs best with coconut and caramel-infused recipes including coconut rice, Thai curries, caramelized roast turkey and chocolate-dipped macaroons. The rich flavors of Koko Brown also complement aged cheeses, barbecued meats and carne asada. Koko Brown Ale will be available on shelves and on draught through May 2012.

About Kona Brewing

Kona Brewing Company was started in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, who had a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit, passion and quality. It is a Hawaii-born and Hawaii-based craft brewery that prides itself on brewing the freshest beer of exceptional quality, closest to market. This helps to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing shipping of raw materials, finished beer and wasteful packaging materials. The brewery is headquartered where it began, in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. It has grown into Hawaii’s largest brewery, has three restaurant sites in Hawaii and beer distribution reaching 28 states and Japan. It is the 13th largest craft brewery in the country. For more information call 808-334-BREW or www.KonaBrewingCo.com.

Cheers

Cider Review: Crispin Cider's Stagger Lee, Is A Should Try

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

A word of caution to regular readers of this site, this is this writer's first foray into Cider reviews. What does that mean? Well to be honest it pretty much means you're going to get my unbiased (inexperienced), thoughts. In short I am writing from the hip with only my impressions and thoughts to dictate whether this cider is worth it or not.

Cider Description

Boom, Boom. A big, bold swaggering cider, blended to the edge of dangerous. An American original. An authentic American rock ‘n roll cider.

Blended 3 times, using apple-wines aged in American rye whiskey barrels – Colfax Classic apple-wine plus a “Forbidden Fruit” experimental wit-style yeast fermentation. Final blend with unfiltered fresh-pressed Gravenstein apple juice.

ABV: 6.9%

Poured Appearance: Whiskey Cloudy. Slightly opaque.

Color: Rich golden orange.

Aroma: Mild moonshine Tennessee woods, soft spicy rye whiskey, ripe apple.

Flavor: Dry, subtly spicy rye whiskey, butterscotch, faint banana & ripe apple with mild apple-skin tannins. Full bodied sexy finish.

Final Blend 63% fermented apple-wine, 23% Gravenstein fresh-pressed apple juice.

Unfiltered & blended from apple-wine straight from the rye whiskey barrels. Give a solid, firm bottoms-up tilt and swirl to disperse sediment evenly to best enjoy whiskey aromas and unique bouquet. Best enjoyed at cellar temperature, 50/55F, with or without 1 or 2 ice cubes.

Stagger Lee is most certainly worthy of aging in your cellar.

Our Thoughts
You Should Try This. Admittedly this is our first barrel-aged cider, but we have to say that it's worth having one of these in the fridge when too many 'Wild' ales or IPAs have wrecked your palate. Paired with holiday dressing, some poultry, or by itself; Stagger Lee is worth a sip & then some.

Full Review

Crispin's Stagger Lee upon first examination appears a dirty-pale with a strong unfiltered (opaque) appearance.

Most of you are already thinking “eh, it’s cider, so what?" But taking that first smell reminds you this isn’t just aged apple juice. With aromas of mostly Red Delicious apples you have to take a moment to pick up the barrel-aging that went into making this a unique cider.

Taking the first sip one picks up notes of apple skin, semi-sour apples, butterscotch, and minor hints of spice. Overall Crispin's Stagger Lee is a dry cider with a medium weight to it as it rests on the palate and there is some minor stickiness.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/crispin-stagger-lee/157288/

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon (Again) … Pike Brewing’s Old Bawdy Barley Wine. Pre-Release Party on 12/31.

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

It’s the middle of December and we almost forgot about a Pike Brewing classic. Named after the term for inappropriateness, Pike Old Bawdy Barley Wine comes earlier than normal in the form of a “preview”. Say hello to the Bawdy New Year Old Bawdy Barley Wine Pre-Release & New Years Eve party.

Yes, Virginia, it has no grapes, just a lot of delicious malt from "Grand Cru" barley fields, as well as huge amounts of the finest hops from Yakima Valley binyards (vineyards are for grapes, binyards are for hops).

THE PIKE PUB will be decked out in its holiday best to make yours a picture perfect New Year's Eve. To welcome2012, the Pike Pub will remain open until 1:00 a.m.

The Bawdy New Year Details

Optional Prix Fixe Old Bawdy New Year's Dinner Menu. Click to view menu.
Old Bawdy New Year is a pre-release party for 2011 Old Bawdy Barley Wine!
4 oz. samples: $2.00
Purchase discounted tickets to The Pike Old Bawdy Vertical Tasting: January 20, 2012
Buy an Old Bawdy Vertical ticket and enjoy a full glass of Old Bawdy for only $2
Discounts on our new elegant Old Bawdy commemorative glass and other Pike logo merchandise.
Live Music by The Atlas String Band
The Pike Pub 1415 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 http://www.pikebrewing.com
Reservations: (206) 622-6044

Look for your regularly scheduled release of Old Bawdy starting in January. As always we will have details to release shortly.

About Pike Brewing Company

The Pike Brewing Company is a family owned brewery located 1/2 block South of the entrance to the historic Pike Place Public Market. It is owned by Charles and Rose Ann Finkel who founded the brewery in 1989 in The LaSalle Hotel on Western Avenue, formerly Seattle's most infamous Bawdy House. Pike commemorates the LaSalle's colorful madam, Nellie Curtis, with our lightest beer, Naughty Nellie Organic Artisan Golden Ale, as well as with our richest, most full-bodied, and strongest beer, Old Bawdy Barley Wine.

Cheers

Event Planner: WA: Brouwer’s Cafe, you have two options 12/17 & 12/20

2011-12-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

So picture this, you’re sitting at home it’s cold as heck outside and you really don’t want to be cooped up. Thoughts? Well we have two and they’re both at Brouwer’s Cafe.

December 17th, 2011 4:00 PM - ‘the cab picks you up’
Drink Firestone Walker in your Ugly Christmas Sweater
400 North 35th Street Seattle WA 98103

Still holding onto the heirloom X-mas sweater that your Aunt, Mother, or Grandmother gave you? Why not throw it on and for once be complemented for wearing it.

Starting at 4 PM and running through out the evening, you are encouraged to purchase a 25 ounce Firestone Walker enameled mug (for $20) and drink Velvet Merlin, till you can’t feel your fingers.

What are the rules you say? Pretty simple.

Show up in an Ugly Christmas Sweater
Purchase one of only 40 Limited Edition 25 ounce mugs. $12 the second drink, and $7 (per pint) after that.
Drink Pale 31, Union Jack, Velvet Merlin (Velvet Merkin to the purists), and near the end (at about 7pm or so), share in a tapping of Unblended Velvet Merkin.

If all else fails you can pick up one of only 40 limited edition 25 ounce mugs which also gets you a prize under the Brouwer’s Cafe ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas Tree.

But if demonstrating severely retched fashion sense isn’t your thing then how about saying hey to Yahweh.

Tuesday December 20th, 2011 4:00 PM - ‘the dradle stops spinning’
Brouwer’s Cafe one the Chosen Bars kicks off Chanukah with Shmaltz
400 North 35th Street Seattle WA 98103 Next Tuesday while everyone’s suffered their fifteenth, shopping inspired, anxiety attack the folks at Brouwer’s Cafe will be featuring the largest Jewish brewery, Shmaltz. Featured at the bar will be their Anniversary beer Jewbelation 15.

Plus as a participant in the 150 Chosen Bars program Brouwer’s will feature additional Shmaltz beers for you to try. For more details you will just have to show up. Who knows they might have a Chanukah-inspired dish or two.

Cheers

Beer Review: Flyer’s Pacemaker Porter, Is A Should Try

2011-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

A few days ago while walking up and down the grocery aisles we spotted a familiar beer previously enjoyed many times at the local pub, or the brewery.

Brewery Description

A Robust Porter in style, this dark, full bodied ale has notes of roasted barley, coffee and bitter sweet chocolate. Fast becoming Flyers' flagship beer!

Brewers Association Guidelines on Robust Porter

Robust porters are black in color and have a roast malt flavor, often reminiscent of cocoa, but no roast barley flavor. These porters have a sharp bitterness of black malt without a highly burnt/charcoal flavor. Caramel and other malt sweetness should be present and in harmony with other distinguishing porter characters. Robust porters range from medium to full in body and have a malty sweetness. Hop bitterness is medium to high, with hop aroma and flavor ranging from negligible to medium. Diacetyl is acceptable at very low levels. Fruity esters should be evident, balanced with roast malt and hop bitternes

Our Thoughts. You Should Try This. It’s not hard to understand what makes this beer one of Flyer’s most popular beers. Whether enjoyed with some poultry or a plate mozzarella sticks you can’t go wrong with this robust porter.

Flyer’s Pacemaker Porter as you would expect with its dark characteristics and strong clarity represents the style. Poured out of a 22 ounce vessel the beer produces an inch of mocha-colored froth, that leaves behind a large island of lace on the surface as it warms up.

With notes of ‘hour-old’ roasted coffee, biscuit breadiness, slight floral (earth tones) and mild sweetness, we can see why this beer is popular at the pub.

But it isn’t until the first sip that we are able to appreciate its hints of milk, hour old coffee, espresso, and earthiness; before it finishes sweet. Overall Pacemaker Porter has a medium to strong weight to it as it rests on the tongue and there isn’t much in the way of stickiness.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/14503/38112
https://www.ratebeer.com/ratings/beer/flyers-pacemaker-porter/60463/

Cheers

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.

About the photo’s author

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon … Full Sail Brewing “Brewer’s Share” Series, beginning with Extra Special Barney

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Located just down the street, along Interstate 84, the folks of Hood Canal’s Full Sail Brewing have a special announcement.

In 2008 Full Sail Brewing created their small batch Brewer’s Share series as an opportunity for each of their individual brewers to express their creations to be shared on tap exclusively in their pub. Since their crew came up with so many great beers, they decided to share a selection of them with beer lovers everywhere.

So what’s the first beer in this new series? It’s Extra Special Barney (ESB), developed by Brewing Supervisor, Barney Brennan.

Of course we were curious what inspired this recent release so we asked the brewery.

“It’s rare to know who makes your beer. We’re proud to be the people behind so many award winning brews. As an independent and employee owned brewery, you know that we put our hearts and souls into every drop. With Brewer’s Share, we take it one step further and introduce our individual brewers by name and beer,” - source, Irene Firmat, Full Sail’s CEO and Founder.

But if you asked Brannan his intent with Extra Special Barney he would tell you the beer is a reminder where the Northwest’s E.S.B. came from. With an attention to respecting the traditional English-style Extra Special Bitter, the beer was brewed with an attention to balance, showcasing both the malt & the hops.

Five different malt varieties give the beer its orange hue, and caramel complexities. A single hop was used, Challenger, including a pound per barrel dry hop. The pint first offers the interaction of the aromas of malt and hop, then the medium body and caramel flavors finish with a slight bitterness. Drinkable and quenching with an invitation to return for another taste. 6.5% ABV, 35 IBU

But let’s allow Barney to speak about the beer.

“I was sitting on the deck at the brewery overlooking the river in the sunshine – drinking a perfectly balanced bitter – already looking forward to the second pint. It was one of those great beer moments. Hopefully, my ESB will make one of those moments for someone else with its five different specialty malts and this one very special hop. We made it entirely with US Challenger hops including a pound per barrel dry hop because we wanted to share the aromatic experience we had at the hop rub in Yakima with our customers.”

Then again there are probably some of you who are scratching your heads wondering what the Brewer’s Share series is all about.

The inspiration for the name “Brewer’s Share” came from that mysterious portion that vanishes from a barrel during aging that brewers refer to as the “angel’s share,” and that led to “Brewer’s Share,” an equally mysterious offering that appears during inspiration. Brewer’s Share can also mean a unit of ownership, as in stock. Consider this program to be an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Whenever you purchase a Brewer’s Share you get a unit of ownership – one share of the batch. As a shareholder you have the right to consume the beverage. In doing so you will also be investing in the public good – as each brewer not only chooses the recipe, they choose a local charity or organization that will benefit from each bottle sold – Which can bring an excellent return on ingestion (ROI).

It’s also important to note that the Brewer’s Share isn’t just another beer release, as the brewery also encourages each of it’s employee’s philanthropic endeavors through a donation in their name to their favorite charity. In Barney’s case a portion of the sales from Barney’s ESB will go towards The Columbia Gorge Arts in Education.

About The Columbia Gorge Arts in Education

The Columbia Gorge Arts in Education provides visual, literary, and performing arts to local K-12 students. Through artist residencies in schools, workshops, after school programs, community art projects and installations, programs for at-risk youth, and cultural performances, Columbia Gorge Arts in Education served 6,000 kids last year in the Mid-Columbia region. For more information please visit www.cgaie.org.

Look for Extra Special Barney to rest on shelves and featured on draft, starting this January 2012. As always if you don’t see it on draft or on the shelf ask your server or grocer to buy some! About Full Sail Brewing Company

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment our specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Wassail, Session, Session Black, and Session Fest Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 25 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in 28 states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. http://www.fullsailbrewing.com

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon (Again) … Elysian Brewing’s Bete Blanche Belgian-style Tripel

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

This e-mail just popped into our inbox and we couldn’t resist to remind everyone. Even though the calendar reads December, February is around the corner. What better way to celebrate 2/2012 than with some Bete Blanche Belgian-style Tripel.

If you've visited the Elysian pubs over the years, you may have tried "The Bitch". While we can't divulge the full story on the nickname of the beer, here are a few words about it from Head Brewer Dick Cantwell:

"Belgium is full of inspiration for a beer like Bête Blanche, from strong golden ales like Duvel to the many delicious tripels, both in and out of monasteries. Crisp, estery, refreshing and a little dangerous, Bête Blanche is the perfect spring seasonal. We've been brewing it almost since the beginning, back when the only reliably warm place for bottle conditioning was our second floor office, where a hundred or so cases sat--until bottles started exploding and we almost literally had to put together a bucket brigade to get it all downstairs and into the cold room. That really wasn't the kind of dangerous we had in mind! "

Beer Geek Specifications

BÊTE BLANCHE Belgian-style Tripel is extremely drinkable, blonde and somewhat treacherous. Brewed entirely from Pale malt with Belgian candy sugar in the boil. Bittered with German Northern Brewer and finished with Styrian Goldings hops; fermented with Belgian Ale yeast. 7.4% ABV

As always look for this beer to be featured alongside your favorite Elysian annual releases (ala, Dragonstooth, India Pale Ale, etc.). And if you don’t it on the shelf in six packs or 22 ounce bottles ask your server to buy some!

About Elysian Brewing Company

The Elysian was founded in 1995 by principals Dick Cantwell (President/Head Brewer), Joe Bisacca (CFO/Head of Operations) and David Buhler (Sales & Marketing Director). Our first Seattle location, a 220-seat beer hall and our main brewery, opened in 1996 on Capitol Hill, Seattle’s most populous neighborhood. In 1997 Elysian was chosen to operate a pub and small brewery at Gameworks—a large entertainment complex owned by Universal Studios, Dreamworks & Sega. Elysian left this partnership in 2002 upon expiration of the five-year contract. A short year later Elysian opened TangleTown, an 80-seat neighborhood brewery/bistro. With a 3-bbl pilot brewery, Elysian-TangleTown acted as the brewers' test kitchen, fueling the creative fires and helping cement Elysian's reputation as Seattle’s top brewpub. The most recent addition to the Elysian empire, Elysian Fields, opened in August 2006. Perched next to Seattle’s two sports arenas, Fields seats 400 and packs the house at lunch and on gamedays. It is typical for us to offer over twenty different Elysian beers between the three locations.

Cheers

Festival Preview: WA: Brouwer's Cafe presents Big Wood 2011. The List?

2011-12-07T18:03:00.001-08:00

Seattle, WA - Starting at 11 AM when most of you are still staring at the clock biding the time till 5 PM Brouwer's Cafe will have opened their doors for another Big Wood Barrel-aged Festival. So far the Cafe has been tight-lipped regarding about ALL the beers featured at this event. But after some coaxing they gave us a small taste of what is in store for those willing to have a beer with their lunch.

Below is the latest list provided to us by Brouwer’s Cafe’s GM. Plus for those a member of Untappd we have included links to the mobile friendly version of their site.

[check-in] [website] 2011 11.00% Allagash Curieux Jim Beam Barrel-aged Tripel
[check-in] [website] Anacortes Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout
[check-in] [website] Anderson Valley Bourbon Barrel Gatlin Damnosis Wild Ale
[check-in] [website] Boulder Bourbon Barrel-aged Mojo Risin
[check-in] [website] Boundary Bay Dry Fly Whiskey Barrel-aged Scotch Ale
[checkin] [website] Cask-conditioned Diamond Knot Oak-aged Shipwreck XXX India Pale Ale
[check-in] [website] Dogfish Head Burton Baton
[check-in] [website] Dogfish Head Palo Santo Barrel-aged Brown Ale
[check-in] [website] Double Mountain Devil's Kriek
[check-in] [website] Emelisse Jack Daniel’s Barrel-aged Imperial Russian Stout
[check-in] [website] Full Sail Black Gold Barrel-aged Imperial Stout
[check-in] [website] Hale's Ales Way Heavy
[checkin] [website] Hitachino Classic in Schnider-Wiesse Barrel
[check-in] [website] Laughing Dog Bourbon Barrel-aged Dogfather
[check-in] [website] Left Hand Oaked Stout
[checkin] [website] New Belgium Special La Follie Blend Wild Ale
[check-in] [website] New Belgium Felix (Love)
[check-in] [website] North Sound X-Batch Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Porter
[check-in] [website] Gin Barrel Farmhouse Saison
[check-in] [website] Cask-conditioned Pike Oaked Imperial Stout
[check-in] [website] Port Townsend Oaked Mabel’s Best Imperial Stout
[check-in] [website] Russian River Supplication Wild Ale
[check-in] [website] Russian River Temptation Wild Ale
[check-in] [website] Schooner Exact Hoppy the Woodsman Barrel-aged Winter Ale
[check-in] [website] Seven Seas Oak-aged Le Havre Belgium Winter Ale
[check-in] [website] Shmaltz Barrel Aged Blockhead
[check-in] [website] Sierra Nevada Oaked Porter
[check-in] [website] 2008 Stone Elijah Craig Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Russian Stout
[check-in] [website] The Bruery 4 Calling Birds Spiced Strong Dark Ale

It's obvious when compares the list we were given versus the list the 'Cafe posted after Thanksgiving there are some omissions. That doesn't mean the previously mentioned beers aren't coming, but this is the list of confirmed beers. Besides when was the last time you went to a beer festival and found every beer on the printout was available?

Be on the lookout starting tomorrow for any last minute additions or subtractions. We have it on good authority there will be some beers not on this list that will be worth looking out for.

Thursday December 8th, 2011 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (daily) (206) 267-2437 (BIER)
Brouwer's Cafe presents Big Wood Barrel-aged Festival
400 N. 35th Street Seattle WA 98103

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Get It Now … Shmaltz Brewing celebrates 15th year with limited editions of Genesis 15:15, He’Brew Holiday Pack, & Jewbelation 15

2011-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays comes word that Shmaltz Brewing, makers of He’Brew and Coney Island, are celebrating their 15th Anniversary right.

America's smallest, largest, and most award-winning Jewish (and now Sideshow Freak) Beer Company, Shmaltz Brewing celebrates its 15th year of brewing with three Limited-Edition Extreme Offerings, including Genesis 15:15® (currently on shelves, 13.4% ABV), the HE'BREW Holiday Gift Pack® (available December 2011) featuring eight prized Shmaltz creations, and Jewbelation 15® (available December 2011 - March 2012, 15 malts, 15 hops, 15% ABV). Shmaltz proprietor Jeremy Cowan's debut small business memoir, Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah, is also now available at bookstores nationwide through boutique distributor Small Press United. Please find more information about Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah below and read Chapter One at www.craftbeerbarmitzvah.com(Cowan's winter 2011 national book tour details are listed below and available on http://craftbeerbarmitzvah.wordpress.com ).

Classic Shmaltz holiday events like "Chanukah vs. Christmas: The Battle Royale of Beers," this year's 150 Chosen Bars hand-picked from Shmaltz's top accounts across the country, and the 2nd Annual Beer Menorah Photo Contest are all happening during the month of December 2011. More information is available at www.shmaltzbrewing.com.

Beer Geek Information

Genesis 15:15®

A bold and decadent 13.4% ABV Harvest Barleywine aged 9 months in Sazerac 6-Year Rye Whiskey Barrels, Genesis 15:15® is the 5th release in Shmaltz's Limited-Edition Barrel Aged series. Genesis 15:15®incorporates fruit juices from the Sacred Species listed in the Torah: figs, dates, grapes, and pomegranates. Harkening back to HE'BREW's® original Genesis Ale® - a beer brewed with pomegranates that were hand-squeezed in Shmaltz owner Jeremy Cowan's San Francisco apartment - Genesis 15:15® symbolizes the evolution of Shmaltz Brewing Company from a humble, self-distributed start-up to one of the most creative and respected craft brewing companies in America. Genesis 15:15® was also inspired by Genesis 10:10®, a 10th anniversary, 10% ABV pomegranate strong ale whose popularity led to the subsequent commissioning of Origin®, a year-round Imperial Amber Pomegranate Ale.

HE'BREW Holiday Gift Pack®

In anticipation of Chanukah 2011, Shmaltz is updating the HE'BREW Holiday Gift Pack® with eight different 12 oz bottles of beer: Genesis Ale®, Messiah Bold®, Origin®, Jewbelation 15®, Reunion Ale '11®,Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA®, Hop Manna® (brand new IPA, hitting shelves in early 2012), and a surprise bottle of Jewbelation® (one vintage selection from Jewbelations 8 - 14). To help beer fans get further into the holiday spirit, the Gift Pack® also includes a custom HE'BREW glass, Chanukah candles, and instructions on How To Build Your Own Beer Menorah. Shmaltz will be accepting submissions for its 2nd Annual Beer Menorah Photo Contest, whose winner will be chosen by their peers online and rewarded handsomely with special Shmaltz prizes. More details on the Photo Contest will be announced shortly through Facebook and a national call for submissions.

Jewbelation 15®

Brewed with 15 malts, 15 hops, and careening to 15% ABV, Jewbelation 15® marks Shmaltz's most extreme anniversary ale to date. Since its inception in 2004, Shmaltz's Jewbelation® series has astonished critics and received top accolades from numerous publications, including "5 Stars" from Celebrator Beer News, "Best Holiday Beer" from Pacific Brew News, and "Best Winter Brews" from Playboy Magazine. The only Chanukah Beer entry in Northern California's SF Weekly's holiday beer blind tasting, Jewbelation 14® was declared the "Best Christmas Beer" by a stunned panel of judges. Imbibe Magazine also listedJewbelation 14® as one of the "Top 50 Beers in the World."

Look for these to be featured at specialty bottleshops, grocers, and wherever you see He’Brew or Coney Island beers. As always if you can’t find it where you shop ask your grocer to buy some!

About Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltz Brewing Company was recently named "Best American Craft Brewer" and won the "Best In Show 2010" title by Beverage World Magazine, after being named "Breakout Brand" for 2009. Shmaltz was also included in the "Top 50 Fastest Growing Bay Area Companies" by San Francisco Business Times, and is a recipient of the "Distinguished Business Award" by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Established in San Francisco in 1996 with the first batch of 100 cases of HE'BREW Beer® bottled, labeled, and delivered by hand, Shmaltz has sold more than ten million bottles of beer to date. Along with their acclaimed line of HE'BREW Beers®, Shmaltz introduced its new line of sideshow-inspired Coney Island Craft Lagers®. Proceeds help Coney Island USA, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit fulfill its mission to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular culture in Brooklyn's historic Coney Island neighborhood.

Shmaltz offerings are available in more than 25 states through 30 wholesalers at more than 3,000 retail specialty shops across the U.S., including Beverages & More, Whole Foods, Total Wine, select Krogers and Cost Plus.

Shmaltz Brewing beers have appeared in such distinguished media outlets as The New York Times, CNN Headline News, The Onion, Beer Advocate Magazine, Celebrator Beer News, Ale Street News, NPR's "Weekend Edition," New York Magazine, Newsweek, Men's Health, BUST, Playboy, Associated Press, Reuters, MSNBC, San Francisco Magazine, The Jerusalem Report, New York Jewish Week, Washington Post, MAXIM, Forbes.com, Smartmoney.com, Entrepreneur.com and Epicurious.com.

Cheers

Brewery News: OR: Deschutes Brewery formally announces distribution in Missouri, starting in 2012

2011-12-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

If you’re from the Northwest and planning a trip to see the Cardinals, Rams, or Blues; we have news for you.

Deschutes Brewery officially announced today that it will begin selling Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale in Missouri starting the week of January 9, 2012!

Missourians along the I-70 corridor will be pleased to know that they can extend the New Year celebratory festivities with Deschutes’ Black Butte Porter, the nation’s number one selling craft porter, in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. For those who view dark beer with suspicion, this deep, velvety brew dispels lingering myths and has been creating zealous enthusiasts for over 23 years. But the cup of kindness for auld lang syne doesn’t end there: Mirror Pond Pale Ale will be bringing its own definitive Cascade hop aroma and hop forward flavor into play. This quintessential, deftly balanced pale ale will likewise be available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft.

Deschutes will also be bringing in a limited amount of The Stoic, Black Butte XXIII and The Abyss for Missouri’s serious beer fanatics, as well as 22-ounce bottles of Hop Henge Experimental IPA. Six-packs of Mirror Pond, Black Butte Porter, Inversion IPA and Red Chair NWPA will be available later down the road.

“For years, our fans have been pleading with us to bring our beers farther east, and Missouri was the ideal step in that direction,” said Gary Fish, president and founder of Deschutes Brewery. “Our recent collaboration brew with Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City gave us tangible knowledge of just how passionate Missourians are about their craft beer. We’re looking forward to formally introducing our beers to the market there and getting to know the beer enthusiasts in this region even better.”

Look for Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis to receive shipments in January. After this a second rollout to the whole state will occur in March.

For the initial launch, Deschutes will partner with nine distributors to provide beer to the Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis markets, including Lohr Distributing, County Beverage, County Distributing, NH Scheppers Distributing, North Kansas City Beverage, HW Herrell Distributing, United Beverage, Grey Eagle and Krey. Phase two of the brewery’s entry into Missouri will expand distribution to the rest of the state via an additional 15 distributors in March.

For more information on where Deschutes Brewery beer will be available in Missouri, please contact one of the distributors listed above until a Deschutes Brewery Market Manager has been selected.

Congrats on the official expansion into the Midwest.

About Deschutes Brewery

Located in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That's why we started off in 1988, on the banks of the Deschutes River here in Bend,Oregon, by selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to push the envelope, especially if it makes someone nervous. But for us, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of "Bravely Done!" For more information about Deschutes Brewery and its courageously crafted beers, please visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com.

Cheers

About the photo’s author
"Matt Wiater is a photographer covering the Portland beer scene for portlandbeer.org."

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon … Bridgeport Brewing’s Beervana Brewer’s Box

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well it was bound to happen, another brewery is getting into the variety 12 pack. This time around it’s none other than reliable Bridgeport Brewing. But before you click away know that you will be missing out on Hop Czar, Kingpin, India Pale and their Winter Seasonal Dark Rain.

“This is the first time in our 27-year history that we’ve had a group of beers that are in such high demand that they warrant a variety pack,” commented Brewmaster Jeff Edgerton. “It wasn’t until the addition of Kingpin that we finally felt ready to launch the Brewer’s Box for long-time fans to have access to the four top beers as well as the chance for new customers to try BridgePort for the first time.”

But what about the beer? Here’s the beer geek 411.

IPA: Our award-winning IPA is brewed with a blend of five hop varieties (Cascade, Golding, Ahtanum, Crystal and Chinook) and presents a floral, citrusy aroma and full hop flavor, while downplaying the bitterness. The beer pours smooth in the glass, emitting its signature golden glow.
Hop Czar: An Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with over two pounds of whole leaf hop cones in each barrel. The Emperor of IBU’s, Hop Czar is triple hopped with four varieties (Nugget, Chinook, Centennial and Cascade) to produce an aggressively bitter, yet drinkable flavor.
Kingpin: This triple-hopped red features rye and caramel malt yielding a deep red color. Kingpin uses a rarely-grown Willamette Valley Hop varietal known as Liberty Hops from fourth generation hop farmer John Annen of Annen Bros. Farm in Silverton, Oregon.
Winter Seasonal, Dark Rain: Black Wheat and Dark Crystal Malt add dense color and mild smooth flavors to this intensely hopped Black Ale. This ale has a very drinkable, mid-level alcohol and bitterness that starts with roasted and hoppy aromatic notes and finishes with the dry hop character of the Nugget hop varietal. A Chinook, Crystal, Centennial and Cascade blend is used in our hopjack to provide full flavored background hoppiness.

Look for the Beervana Brewer’s Box starting in January. As always look for this and the Winter Seasonal Dark Rain wherever you find Bridgeport beers. And if you can’t find it, ask your grocer to buy some!

About BridgePort Brewing Company

Oregon's oldest craft brewery continues to evolve from a microbrewery to a regional leader in craft brewing, while remaining faithful to its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative craft ales. The BridgePort family of ales includes IPA, Hop Czar, Kingpin, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Summer Squeeze and a number of seasonal selections such as Ebenezer, Raven Mad, Hop Harvest and Stumptown Tart. BridgePort Brewery is located at 1313 N.W. Marshall St. For more information, call 503-241-7179 or visit www.bridgeportbrew.com.

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Coming Soon … Bridgeport Brewing’s Dark Rain Black Pale Ale

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Listen up! Here’s another beer announcement from Bridgeport Brewing

Bridgeport Brewing Company, Oregon’s oldest craft brewery, will release its newest winter seasonal ale, Dark Rain, on Jan. 1. A perfect beer for cold winter and spring nights, the smooth roasted flavors of Bridgeport’s Dark Rain create the toasty-warm feeling of home.

The new brew is a black ale that features a generous amount of Crystal and Dark Wheat malts, creating its dense color. While you may expect an assault on the senses, this refreshing beer has a mild bitterness that starts with roasted, hoppy aromatic notes and finishes with the dry hop characteristics of Oregon’s largest hop variety, Nugget Hops. Dark Rain will be available in six-packs and 12-packs across the United States.

“Dark Rain is that link between darker, maltier beers and the highly-hopped pale ales that our fans might be more accustomed to,” explains Bridgeport’s brewmaster, Jeff Edgerton. “While using the bold flavors that come from very dark roasted malts is not new to Bridgeport, this is the first time that we have layered these flavors with five distinct hop varieties – all from the state of Oregon.”

Beer Geek Stats

IBU’s: 60.0

ABV: 5.6%

Color: Black

OG: 14.4

Ingredients: Dark crystal malt, Dark Wheat Malt, Nugget, Chinook, Crystal, Centennial, and Cascade hops.

Description: Black Wheat and Dark Crystal Malt add dense color and mild smooth flavors to this intensely hopped Black Ale. This ale has a very drinkable, mid-level alcohol and bitterness that starts with roasted and hoppy aromatic notes and finishes with the dry hop character of the Nugget hop varietal. A Chinook, Crystal, Centennial and Cascade blend is used in our hopjack to provide full flavored background hoppiness

Look for this be found on shelves everywhere, starting in January. As always if you don’t see it where you shop ask your grocer to get some!

About BridgePort Brewing Company

Oregon's oldest craft brewery continues to evolve from a microbrewery to a regional leader in craft brewing, while remaining faithful to its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative craft ales. The BridgePort family of ales includes IPA, Hop Czar, Kingpin, Blue Heron Pale Ale and Summer Squeeze. BridgePort Brewery is located at 1313 N.W. Marshall St. For more information, call 503-241-7179 or visit www.bridgeportbrew.com

Cheers

Event Planner: WA: 12 Beers of Christmas continues at Naked City, 12/5 – 12/8 6pm – 9pm

2011-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

It’s Monday. And if you can forgive us, we’re catching up on emails.

First question. Did you go to Quinn’s last week for the first four nights of the 12 Beers of Christmas? No? Well here’s another opportunity to escape the contractual obligations of a shopping list, by visiting Naked City. Starting tonight and running through Thursday, you are invited to stop in and spend time with a different brewery.

Naked City Brewery & Taphouse (206) 838-6299
8564 Greenwood Avenue North Seattle, WA 98103

Monday December 5th, 2011 6:00 – 9:00 PM
12 Beers of Christmas & Naked City hosts Laurelwood
Tuesday December 6th, 2011 6:00 – 9:00 PM
12 Beers of Christmas & Naked City host Boulevard Brewing
Wednesday December 7th, 2011 6:00 – 9:00 PM
12 Beers of Christmas & Naked City host Oakshire Brewing
Thursday December 8th, 2011 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
12 Beers of Christmas & Naked City host Lazy Boy Brewing

Stay tuned as we post the last four days of this 12 day series at the Beveridge Place Pub.

Cheers

About Naked City Brewery & Taphouse

Once upon a time, there were two dudes named Donald and Don.

One as an engineer toiling away on the super computers of a local university, and the other was a supervisor managing the complex operations of a billionaire.
Both of them love their jobs, but more than their jobs they loved beer.

Each Don had a recurring dream of a magical place without a name, a place where great beers in the world flowed like Salmon le Sac at flood stage, and the fine brewing tradition of the Pacific Northwest stood proudly beside the best concoctions from far-flung breweries across Asia and Across Europe. .... [more] -source, Naked City Brewery & Taphouse

About Laurelwood Brewing

Laurelwood is a family owned brewery that creates one of the most recognized regional products of craft beer. Dedicated to sustainable and organic practices, Laurelwood first began producing certified organic beer in 2002. Laurelwood’s craft beer is recognized for its creativity and quality and the company has won many national and international awards. The company’s handcrafted beer can be found on draft and in bottles throughout Oregon and Washington

About Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to be the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Boulevard’s portfolio of year-round and seasonal beers is available in fourteen states, primarily in the Midwest, with selected offerings distributed in an additional six states. For more information about Boulevard visitwww.boulevard.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/Boulevard or on Twitter attwitter.com/Boulevard_Beer.

About Oakshire Brewing

Oakshire Brewing Company of Eugene, OR was founded in October 2006 by Native Oregonian brothers Jeff and Chris Althouse. With the goals of brewing the highest quality artisan beer and providing the highest level of service to their customers, Oakshire has become recognized for consistently brewing fresh, unique and delicious beers in relatively small batches. Oakshire’s website is http://oakbrew.com and they also offer brewery tours and beer tasting at their brewery every Saturday from 12-4pm. The brewery is located at 1055 Madera Street in Eugene. They can be reached at info@oakbrew.com or at (541) 688-4555.

Festival News: WA: Winter Fest 2011, Results Announced

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend while you were out shopping, running errands, or lounging on the couch; the 2011 edition of Winter Fest happened. Featuring over 70 different beers from some 30 different Washington breweries this was an excellent opportunity to enjoy what Winter meant to Washington brewers.

If you enjoyed a Winter Warmer, Winter Ale, or Imperial Porter; it was safe to say there was something for your. And it wasn’t just the beer that got people talking as breweries competed for your vote for best beer and best decorated brewery booth. Some of the most memorable were Elliott Bay brewer Bill Jenkins dressed as the Snow Miser, Black Raven’s Ice Chalet, or Elysian’s mini Christmas tree forest.

In the end the winners were declared on Friday and Saturday and without further ado here is the list.

Best Beer for Friday (1st thru 3rd Place)

Fremont Bourbon Abominable Winter Ale “BBomb”
Black Raven Gunpowder Plot Bourbon Nitro Porter
Elysian Bye-Bye Frost Strong Pale Ale

Best Beer for Saturday (1st thru 3rd Place)

Black Raven Festivus Seeker Double IPA
Two Beers Infused 20:20 Blond Ale
Naked City Big Lebrewski Winter Ale

Best Booth Decorations of the Festival

Black Raven Brewing

Congratulations to Fremont, Black Raven, Elysian, Two Beers, and Naked City for taking home bragging rights till next year’s Winter Fest. Be sure to stop into their breweries or taprooms and see if they have any of their award winning beer left to try.

Cheers

Event Planner: WA: 12/1: 12 Beers of Christmas, Hale’s Wee Heavy (from the barrel), and Big Time Old Wooly returns,

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Seattle, WA – It’s Thursday. And like most of you reading this introduction you’re probably asking what is so important about it? Truthfully there isn’t much to be concerned with for a Thursday, unless you count Big Time Brewing’s Annual Release of their Old Wooly Barleywine. Or that Hale’s Ales is releasing a limited edition, barrel-aged; batch of their Wee Heavy Winter Warmer. And we didn’t forget about the most drawn out pub crawl, the 12 Beers of Christmas. Let’s break it down shall we.

Thursday December 1st, 2011 11:30 AM – ? (206) 545-4509
Big Time Old Wooly Barleywine Vintage 2011 Release Party
4133 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105-6213

Stop into the brewery to pick up a 22 ounce bottle (or two) or grab a snifter of ‘the mammoth’ while congratulating Drew, Bradley, on providing beer lovers a reason to look forward to December 1st.

For those not hip to this 10%, warmth in a glass, the brewery will be serving up other limited edition beers like Breakfast Cereal Killer Stout (8.00%), Yulefest (7.00%), Cask-conditioned Perspective (6.10%), or Dark Days Cascadian Dark Ale (6.50%). Plus you’re guaranteed that the rest of the Big Time lineup (including Scarlet Fire & Bhagwan’s Best) will available.

Feeling like turning this into a pub crawl, try the 44 to Hale’s Ales from Big Time via 15th Ave NE & NE 42ND Street. Only one caveat, the bus drops you off at N. 46th St & Phinney Ave North, where you have to walk .7 miles. Check with Metro for timetables and routes.

If Quinn’s in Capitol Hill is more your thing then take the 49 from the corner of NE Campus Pkwy & University Way NE and get off at E Pine St & Broadway Ave in Captiol Hill. Check with Metro for timetables and routes.

Thursday December 1st, 2011 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (206) 325-7711
12 Beers of Christmas Kickoff Party at Quinn’s on Capitol Hill
1001 East Pike Street Seattle, WA 98122-3818

Whether this is your second stop or your first it’s clear love a good party. Starting at 4pm and running at least till 7 you are invited to stop into Quinn’s for Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock night, featuring Merchant du Vin’s Jhon Gilroy. No that is not a typo that’s how he spells it. Say hey and share a drink.

But don’t fret if you miss out on this event. The pub is planning three additional events (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). On Friday Quinn’s hosts Diamond Knot Night with Brewer Pat Ringe. Look for a special firkin of Ho-Ho to be featured on the bar top. More events will be listed in a separate post.

Keeping the theme going, assuming you wish to head to a second (or third location). 49 is your best best off E. Pine Street & Broadway Avenue. Check with Metro for timetables and routes.

Take 10 to Hale’s off E. Pine & 11th Avenue. From there you will get off at Pine Street & 4th Avenue and take the 28 the rest of the way to Leary Way NW & 6th Ave NW. Use Metro’s trip planner tool to get an accurate schedule.

Thursday December 1st, 2011 5:00 PM – ? (206) 706-1544
Hale’s Ales Barrel-aged Wee Heavy Limited Edition Bottle Release
4301 Leary Way Northwest Seattle, WA 98107

Short sweet and to the point, Limited Edition, Bottled, Barrel-aged Wee Heavy. Besides bottles to purchase, there will be samples of ‘the stuff’ on draft and snacks to eat.

If you have made it this far you have probably become pretty adept at getting to the other two locations if this was your first stop.

That’s it ladies and gentleman. Be safe out there and keep warm.

Cheers

About the Big Time & Quinn’s photos’ author

+Russ is a photo blogger and an avid beer fan who got immersed in beer and the Seattle beer culture through homebrewing and the thirsty pursuit of new craft ales to sample.

About the Hale’s Ales 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 ).

Beer Release: OR: Coming Soon (Again) … 10 Barrel Brewing’s Pray For Snow Strong Ale

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

From Oregon comes word that the oft-overlooked brewery from Bend will be releasing their annual ‘Winter Warmer’, Pray For Snow Strong Ale.

Brewery Description

The Pray for snow is our version of a winter warmer. We used eight different specialty malts to deliver a complex and thought provoking malt blanket. To complement this we used a combination of herbal, spicy, and citrus hops to help keep this beer in balance. All this was wrapped together with the prolong time in Brandy barrels that add nuances of oak, vanilla, and candied fruit. ABV% 6.5 IBU's 55.

Unfortunately 10 Barrel’s Winter Warmer is draft-only. But if you show up to the brewery you can take home a growler of this ‘warmer’. Show up starting Saturday December 3rd and wet your whistle on another beer that rewards you for braving the cold.

Saturday December 3rd, 2011 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (541) 678-5228
10 Barrel Pray For Snow Strong Ale Release Party
1135 Northwest Galveston Avenue Bend, OR

Tons of Give-A-Ways, Live Music, and setting the 6 foot snowman ABLAZE as the ultimate sacrifice to the snow gods!! Come set the tone for the season, celebrate the release of our 2011 Pray for Snow Winter Strong Ale, and enjoy the party of the Winter!

We're shutting down the parking lot and taking the patio party to the next level! Give-A-Way's and music start at 4 and will go till 9! Don't miss out!!

About 10 Barrel Brewing

We brew into a 10 Barrel Brewhouse, giving us the freedom to experiment with our recipes in order to produce the highest quality of beer that we can. This isn’t just any 10 Barrel brewhouse though, it’s a state of the art system that allows us to blend new technology with the tradition of craft fundamentals. In other words we can’t produce a TON of beer, but we can make it the highest quality.

Cheers

Beer Release: NW: Get It Now … Boston Beer’s Sam Adams Infinium Ale

2011-11-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

In less than a month when the weariness from too much shopping, dinners, cookies, and family, are still strong in our memories New Years will be here. If you’re looking ideas on a drink to ring in the New Year, you might ditch the Champagne for this …

Infinium, the limited-edition, champagne-like collaboration brew between Samuel Adams and Germany’s Weihenstephan Brewery, hits shelves just in time for the 2011 holiday season. The brewers have spent years perfecting this boundary-pushing new beer style that unites 1,000 years of combined knowledge and innovation between the two breweries. Initially launched in 2010, Infinium is the first completely new beer style created in more than 100 years to adhere to the rigorous standards of the German Reinheitsgebot purity law—which states that all beer must be brewed using only four ingredients: malt, hops, water and yeast.

The brewers are mixing things up with this year’s batch, offering beer lovers an unexpected element to the Infinium toasting experience. Samuel Adams tapped mixologist Jill Schulster of JoeDoe in New York City to create three cocktail recipes—the Mr. Adams, Into the Woods, and Winter Rush—each infused with seasonal ingredients that pair perfectly with Infinium’s effervescent character.

Unlike any other beer, Infinium is light and dry, yet complex with a sparkling effervescence. The beer pours out a deep golden color with fine bubbles—its acidity creates a dry tartness on the palate that is balanced with a smooth malt body. The brewers enhanced this year’s beer by dry hopping with fresh Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops late in the brewing process, imparting a fresh yet delicate citrusy hop character. Infinium’s fruity, elegant aroma makes the brew an ideal mixer with seasonal flavors like apple cider.

“We’ve spent years perfecting the recipe for Infinium. Combining revered German brewing traditions with American innovation, we rewrote the beer world’s rules,” said Jim Koch, Samuel Adams founder and brewer. “This beer is unlike anything else we’ve brewed so we thought ‘Why not take the experiment one step further and develop beer cocktails to play off the flavors and enhance the experience for our drinkers?’ What we found was that the quality ingredients we use in our beer translated well, and the cocktails actually showcase Infinium’s flavors in a new and unexpected way.”

About The Boston Beer Company

The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father’s attic. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life in his kitchen. Pleased with the results of his work, Jim decided to sample his beer with bars in Boston in the hopes that drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavored beer he brewed fresh in America. That beer was aptly named Samuel Adams Boston Lager®, in recognition of one of our nation's great founding fathers, a man of independent mind and spirit. Little did Jim know at the time, Samuel Adams Boston Lager soon became a catalyst of the American craft beer revolution.

Today, The Boston Beer Company brews more than 30 styles of beer. It relentlessly pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of classic beers by searching the world for the finest ingredients. Using the traditional four vessel brewing process, the Company often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. The Company has also pioneered another revolution, the 'extreme beer' movement, where it seeks to challenge drinker's perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company has been committed to elevating the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions around the globe, and in the past five years has won more awards in international beer competitions than any other brewery in the world. As an independent company, brewing quality beer remains its single focus. Although Samuel Adams® beer is America's largest-selling craft beer, it accounts for only one percent of the U.S. beer market. Samuel Adams will continue its independently-minded quest to brew great beer and to advocate for the growth of craft beer across America. For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

About Weihenstephan

The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan. Nearly one thousand years ago it was the monastery brewery of the Benedictine monks, then the Royal Bavarian State Brewery. Today, as a regulated enterprise of the Freestate of Bavaria, it is a company run according to the precepts of private business. As the oldest existing brewery in the world, the brewery occupies an exalted site atop Weihenstephan Hill in the Bavarian city of Freising, surrounded by the comparatively still very young Weihenstephan science centre of the Technical University of Munich. Yet it is precisely this unique combination of tradition and custom, proven knowledge, and modern science, which gives the brewery its incomparable identity and permits it to brew beers of the highest quality. www.weihenstephaner.de

Look for this on the shelves starting now and if you’re feeling festive, hold onto a bottle to ring in the New Year.

Cheers

Beer Release: WA: Get It Now (Again) … The Ram’s Sn’oAngel Weizenbock

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

For the most part this website has shied away from promoting what are commonly called ‘franchise’ brewpubs.

Destinations like The Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch, or The Ram are all clustered into this ground and each one provides that ‘Starbucks’ like experience when you belly up to the bar. And the menu of beers usually is pretty consistent. Which is precisely the reason we avoid promoting beer releases from places like this.

However it’s easy to forget that each brewery has a brewer and that brewer is constantly experimenting with recipe, when they aren’t making the brewpub’s staple beer. It’s from moments like that a beer like S’No Angel Weizenbock is born.

Brewery Description

S’No Angel, our Winter Seasonal is here… inspired by our 2009 Bronze Medal Winner for Weizenbock at the North American Beer Awards. Beautiful chocolate in color, our winter sports a cream, complex body with a festive finishing form.

All topped off with a rich, dense, foam cap … She’s S’no Angel!

Tasting Notes: Chocolate, fruit, spice & everything nice … Seasons Greetings.

Curious where you can try this beer? We are too. So far it appears to be regional staple. So give your local Pacific Northwest Ram Restaurant location a shout to see if they have this on draught. As with most Seasonal releases, this beer has a limited run, so it would be wise to visit your nearest Ram Restaurant location soon.

Cheers

Beer Review: Widmer Brothers Brrrbon Barrel-aged Ale, Is A Should Try

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001-08:00

Like it or not, Thanksgiving is a distant memory. And if you haven't cleaned your fridge then chances are you aren't ready to let it go.

But go it must and in its place is the prospect of another Christmas, Kwanza, or Hanukkah. With this time of the year comes the prospect of bundling up, turn up the thermostat, or maybe lighting a long in fireplace. But like everything cliche, one must have a beverage to enjoy alongside that wave of warmth drifting across your person.

We attempted to answer this question by trying Widmer Brothers 2011 release of Brrrbon 2011 from their aptly named Brothers Reserve Series.

Our Thoughts
You Should Try It. All too often as we grow with a brewery we witness the heterogeneous evolution of a breweries beers. Beers that once stood out on their own now begin to taste the same, whether it's a Pale Ale or India Pale Ale. This is not one of those beers. Instead this is yet another beer from a brewery that makes us do a double take. Feeling festive while consuming a glass of this? Why not try some smoked turkey, bread dressing / stuffing, or pair this with a Pecan Pie.

Brewery Description

Barrel Aged Brrrbon ’11 is a smooth winter warmer and the first release in the Alchemy Project from Widmer Brothers Brewing. Beginning with a version of Brrr, the beer was given a fresh charge of hops during secondary fermentation and then put into Kentucky bourbon barrels and aged for four months. After months of maturation in the barrels, the beer was allowed a tertiary fermentation for final conditioning before release.

Ingredients

Malts:
2-Row Pale, Caramel 10L, Carapils, Caramel 80L, Dark Chocolate

Hops:
Bittering – Alchemy
Aroma – Simcoe and Cascade

Profile
Original Gravity: 20.3P
Apparent Extract: 3.4P
IBU: 40
Color: 22 SRM
Alcohol by Volume: 9.5%

Featured in a 22 ounce hybrid silk-screen (and paper labeled) bottle, Widmer Brothers Brrrbon 2011 appears clear with a dusk red to an almost brown appearance. Poured straight down into the glass an inch and a half of foam forms before it recedes quickly leaving behind nothing in the way of lace.

Inviting us to take the recently released odors into our sinuses we detect notes of rhubarb citrus, hints of vanilla, oak, and even cherries.

Taking that first swallow you get a definite sense of butterscotch, crushed nuts, hints of pineapple citrus and a strong caramel malt stickiness. Overall Widmer Brothers Brrrbon 2011 provides a light to medium sensation of weight as it rests on the tongue and there is some residual stickiness.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/8/62040
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/widmer-brothers-reserve-barrel-aged-brrrbon/131549/

Cheers

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.

About the photo’s author

Brewers Night Preview: WA: Naked City Brewery & Taphouse hosts Iron Horse, 12/13

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Seattle, WA – Just another in our series of reminders regarding another Brewers Night at Naked City.

Tuesday December 13th starting at 6PM, you should stop into Naked City (on Greenwood Avenue) and say hello to Ellensburg’s only brewery, Iron Horse. Featuring one of the owners Ross (last name not important), the Taphouse will feature many familiar Iron Horse beers. Also this is your chance to enjoy an encore of the Winter Fest beer Cozy Sweater.

As always there will be prizes via a free raffle for all that attend this event.

Tuesday December 13th, 2011 6:00 PM – ? (206) 838-6299
Iron Horse Brewers Night at Naked City Brewery & Taphouse
8564 Greenwood Avenue North Seattle, WA 98103

Cheers

Pairing Review: Widmer Brothers & DRAFT Magazine Invites us to “Explore your Craft”

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday with the backdrop of twilight skies, cold temperatures and an unforgiving cold wind, we visited South Downtown (commonly known as So’Do) for this year’s Explore your Craft.

What is Explore your Craft? The answer is simple. It’s an opportunity to further expound on the versatility of beer, by pairing it with food. The concept is not unheard of. In fact this website has been promoting the virtues of beer & food together for some time now.

But it’s not just a brewer-less hosted event. Instead the brewery pushed the envelop by including co-founder Rob Widmer as well as two of their brewery assistants in Ben Dobler and Doug Rehberg. And although we didn’t personally pull aside Rob, Ben, or Doug we found the conversations occurring to be interesting.

However the event isn’t just a meet and greet as guests were asked to step up to one of four stations featuring meats, cheeses, seafood, and desserts; all paired with Widmer Brothers beers.

Starting with the cheese station, we paired blue cheese with Nelson O'Ryely IPA. A short while later we returned to see how the feta, goat cheese and gouda paired with the Nelson Imperial IPA. Overall we found that the Nelson O’Ryely Rye India Pale Ale demonstrated the best pairing between the two options.

Moving on we proceeded to try the Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, with house-made citrus cocktail sauce. As the suggested pairing was the Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, we took a chance and admittedly found the pairing to work. Going back however proved time consuming but worth it as enjoyed a small plate of Sweet Potato & Dungeness Crab Cakes, with chipotle remoulade & minced chives. Paired against the Widmer Drifter Pale Ale, had a hard time deciding if the Widmer Brrr might have paired well. Fortunately that is the beauty of food pairing, choosing among what the chef / brewer intended and your own personal thoughts.

It wasn’t until our third course that we had a moment of urgency as the lines began to form around us. Taking the initiative we grabbed the Bacon wrapped Figs, stuffed with smoked turkey and apricot marmalade. Paired with the Widmer Brothers Pitch Black India Pale Ale, proved a bit difficult, mostly in part because of the many flavors occurring in our food choice. After a few moments of weighing all the flavors in the Bacon Wrapped Fig against the Black IPA, we determined it did indeed work.

Sadly we made the conscious decision to avoid going back for the other options, which included Pigs In A Blanket (with stone ground mustard BBQ & spicy honey mustard sauces), and Spicy Pulled Pork & Tillamook & Beef Sliders (served with a spicy cabbage & cilantro slaw).

Instead we sought the amnesty of the Dessert station by first enjoying the Chocolate Truffles paired with Nelson O'Ryely India Pale Ale and closed out the experience with Caramel Flavored Mini Cheesecakes served up with Widmer Brothers Drop Top Amber Ale. Admittedly it was the Caramel Flavored Mini that won us over.

With the last bits of food and drink consumed we made our way to the coat room to recover our jackets, before braving the cold. In retrospect the event provided us with something different from your usual dinner with small bites at your pace. Unfortunately the event failed to address food options for vegetarians. Now we know what you're going to say, a food pairing is at the discretion of the chef. But we argue that including a vegetarian dish, shows greater versatility in part because the lack of fat and other elements not found in a vegetarian dish.

In the end we can say that Explore your Craft, hosted by Widmer Brothers & promoted by DRAFT, is well worth the $75, and time spent out in the evening.

Cheers

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.

Festival Preview: WA: WA Winter Fest is coming, 12/2 – 12/3. Here’s our thoughts

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you’re reading this during the week of November 23rd, then you pretty much can say that Winter is definitely not here yet. So far we have endured a couple of inches of rain, strong winds, and a complete lack of snow. But hey, there is always hope come December.

Which is why we are happy to announce the return of the Winter Beer Festival at where else but Hale’s Ales Palladium. Starting on Friday December 2nd and running thru Saturday December 3rd, the festival is a celebration of Winter Ales, Winter Warmers, and all beers that remind us that Thanksgiving is gone, but Christmas will soon be here.

This year’s festival will feature 33 breweries and over 75 different beers. Some of the styles so far announced include Barleywine (aka, Barley Wine), Winter Ale, Winter Warmer, Strong Ale, and of course Imperial Porter, Imperial Stout, and good ole’ IPA.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25 or you can purchase them online via Brown Paper tickets and save $2. Admission includes a tasting cup and six 5oz beer tastes. Additional tokens are available for $1.50 each. Designated driver admission is $5 and available at the door only. Make sure to show up with cash, as the event will not be taking Credit Cards.

We decided to take a more sensible approach and pick the ones that we are most interested in. Keep in mind if we had two livers and six kidneys we would love nothing more than to try them all. If we didn’t pick your brewery or beer it was only because the threat of a hospital stay was too strong a deterrent.

Finally to make things more interactive we linked each our picks to Untappd’s mobile site. What is Untappd?

“Untappd is a new way to socially share and explore the world of beer with your friends and the world"

So sign up, login, and check-in your choices for this year’s Winter Beer Fest, on Uptappd.

7 Seas Brewing

le Havre (the Harbor) Belgian Winter Ale

This seasonal offering is fashioned with reverence towards the long-standing tradition of Trappist Abbey-style beers of Belgium. Brewed with Pale Ale malt, oats, and dark crystal malts, hopped with Fuggles, and fermented with authentic Belgian Abbey yeast, the ale reveals intricate layers of spice, fig, bitter chocolate and delicate alcohol. An inviting, yet complex brew that implores us to relax, silence ourselves, and take a moment to appreciate what’s genuine, simple, and beautiful in life. 8% ABV

Our Thoughts. Belgian-style Trappist Ale in December? At 8% this will definitely keep you warm while negotiating the lines at the Palladium.

Big Al Brewing

Big Al Nut Warmer

… our take on the classic & traditional PBDA (that would be a Peanut Butter Dark Ale for the non-beer geeks out there) 7.5% ABV

Our Thoughts. For those not planning a trip to Strange Brewfest 2012 this will be as close as you get to tasting a ‘strange’ Big Al beer. We have enjoyed similar food-inspired beers from Al & company. So we might just make a B-Line to their booth first.

Big Time Brewery

Big Time Yule Fest

A dark Christmas Ale not fk'ed up with spices. Complex malt character from multiple crystal malts. 7.3% ABV

Our Thoughts. A classic Winter Warmer for those living in Seattle. Consider us sentimental.

Black Raven Brewing

Black Raven Gunpowder Plot Bourbon Nitro Porter

Porter aged in a bourbon barrel with chocolate and coffee. 6.2% ABV

Black Raven Festivus Seeker

Double IPA with cranberries, ginger and herbs. 9.1% ABV

Our Thoughts. Despite our best efforts we haven’t made the trip to try their Gunpowder. And frankly the idea of having Wisdom Seeker with holiday ingredients sounds curious.

Boundary Bay Brewery

Boundary Bay Barrel Aged Scotch Ale

Traditionally strong, this ale is a unique beer with a similar malt profile to its more famous cousin Scotch whiskey. Roasted, unmalted barley provides a distinctive flavor. A thick creamy head and a beautiful red hue are two of the trademark results of its brewing process. Hopped just long enough to achieve balance with the malt, the end product is incredibly smooth with a finish that lingers. This brew was aged in a Dry Fly Distillery Whiskey Barrel. We are thrilled to be collaborating with this new distillery located in Spokane, WA. Original Gravity: 1.064

Our Thoughts. Outside of beer we enjoy a nice scotch, bourbon, or whiskey. Think of this as West meet Eastern Washington with inclusion of the Whiskey barrels from Dry Fly (Spokane).

Diamond Knot Brewery

Diamond Knot Industrial Ho!Ho!

A robust ‘winter warmer’ ale, ruby brown in color with a slightly sweet, fruity nose. Very hoppy, yet balanced with a sturdy malt foundation. 60 IBUs; 8.5% ABV

Our Thoughts. Balancing out this list of Porters, Stouts, and Belgian-style ales, we thought we might return back to a Winter Warmer.

Elliott Bay Brewing

Elliott Bay Three Threads Barrel-aged Blend

We dug deep in the cellar to fashion this one-of-a-kind blend of three different beers which were aged in oak barrels

Our Thoughts. Honestly we have no idea how this is going to taste. Take a chance and spend a token.

Flyers Restaurant and Brewery

Flyers Daybreak Breakfast Stout

A rich black oatmeal stout infused with coffee from Fidalgo Bay Roasting Co.. Smooth and very easy to drink, beer for breakfast you bet! English Barley Malts, and a generous portion of oats are used along with English Challenger Hops for balance. 7% ABV

Our Thoughts. We recall last year’s attempt at a ‘Breakfast beer and are curious if any changes have been made. Check this one out a second time.

Foggy Noggin Brewing

Foggy Noggin Christmas Duck

A mouthful of sweetened roasty flavors that linger long as a roasty dryness. Satisfying in every respect and a pint of the holiday spirit each time. Everyone deserves to celebrate Christmas year-round. Jingle Beers! Jingle Beers. 6.6% ABV

Our Thoughts. Long since a traditional homebrewed beer, Christmas Duck emerges (again) as a full blown release.

Icicle Brewing

Icicle SnowBockalypse (Doppelbock)

Deep brown lager with ruby highlights. Heavy, rich, and sweet malt notes carry this beer, with a slight warming sensation at the finish. Bocks were originally brewed in Germany, with the Doppelbock variation being attributed to the Paulaner Monks of Munich, who brewed this beer for their fasts when they were not allowed solid food. Doppelbocks served as “liquid bread”. 21 IBU. 7% ABV

Our thoughts. Admittedly we haven’t made the trip to Leavenworth to check these guys out. So this is a definite brewery to sample, if just once. Hopefully it won’t be your last.

Naked City Brewery & Taphouse

Naked City Bing

English Style Old Ale aged on a combination of Bing and Tart Montmorency Cherries. 8% ABV

Our Thoughts. Adding some variety to the list we would like you to consider what an English-style Old Ale tastes like with cherries.

Pike Brewing Company

Pike Imperial Stout

Hops: Chinook, Willamette, Columbus, Goldings, Malts: Pale, Crystal and Roasted IBU 80 9.00% ABV

Our Thoughts. Regrettably we don’t stop into the brewery at the ‘Market often enough. If you see Dean say hey.

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

The Ram Ol' Mallwalker

"The beer formerly known as Seligher" - A festive strong ale deep copper hued with a sturdy malt backbone and assertive hop character - pouring 2009, 2010 and 2011 9.5% ABV

Our Thoughts. Named for those braving a stroll through the Northgate mall, this beer has been a staple at the brewery for a few years. If you can’t make it to the brewery in the Northgate Mall, then spend a token for four ounces.

Schooner EXACT

Schooner Mocha Brown

Back by popular demand, this version of our classic brown ale is perfect for those dark Seattle evenings. Malty, rich nutty brown mingles with the energizing flavors of Schooner EXACT’s own hand-roasted espresso.

Our Thoughts. Honestly this is another beer that we can’t recall ever having. So in the true spirit of the festival, we are taking a leap of faith. Based on the description we have to presume this as an oasis from the Winter Ales, Winter Warmers, and ‘Strong’ beers.

Silver City Brewery

Silver City Old Scrooge Christmas Ale

Silver City Restaurant and Brewery is proud to present this limited batch of our very own British style barley wine ale. Old Scrooge is a rich and malty ale with all the character of a fine wine. Its character will fully develop over time. Intriguing notes of apple, cherry and apricot occur naturally as a result of its unique fermentation and extended aging. To fully appreciate this special Christmas Ale, we recommend serving it in a brandy glass near 55 F and slowly savored. 8.5% ABV

Our Thoughts. Ever since we were introduced to Don Spencer’s take on the English-style Strong Ale / Barleywine, we have been smitten by this beer. Course it doesn’t hurt that this beer is a multi-medal winner.

Slippery Pig Brewery

Slippery Pig Emasculator

Dark and malty Doppelbock. Brewed with local blackberries. 10% ABV

Our Thoughts. Another new brewery that have yet to visit. With a name like Emasculator we are a wee bit curious. But depending on if we go both days or not, will determine if we have this beer, on top of the rest.

Snipes Mountain Brewery

Snipes Julekalender

Imperial Oatmeal Chocolate Stout 8.5%

Our Thoughts. Grab some chocolate from the Theo’s booth and try this Oatmeal Chocolate Stout.

Two Beers Brewing

Two Beers Infused 20:20 Blonde

20:20 Blonde infused with lavender, rose, currants and elderberries

Our Thoughts. We can’t say enough about alternating between something strong and something light, in alcohol. Go with the Two Beers Blonde.

Wingman Brewers

Wingman Cerise Noire Lambic

Brewed with black cherry tea and fermented with cherries. The tea adds a delicious herbal bite that pairs well with the wild brett flavors. 7% ABV

Our Thoughts. Lambic. A festival like this is often wrought with so many ‘winter’ beers that its a rarity to see someone offering up something distinctly non-Winter.

That’s all from us. See you at the festival.

Friday December 2nd, 2011 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM $23 (online) $25 at the door
2011 Winter Beer Festival
4301 Leary Way NW Seattle, WA

Saturday December 3rd, 2011 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM $23 (online) $25 at the door
2011 Winter Beer Festival
4301 Leary Way NW Seattle, WA

Cheers

Beer Release: OR: Coming Soon (Again) … Lompoc Brewing’s 8 Malty Night Chocolate Rye Porter

2011-11-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Portland, OR - Hanukkah, Festival of Lights, Sha-Nuke-Uh. Whatever you call it there is no mistaken what these 8 days mean. It doesn't have anything to do with Black Friday specials, or a ham, or even a man in a white beard (and red coat).

Instead Hanukkah is a time when Jews celebrate that time when darkness almost entered the world again. So why not start things off by cracking open a bottle of 8 Malty Nights from Portland's Lompoc Brewing.

This Chocolate Rye beer features a roasted chocolate flavor and a sweet finish. It is dark brown in color and lightly hopped with English style hops. Raise a glass and toast, L’chaim, to Porltand’s first Hannukah seasonal. ABV: 6.5%

Released annually you can expect to see this beer on the shelves soon, or you can stop into their Sidebar on Wednesday December 14th from 4 PM to 10 PM.

As always, look for this to be featured on store shelves wherever you see Lompoc's regular lineup.

As an added bonus for those fans of the draft, the brewery will be featuring 8 Malty Nights and others at Green Dragon Saturday December 17th. Dubbed the Chanukah vs. Christmas: Battle Royale of Beers, this event will feature Shmaltz Brewing (Jewbelation 15, Genesis 15:15, Hop Manna, Vertical Jewbelation, and Geektoberfest) against Lompoc Brewing (8 Malty Nights, 2010 Franc'ly Brewdolph, Cherry Christmas, Old Tavern Rate Barleywine, and Bourbon Barrel-aged C-Sons Greetings).

Also be sure to try your hand at spinning the 'top' during the Extreme Dreidel tournament.

Saturday December 17th, 2011 4:00 PM (503) 517-0660
Chanukah vs. Christmas: Battle Royale of Beers
928 Southeast 9th Avenue Portland, OR 97214

About Lompoc Brewing

The New Old Lompoc opened on May 6th, 2000. But the Old Lompoc Brewery (as it was formerly know) has been producing handcrafted ales and lagers since December 1996, while the tavern has been open since 1993.

The name originally came from the movie ‘The Bank Dick’ starring W.C. Fields and Mae West. Most of the movie took place in the ‘Old Lompoc House’, which was the local watering hole as well as a boarding house.

Cheers

Beer Release: WA: Coming Soon (Again) … Black Raven Brewing’s Coco Jones Coconut Porter

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Redmond, WA - Listen up. Another batch of that fan favorite Coco Jones Coconut Porter is coming back this Tuesday. That means you better head down to the brewery on Tuesday to get your taste of this rare Northwest treat. Sure you COULD go over to the nearest grocery store for that 'other' Coconut Porter, but how many times can you say you have had a Coco Jones?

Brewed as a brown porter with the addition of freshly toasted coconuts after fermentation. Flavors of caramel, chocolate and toasted coconut mingle together in perfect harmony.

2010 Gold Medal winner at the World Beer Cup Category: "Herb and Spice Beer"

A few gotchas this time around compared to previous releases of this one-off beer. 1. There will be bottles available, maybe the week after the draft release. 2. This is a taproom-only releases. That means no growlers or keg fill requests.

That is all.

Tuesday November 29th, 2011 (425) 881-3020 4:00 PM
Black Raven Brewing Releases Coco Jones
14679 Northeast 95th Street, Redmond, WA

About Black Raven

Ravens have long been held in high esteem by brewers, particularly in the British Isles. A famous London brewery once had a tame “mascot” raven named “Joey” that was thought to bring the brewery good luck. Many years ago while home brewing, our brewer/owner came across an old photo in an online stock photo database entitled “Brewer with tame raven”. That photo was the inspiration for continuing the mystical brewery–raven connection, hence the Black Raven Brewing Company. This photo is now used on the home page of the Black Raven Brewing Company website.

Ravens are common birds in the North Cascade mountain range of western Washington. Black Raven Brewing Company is located in the foothills of the North Cascade mountain range. It is important for us to be a local brewery that puts focus on sourcing Washington grown and produced ingredients. As such, we felt that our brewery name and image should be tied to our state. [more] –source, Black Raven Brewing Co.

Cheers