Friday.

my funny little man

Planning my upcoming trip to the Oregon Brew Fest tomorrow... Do you think it's wrong to bribe children with the promise of flowing rivers of Root Beer? I feel like I'm really just preparing them for a lifetime of successful brew fest attendance... The little man and I made it down to the fest for an hour today - just enough time to redeem my mug/token special, get him a leopard tattoo, and enjoy a glass of rootbeer before swim lessons... He was a freaking champ. Swerving through throngs of people, bee lining without fretting about the crowds... He's his mama's boy.

the big ol' tent at OBF!

Tomorrow, the real thing - the full on experience, complete with impromptu meetup of my pdxbeergeeks. I love these people. So freaking enthusiastic about craftbeer, genuinely nice people, and a ton of fun to hang out with. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across this little pocket of people, and they are responding in leaps and bounds to the new PDX Beer Geeks project that Michael and I came up with over CDA vs Black IPA conversation that I didn't know was happening, and our mutual dislike for a certain beer which was neither a CDA nor a Black IPA, but was, in fact, rather awful.

this mamma jamma was in my car this morning!

The other day I was remembering not too many years ago, maybe 7 or 8, when I was so sad and depressed and despondent over my life that I had considered driving off the road. Like just, literally, steering my car off of the highway and into a tree. It seemed preferable to the life I was living at the time, and I thought about doing it more than a few times. It pains me to write this - to think about my younger self, how bleak the world looked, how lonesome I'd become and cut-off from friends, alienated from family... It's a long story, but suffice it to say, it got worse before it got better - the steps along the way to *this* point make me so grateful for the opportunities I have each and every day. The connections I make with people breathe life and love into me, and these crafty people, craft beer people, my friends from Found, the people who I meet and instantly love - this is the reward for walking through that darkness. I have my tribe. Every day, I am thankful I knew that pain, because every day, I have the chance to make a friend, to hold tight to those I love, and to enjoy life. These are my rewards and I cherish them every day.

deliciousness at Ristretto...

Sorry, that was a little heavy. But it had to be said. I really do love my people. All of them. Annnnnnnnnnd moving on. Slept 9 hours last night, better living through pharmaceuticals, thank you very much Benadryl... Awoke to a slight twinge of migraine remaining, but powered on through (ok, really, it wasn't so much powering as *coasting* on through) the morning, including a re-do on the coffee & breakfast with my little man today - headed up to Ristretto Roasters for some delish coffee (cocoa for him) and grabbed a bagel sandwich at Bagel Land. Best bagels ever.

Stopped by the office where it appears as though our garden is going great guns now that the rains have stopped for a bit - hoping that the lush tomato plants will soon yield some juicy fruit... And as soon as the blackberries come on I'll be saving some of the juiciest ones for blackberry vodka... Nom.

neglected hops are happy hops

My hops, though neglected this year, seem to be perking right along. Despite the lack of trellis, they are climbing happily along the top of the fence, and don't seem to have any powdery mildew this year! I'm expecting a good crop, enough for a mystery fresh hop beer - next year I'll have to separate out the vines, because this year I'll have an unknown hybrid of Willamette, Magnum & Nugget hops. Makes for an exciting and truly unique beer come September.

all packed up... awaiting garage sale day on Aug 6th.

That's it - the report for the day. I'm pleased to announce that aside from the separate project of PDX Beer Geeks, I'm down to one blog. This makes me smile. That, and the bittersweet fact that this weekend will mark my last as a vendor at Found on Fremont, but these decisions are all culminating in good things; more design work, less clutter, less busy work, more time with friends & family. Learning to work to live instead of live to work. And I'm loving every step of the way.

A little shout out to a few people who have helped inspire my reclamation of time & sanity... Y'all know who you are, I wouldn't be where I am without you, or the girl I am now without you in my life.

I would walk the ends of the earth for you guys, and I love you forever.

Oregon Craft Beer Month: Week Three

Halooooo! Doing things a little differently today - there are plenty of reports on what's going on this week in Portland for Oregon Craft Beer Month - check out this calendar for a comprehensive list of events... So while I have a few events pegged as those you might not want to miss, the innerwebbings certainly don't need another list of places you can go to drink when you can easily find them summarized at the main site above. This week, my report is pared down: a few choice events, and my take on Coalition Brewing's special release of homebrewer extraordinaire Mike Marsh's collaboration beer; Tuscan Wheat.

I never even suspected that Coalition Brewing existed on SE Ankeny in the middle of the block between 27th and 28th. Just around the corner of Grilled Cheese Grill and Esparza's Tex Mex is a sweet little hideaway with plenty of charm. A tidy and well appointed place with a few tables outside and not many more inside, this immediately felt like I was stepping into a gathering spot for the neighborhood. A simple aesthetic lends to the comfort, where folks belly up to the bar to order a drink, friendly people smile and hand you a menu for small bites, or you can walk around to the Grilled Cheese Grill, order and carry in to Coalition (helpful if you travel with smaller people, as I often do). But enough about the place, let's talk about the beer!

Mike's Tuscan Wheat (Cantaloupe) beer was brewed as part of the Coalator Program at Coalition, the result of his a chance to brew what most of us homebrewers do in 5 to 10 gallon batches as a larger batch on Coalition's pilot system. Beers then are put on tap at Coalition, in the bar, and those that are very popular can be offered a chance at creation on the 10 barrel system. Yep, regular ol' people get to fill out an application for a chance to brew their beer in collaboration with the Coalition brewer Bruce MacPhee lending support, and then have it served on tap at Coalition. Pretty cool.

The beer itself was fantastic. A lovely, unfiltered golden brew, the nose is light and full of fruit, touching on honey at the first sip. I was so excited at the first pull, because often I'm mightily disappointed in the way that fruit beers come across. I usually find them either too cloyingly sweet, or they leave me wondering where the fruit is. In the Tuscan Wheat, I got a mouth full of perfectly ripe cantaloupe, and the balance was spot on. This was easy drinking, and my smooth and juicy pint was gone in no time... A delicious beer expertly done, I was really happy to have been able to get my pint before the beer disappeared shortly after 8 pm. (Two hours from start to finish. That's pretty awesome.)

Sadly enough when it's gone it's gone, so if you didn't get a chance to try the Tuscan Wheat at Coalition, you'll have to scout out some other tasty brews to quench your thirst. Luckily for you, there are a few choice venues to peruse this weekend for fun and hijinks.

The celebration of craft beer is in full swing here in Oregon - especially in Portland, where the Portland International Beer Festival is ramping up for opening day... Typically a very busy festival, this one is held in the Pearl District North Park Blocks... Easy to access, you can even take the trolley to 10th and Glisan for safe arrival and departure from a day of imbibing. Open Friday, July 15 from 4 - 10 pm, Saturday, July 16 from 12 - 10 pm and Sunday, July 17 from 12 - 7 pm there is plenty of time to enjoy all of the beers available. Touted as having over 150 beers available from over 15 countries, this festival is not for the faint of heart or weak of spirit. Often crowded (and with many very drunk people), this is my least favorite of the beer festivals in our fair city. If you go, steel yourself for long lines and smaller spaces. Thus far the Fruit Beer Festival and the North American Organic Brewers Festival are significantly more enjoyable in terms of community and beer cheer than this... but if you're hardcore and count festival points in beers swilled instead of joviality - have at it!

Beach Saison Release by Breakside Brewer Ben Edmunds on Saturday, July 16. This brew is a collaboration of Edmunds' with Cascade Brewing’s Sean White, creating a Dupont-style saison for summer. Offering specials to those who come dressed in beach wear, Breakside is also hosting a special release of a second version of the Beach Saison aged on Oregon cherries. For more information, call 503.719.6475. Breakside Brewery is located at 820 NE Dekum in Portland.

Saraveza's 2nd Annual IIPA Festival! Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, 1 to 10 pm. Saraveza's quintessential style belies serious beer business with over 20 rotataing IPAs on tap, special brews for the festival, and delicious food (including BBLT sandwiches... double bacon, for those who delight). Live music ensures this is sure to be an awesome time. I personally love the vibe over at Saraveza, and this festival will be one not to miss!

As always, have fun & try something new! There are a ton of great beers available all over P-town this weekend - so venture forth and sample something outside of your comfort zone. You might like it!

** originally posted by me July 15th on Portland Rules! **

Week One of Oregon Craft Beer Month

Ah... Despite what the calendar says, summer never arrives in P-town until the beginning of July. Being born and raised in the Pacific NW, I always forget to heed my own advice to out-of-towners; "Don't be discouraged! Our summer never starts until July - but it runs through mid-October!" And so I sit, feet wrapped in wool socks and huddling in my down vest on the summer solstice, cursing the overcast skies. But what glorious sun arrives today, on July 1st - to welcome the *real* summer to town... and what better weather than this crisp, clear sunshine to welcome my favorite time in Portland - Oregon Craft Beer Month.

Anyone who knows me can attest to my Beer Geek-itude. I love beer. I stalk it. I talk about it. I ask about it. I drink it, brew it, cook with it, bake with it, and make friends over it. No better beverage to bond with strangers than a local brew, no matter where you are. And no better way to embrace Portland's status as Beervana than by attending some of the events out and about the city, in celebration of Oregon Craft Beer Month.

Here, my top picks for beer geekery, new friend finding & beer bonding in the Portland area for the week of July 1 - 7, 2011:

If you aren't a S.N.O.B (Supporter of Native Oregon Beer through the Oregon Brewers Guild), then you might have missed your pre-purchase opportunity for tickets to the OCBM Kickoff Event tonight, Friday, July 1 at Jeld-Wen Field. But there's still hope!

MacTarnahan's Taproom is offering BOGO Growler Fills all day Friday, July 1 (2730 N.W. 31st Avenue) in Portland. I'd recommend sitting down for a meal, ordering a flight of samples, and doing a growler fill of your top two to take full advantage of this event.

Saturday, July 2 is the day to take your time, with Widmer (on N Russell in Portland) and Oakshire (in Eugene) both offering brewery tours. Reservations are recommended - give the nice people a call and see what craft brewing in Oregon is all about. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Oakshire's Brewer, Matt Van Wyk, recently - and the crew is as fantastic as their beers. If you can make the trek, definitely head down to Oakshire for the peek into their up and coming operation.

Sunday, July 3 Visit your local bottle shop! Be daring - don't fall for the old red & white boxes of beer... Life is too short to drink mass produced lager! Stock up for your 4th by buying local brews from local shops, and expand your appreciation for the wide variety of brews in our corner of Beervana! Some great shops to try: Bottles NW, Beaumont Market, Belmont Station, Saraveza, Hop & Vine, or the Beer Mongers. Go on, now... You might like something new & different!

Monday, July 4 Oh, Independence Day... What better way to celebrate independence than by heading out to beautiful Astoria (a lovely drive along Hwy 30 this time of year) to Fort George Brewery for their annual Liberate the Ales event. Beer, BBQ, music, fireworks, and no cover charge... Try the Vortex IPA - one of my personal favorites - now available in Portland as well, in CANS!!

If you can't make it out of town but still want to find something beer crafty to do, head on down to Breakside Brewery in Portland at 820 NE Dekum Street. They'll have a keg of their Mango IPA on tap.

Tuesday, July 5 brings us to Tap it Tuesdays at the Cascade Brewing Barrel House (929 SE Belmont). Live music and 16 taps makes this one not to miss.

Wednesday, July 6 is Night of the Alsatian Blondes (I envision beer being served by tall blonde ladies with german shepherds on leashes... forgive me) back at Breakside Brewery for their release of four Belgian blonde ales - each aged with different white wine grapes! Breakside will be serving tasting flights of each of the four brews.

If beer aged with French wine grapes isn't your thing, head down to the Green Dragon for Premier Pour with the Oregon Brew Crew! The Oregon Brew Crew (Oregon's oldest Homebrew Club, since 1979) brews batches on the small barrel system at Green Dragon - these Wednesday night releases tap out fast, so get there if you're interested in learning about the Oregon Brew Crew, or the two resident breweries & the distillery that share the Green Dragon space. Located on Distillery Row in SE Portland: 928 SE 9th Avenue.

Thursday, July 7 McMenamins hosts limited edition beer tastings, where brewers tap a small batch keg and are on hand to answer questions about the featured beers... McMenamins Ringler's Pub at 1332 W Burnside Street or the McMenamins Fulton Pub & Brewery at 618 S.W. Nebraska Street (events start at 5 pm).

If Ninkasi is more your speed, head on over to the Hop & Vine for a free tasting of the Ninkasi beers. 1914 N. Killingsworth Street from 6-8pm.

One of my personal favorite shops in Portland, the Lizard Lounge is hosting First Thursday Art Exhibit and serving Widmer brews. An extensive selection of lovely and unique jewelry, accessories, clothes & shoes, this is a rad shop. I found my favorite new perfume here. 1323 NW Irving Street in NW Portland.

Enjoy your 4th of July - (I don't have to remind you about drinking responsibly and steering clear of fireworks, right?) See you all out and about Portland & surrounding areas for these events - I'll be back next week with more suggestions and a review of Gluten Free Beers for New Brew Thursday! Until then, go try something new!

** Originally posted at Portland Rules! **

Cans Fest: Portland

Oh, it's time to get excited... Jesse of The Guild Pub has listed the 2011 Final List of Cans Fest Beers and there are a few in here that I am particularly looking forward to. I'll be working the Fest from 12 - 3, so if anyone is around on Saturday, July 9 in Portland, you should come on down!

Here are the beers that I'll be gunning for after my shift ends:

21^st Amendment Brewery (San Francisco, CA)

Back in Black IPA
Brewed like an American IPA but with the addition of rich, dark malts, this beer has all the flavor and hop character you expect with a smooth, mellow finish. ABV: 6.8% IBU:65

Anderson Valley Brewery Co. (Boonville, CA)

Summer Solstice This unique copper colored ale is smooth, malty, and lightly sweet, with a delicate hint of spice for that oh-so-drinkable, extra velvety flavor. ABV: 5.0% IBU: 4



Big Sky Brewing (Missoula, MT)

Summer Honey Ale Brewed with a unique, balanced blend of spices, Northwest Hops, and Montana honey. Light colored, light bodied, and very drinkable, Summer Honey sacrifices nothing to create a flavorful beer that can be enjoyed during the height of the summer.  ABV: 4.7% IBU: 15




Caldera Brewing (Ashland, OR)


IPA An American-style India Pale Ale brewed with plenty of body and an assertive hop profile. Premium Two Row, Munich, and Crystal Malts. Simcoe, Centennial, and Amarillow hops. ABV: 6.1% IBU: 94




Central City Brewing Co. (Surrey, BC)

Red Racer IPA
Hop, hops, and more hops! This ale has an intense aroma and a long lingering finish. A beer for the connoisseur, this is the Brewmasters choice.  ABV: 6.5%




Fort George Brewery (Astoria, OR)

Vortex IPA
Generous additions of Simcoe, Amarillo and Cascade hops throughout the brewing, fermentation and conditioning phases, balanced with heaps of organic pale malt.
ABV: 7.4% IBU: 97






Kenai River Brewing Co. (Soldotna, AK)
Skilak Scottish
Pours with a light beige head on a dark amber beer. Aroma is of smooth malt along with a smoky background leading to a mouthful of deep, roasted malt flavor. Ends long and smooth with a sweet aftertaste. ABV: 5.4% – IBU: 25



Maui Brewing Co. (Maui, HI)
Coconut Porter
Coconut Porter is a fresh handcrafted Robust Porter brewed with six varieties of malted barley, hops and hand-toasted coconut. This beer has a malty-toasted coconut aroma followed by a rich, silky feel with tastes of dark malt, chocolate and hints of coffee. Flavors of toasted coconut and hoppy spice help balance the sweet finish. ABV: 6.0% IBU:30





Natian Brewery (Portland, OR)

La Luz Summer Session Ale
Overall, a hazy wheat appearance with a pure white foam head and subdued lemon aroma.   Predominate Elderflower flavor with a slight lingering depth from the Grains of Paradise and a slight lemon presence. ABV: 6.2%








Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, CO)
G’Knight Imperial Red/Double IPA
A hefty, dry hopped double-red ale with a nose full of aroma, a malty middle and unctuous hop flavors. G’Knight sports a surprisingly sensuous finish for a beer of its size. ABV: 8.7% IBU: 60





Ska Brewing (Durango, CO)
ESB Special Ale
A caramel overtone prevails with some tart fruit notes. The initial flavor is crisp, but then the sweet caramel tones prevail. A final swallow lends itself to balance with just a hint of chocolate in the finish. ABV: 5.7% IBU: 58


Euphoria Pale Ale
An India Pale Ale, the Euphoria is crafted with piles and piles of Golding hops to provide a unique spicy finish. ABV: 6.1% IBU: 61








Two Beers Brewing Co. (Seattle, WA)
Trailhead ISA (Indian-style Session Ale)
A Northwest India-style Session Ale (ISA) aggressively dry-hopped with Columbus and Cascade hops and brewed with light crystal and honey malts. A hoppy crisp beer perfect for the sunny days of summer. ABV: 4.8% IBU: 48

Cans Fest: Portland

Oh, it's time to get excited... Jesse of The Guild Pub has listed the 2011 Final List of Cans Fest Beers and there are a few in here that I am particularly looking forward to. I'll be working the Fest from 12 - 3, so if anyone is around on Saturday, July 9 in Portland, you should come on down!

Here are the beers that I'll be gunning for after my shift ends:

21^st Amendment Brewery (San Francisco, CA)

Back in Black IPA
Brewed like an American IPA but with the addition of rich, dark malts, this beer has all the flavor and hop character you expect with a smooth, mellow finish. ABV: 6.8% IBU:65

Anderson Valley Brewery Co. (Boonville, CA)

Summer Solstice This unique copper colored ale is smooth, malty, and lightly sweet, with a delicate hint of spice for that oh-so-drinkable, extra velvety flavor. ABV: 5.0% IBU: 4



Big Sky Brewing (Missoula, MT)

Summer Honey Ale Brewed with a unique, balanced blend of spices, Northwest Hops, and Montana honey. Light colored, light bodied, and very drinkable, Summer Honey sacrifices nothing to create a flavorful beer that can be enjoyed during the height of the summer.  ABV: 4.7% IBU: 15




Caldera Brewing (Ashland, OR)


IPA An American-style India Pale Ale brewed with plenty of body and an assertive hop profile. Premium Two Row, Munich, and Crystal Malts. Simcoe, Centennial, and Amarillow hops. ABV: 6.1% IBU: 94




Central City Brewing Co. (Surrey, BC)

Red Racer IPA
Hop, hops, and more hops! This ale has an intense aroma and a long lingering finish. A beer for the connoisseur, this is the Brewmasters choice.  ABV: 6.5%




Fort George Brewery (Astoria, OR)

Vortex IPA
Generous additions of Simcoe, Amarillo and Cascade hops throughout the brewing, fermentation and conditioning phases, balanced with heaps of organic pale malt.
ABV: 7.4% IBU: 97






Kenai River Brewing Co. (Soldotna, AK)
Skilak Scottish
Pours with a light beige head on a dark amber beer. Aroma is of smooth malt along with a smoky background leading to a mouthful of deep, roasted malt flavor. Ends long and smooth with a sweet aftertaste. ABV: 5.4% – IBU: 25



Maui Brewing Co. (Maui, HI)
Coconut Porter
Coconut Porter is a fresh handcrafted Robust Porter brewed with six varieties of malted barley, hops and hand-toasted coconut. This beer has a malty-toasted coconut aroma followed by a rich, silky feel with tastes of dark malt, chocolate and hints of coffee. Flavors of toasted coconut and hoppy spice help balance the sweet finish. ABV: 6.0% IBU:30





Natian Brewery (Portland, OR)

La Luz Summer Session Ale
Overall, a hazy wheat appearance with a pure white foam head and subdued lemon aroma.   Predominate Elderflower flavor with a slight lingering depth from the Grains of Paradise and a slight lemon presence. ABV: 6.2%








Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, CO)
G’Knight Imperial Red/Double IPA
A hefty, dry hopped double-red ale with a nose full of aroma, a malty middle and unctuous hop flavors. G’Knight sports a surprisingly sensuous finish for a beer of its size. ABV: 8.7% IBU: 60





Ska Brewing (Durango, CO)
ESB Special Ale
A caramel overtone prevails with some tart fruit notes. The initial flavor is crisp, but then the sweet caramel tones prevail. A final swallow lends itself to balance with just a hint of chocolate in the finish. ABV: 5.7% IBU: 58


Euphoria Pale Ale
An India Pale Ale, the Euphoria is crafted with piles and piles of Golding hops to provide a unique spicy finish. ABV: 6.1% IBU: 61








Two Beers Brewing Co. (Seattle, WA)
Trailhead ISA (Indian-style Session Ale)
A Northwest India-style Session Ale (ISA) aggressively dry-hopped with Columbus and Cascade hops and brewed with light crystal and honey malts. A hoppy crisp beer perfect for the sunny days of summer. ABV: 4.8% IBU: 48

NAOBF: Organic Brewers Festival Recap

I'd been looking forward to this festival for a while. Billed as the world's largest organic brewer's festival, it was started in 2005 by Craig Nicholls, the founder of Roots Organic Brewing Co., I'm not as much into the organic aspect of this festival as I am for the laid back vibe. Some of the other festivals in Portland get way too crowded - the one downtown on the waterfront is insane, the one in the Pearl has way too many fratty attendees... This is one of my favorites to attend, because Overlook Park is a great venue with vistas looking out over Swan Island and the NW hills of Portland.

My friend Janie and I hopped on our bikes and rode from my house down to the fest - an easy ride of only about 4 miles... We were there in plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon sun, and despite several long lines, I had a plan for tasting the most amount of beer possible, in the least amount of time (efficiency!) and a minimal amount of oops drunkeness.

All in all, I had a fantastic time hanging out with friends, people watching, talking to fun beer people... The only weird person I met (aside from the token too-friendly-overly-flirtatious dude who wants to "kick it") was the one who blocked my path shortly after I sent Super Friendly Man off on his adventure to find more tokens. Yeah, cause that's what you need, dude. More beer. Anyhow, I was exiting the line to round up with Janie when I was suddenly cut off by a black shirt with a red cross on it. I looked up to see someone leering down at me. "Can I help you?" He smiled, and responded, "Oh, didn't you want a kiss?" Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a hugger. I love beer people. I'm friendly. But you are out of your gourd if you think that a) that is at all an appropriate pickup line, and b) that I'm gonna kiss you. I am here. for. the. beer. FOR THE BEER! GET OUT OF MY WAY! (I was nice. I said, "Um... yeah, right here on my cheek." and then I went around him and on my merry path. Towards more beer.) I only include this because it occurs to me that lots of people go to the beer fests with the sole purpose of partying. Which, hey! Is fantastic, if that's what you're going for... but please don't try to pick me up by cock-blocking me from the lines of beer. Cause nothing good is coming from keeping *this* girl from her beer.

Now, I realize that I am *constantly* talking about beer. I love it. But I *don't* like being drunk, and I especially don't like feeling like crap on a beautiful Sunday morning. So - when going to a festival, I suggest taking a friend (or two), getting tastes instead of full glasses, and sharing the 2 or 3 tastes so everyone can get a feel for the beer, but you don't end up drinking a huge amount of extra beer. Around here, quarter cups can add up quick with many of the beers in the PacNW rating an easy 6%ABV. I like to share tastes, rack up as much exposure to beers as I can, and go back (if time allows) for a pint of the best one I find.Plus, added bonus! It keeps the tacky pickup lines to a minimum! Kudos and extra points to the drummer of New Solutions who was handing out CDs of his band. Nice thinking ahead.

I managed 25 of 50 beers offered (Captured by Porches brought their Kombucha). Half the festival in about 4 hours? Not bad.

Ambacht Brewing Golden Spiced Ale Belgian Specialty - nothing notable about this ale for me; yes, it was spiced, but I didn't particularly care for it
American Brewing Co Hop Sip & Go Natural Pale Ale - This was very tasty. A nice copper ale with good citrus hops
Beetje Brewery Tonic 42 Saison - nicely balanced, very fresh and clean
Eel River Brewing Co Organic IPA - I wrote "enh." in the notes column next to this. I think that sums it up.
Eel River Brewing Co Acai Berry - Aha! I had this at the fruit beer fest, and it tasted like Runts water then too. 
Elliot Bay Organic Demolition Ale American Strong Pale - I liked this - complex, solid on the hops, a little chompy at the back with the dry hopping
Fish Tale Organic Blonde Ale - I noted the honey top notes in this... Not too big on my list
Fort George Quick Wit - floral Belgian style wheat, a good solid Belgian...
Fort George Spruce Budd Ale - created with no hops, the spruce tips create an interesting flavor... Last year I seemed to recall more of a rosemary hit - I kind of liked the one last year better.
Hopworks Urban Brewery Galactic Imperial Red - supremely complex, this is a hard hit to the palate. Very wide ranging in the mouth, this has a tremendous flavor.
Hopworks Urban Brewery Rise Up Red - didn't care for this one as much as some other Reds I've had. My fest mate said it was reminiscent of ashtrays... I think she was right.
Laht Neppur Brewing Strawberry Cream Ale - I had a bad feeling about this when I was waiting in line for it. It was, in a word, horrible. Now, some people I know really enjoyed it. But I found it to be cloyingly sweet in strawberry and too terribly wheaty.
Laurelwood Organic Pale Ale - this was, like many of my experiences with Laurelwood, unremarkable. A fine drink, if you were perhaps golfing or watching a soccer game... But nothing special.
Laurelwood Green Elephant IPA - this was delicious. Fantastically hoppy.
Lompoc Brewing Notorious IPA - this was also an extremely delicious beer with great floral character.
McMenamins Concordia Oopsopsadilly IPA - good hoppy beer, complex malts, well balanced
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Build a Bonfire Organic Red - crisp and well balanced, this was fresh and clean
Natian Brewery Makeshift Golden Ale - single hop with honey hints, I wanted to like this but found it to be less exciting than I'd hoped
Oakshire Brewing Triple Bottom Line Belgian Pale - subtle notes (which I appreciate in a Belgian), very good with a nice clean finish
Oakshire Brewing Organic Subtext Pacific Red Ale - I found this dark and too smoky
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery People's Porter Coffee Porter - this was disappointing, instead of a porter it drank to me like the burnt leftovers from the bottom of the coffee pot
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery Horsetale Ale California Common - iris nose, good hops
Terminal Gravity Organic Pale Ale - simple beer, but ultimately, too boring to keep my attention
Upright Brewing Reggae Junkie Gruit Farmhouse Style - this was super carbonated, which I wasn't expecting, but I did like the foil of the carbonation against the sour
Widmer Brothers Brewing Crunchy Dude Pale Ale - brewed with oats and granola, raisins, dates & hazelnuts, I was hoping this would be more dynamic and multi dimensional. It was, however, not. 

NAOBF : Organic Brewers Festival Recap

I'd been looking forward to this festival for a while. Billed as the world's largest organic brewer's festival, it was started in 2005 by Craig Nicholls, the founder of Roots Organic Brewing Co., I'm not as much into the organic aspect of this festival as I am for the laid back vibe. Some of the other festivals in Portland get way too crowded - the one downtown on the waterfront is insane, the one in the Pearl has way too many fratty attendees... This is one of my favorites to attend, because Overlook Park is a great venue with vistas looking out over Swan Island and the NW hills of Portland.

My friend Janie and I hopped on our bikes and rode from my house down to the fest - an easy ride of only about 4 miles... We were there in plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon sun, and despite several long lines, I had a plan for tasting the most amount of beer possible, in the least amount of time (efficiency!) and a minimal amount of oops drunkeness.

All in all, I had a fantastic time hanging out with friends, people watching, talking to fun beer people... The only weird person I met (aside from the token too-friendly-overly-flirtatious dude who wants to "kick it") was the one who blocked my path shortly after I sent Super Friendly Man off on his adventure to find more tokens. Yeah, cause that's what you need, dude. More beer. Anyhow, I was exiting the line to round up with Janie when I was suddenly cut off by a black shirt with a red cross on it. I looked up to see someone leering down at me. "Can I help you?" He smiled, and responded, "Oh, didn't you want a kiss?" Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a hugger. I love beer people. I'm friendly. But you are out of your gourd if you think that a) that is at all an appropriate pickup line, and b) that I'm gonna kiss you. I am here. for. the. beer. FOR THE BEER! GET OUT OF MY WAY! (I was nice. I said, "Um... yeah, right here on my cheek." and then I went around him and on my merry path. Towards more beer.) I only include this because it occurs to me that lots of people go to the beer fests with the sole purpose of partying. Which, hey! Is fantastic, if that's what you're going for... but please don't try to pick me up by cock-blocking me from the lines of beer. Cause nothing good is coming from keeping *this* girl from her beer.

Now, I realize that I am *constantly* talking about beer. I love it. But I *don't* like being drunk, and I especially don't like feeling like crap on a beautiful Sunday morning. So - when going to a festival, I suggest taking a friend (or two), getting tastes instead of full glasses, and sharing the 2 or 3 tastes so everyone can get a feel for the beer, but you don't end up drinking a huge amount of extra beer. Around here, quarter cups can add up quick with many of the beers in the PacNW rating an easy 6%ABV. I like to share tastes, rack up as much exposure to beers as I can, and go back (if time allows) for a pint of the best one I find.Plus, added bonus! It keeps the tacky pickup lines to a minimum! Kudos and extra points to the drummer of New Solutions who was handing out CDs of his band. Nice thinking ahead.

I managed 25 of 50 beers offered (Captured by Porches brought their Kombucha). Half the festival in about 4 hours? Not bad.

Ambacht Brewing Golden Spiced Ale Belgian Specialty - nothing notable about this ale for me; yes, it was spiced, but I didn't particularly care for it
American Brewing Co Hop Sip & Go Natural Pale Ale - This was very tasty. A nice copper ale with good citrus hops
Beetje Brewery Tonic 42 Saison - nicely balanced, very fresh and clean
Eel River Brewing Co Organic IPA - I wrote "enh." in the notes column next to this. I think that sums it up.
Eel River Brewing Co Acai Berry - Aha! I had this at the fruit beer fest, and it tasted like Runts water then too. 
Elliot Bay Organic Demolition Ale American Strong Pale - I liked this - complex, solid on the hops, a little chompy at the back with the dry hopping
Fish Tale Organic Blonde Ale - I noted the honey top notes in this... Not too big on my list
Fort George Quick Wit - floral Belgian style wheat, a good solid Belgian...
Fort George Spruce Budd Ale - created with no hops, the spruce tips create an interesting flavor... Last year I seemed to recall more of a rosemary hit - I kind of liked the one last year better.
Hopworks Urban Brewery Galactic Imperial Red - supremely complex, this is a hard hit to the palate. Very wide ranging in the mouth, this has a tremendous flavor.
Hopworks Urban Brewery Rise Up Red - didn't care for this one as much as some other Reds I've had. My fest mate said it was reminiscent of ashtrays... I think she was right.
Laht Neppur Brewing Strawberry Cream Ale - I had a bad feeling about this when I was waiting in line for it. It was, in a word, horrible. Now, some people I know really enjoyed it. But I found it to be cloyingly sweet in strawberry and too terribly wheaty.
Laurelwood Organic Pale Ale - this was, like many of my experiences with Laurelwood, unremarkable. A fine drink, if you were perhaps golfing or watching a soccer game... But nothing special.
Laurelwood Green Elephant IPA - this was delicious. Fantastically hoppy.
Lompoc Brewing Notorious IPA - this was also an extremely delicious beer with great floral character.
McMenamins Concordia Oopsopsadilly IPA - good hoppy beer, complex malts, well balanced
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Build a Bonfire Organic Red - crisp and well balanced, this was fresh and clean
Natian Brewery Makeshift Golden Ale - single hop with honey hints, I wanted to like this but found it to be less exciting than I'd hoped
Oakshire Brewing Triple Bottom Line Belgian Pale - subtle notes (which I appreciate in a Belgian), very good with a nice clean finish
Oakshire Brewing Organic Subtext Pacific Red Ale - I found this dark and too smoky
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery People's Porter Coffee Porter - this was disappointing, instead of a porter it drank to me like the burnt leftovers from the bottom of the coffee pot
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery Horsetale Ale California Common - iris nose, good hops
Terminal Gravity Organic Pale Ale - simple beer, but ultimately, too boring to keep my attention
Upright Brewing Reggae Junkie Gruit Farmhouse Style - this was super carbonated, which I wasn't expecting, but I did like the foil of the carbonation against the sour
Widmer Brothers Brewing Crunchy Dude Pale Ale - brewed with oats and granola, raisins, dates & hazelnuts, I was hoping this would be more dynamic and multi dimensional. It was, however, not. 

Portland Beer related awesomeness

all in a photo essay... 

tasting notes from date night with Shampton Industries at Hawthorne Hophouse

oooooooooooo damn. look at that - 12 beers... this is flight 1 of 2...

this is what happens at Hawthorne Hophouse after 1 of 2 flights

O! Lookatme in my new hat with my new sticker from Brewery Branding!

Love in a box from the gentlemen at Brewery Branding.

Whut? Super Cool traveling beer bar on a bike. City of Roses + Beer + Bikes = Rad

The Cans Fest (pssst. you want to be here. plus, I'll be working...)

and finally, if you need me Saturday afternoon, I'll be at the North American Organic Brewers Festival

Fruit Beer Fest: The recap...

After agitating for an early release from the cloudy skies of the Oregon Coast, we headed home with (what we thought) was plenty of time to still get to the inaugural Fruit Beer Fest at Burnside Brewing. Well, despite the fact that the fest was all ages, we didn't quite feel like pulling two people under 12 with us... So they went on an excursion with Grandpa, and we headed down to 7th and Burnside sans kidlets.

Well organized, busy but not crowded, reasonably priced... We grabbed our glasses and tickets and set out to try some beer. Immediately on queuing up to the Marionberry Berliner-Weisse line, I spotted our pal Jesse from The Guild Pub, pouring the Fruli Strawberry. What an unexpected and delightful surprise! The next hour was a whirlwind of tasting (I ended up with 11 distinct tries) and I have to say, there were a few great beers in amongst the varied cast. In the interest of expediency, I shall list the Good, the Bad, and the Awesome. Please note: I am not a beer expert. I call it like I taste it.

The Good:
Laurelwood Mango Mint Pale Ale - a light beer, refreshing hint of mint at the nose and a soft touch of mango and mint within. Nicely balanced...
Lindemans Framboise Lambic - Standard; as always, like drinking a raspberry pop...
Cascade Raspberry Weisse - fresh and clean, crisp but with less berry than I would have expected...
Burnside Marionberry Berliner Weiss - fresh and clean, would have been good with a hint of lemon to brighten the top notes up.
Upright Gin Barrel Strawberry -I would have liked a touch more strawberry from this one, but it was clean and read nicely from the gin (and I hate gin). Plus, Alex is one of the most laid back brewers I've met... Super nice guy, and very mellow. So in general I root for his beers. 

The Bad:
Eel River Acai - sad, this one. It tasted of watered down Runts-candy water.
Oakshire Blind Date - oh, boys of Oakshire, you know I love you, and I wanted *so badly* to love this beer... But I couldn't. It was not enough date (even some figgy flavours would have been nice) and too much dirt & weed. Yes, weed. I had high hopes for this one. I know that a lot of people really liked this one, so I was sad not to be one of them. It just didn't sit right for me.
Burnside Sweet Heat - this was terrible. Again, I had such high hopes - I really wanted the apricot to shine through with just a hint of heat, but the heat was pointless to me without the foil of a firmer read on the sweet, and the apricot read as butter (and not the good kind, more like pediococcus/diacetyl...)

The Awesome:
Block 15 La Ferme du Demons Black Farmhouse Ale - This was insanely complex. Oy. Coconut, bourbon, cherry, oak... ohhhh. Really great but at 8.75ABV not one I could kick back much of...
Widmer 2009 Cherry Oak Doppelbock - This was delicious. Oak, cherry, molasses, tobacco flavors... reminds me of an Eisbock with the tremendous up front maltiness...
Van Deist Fruli Strawberry - like Strawberry Pie. But beer. All the best things you'd ever want from a fruit beer without it being weird or cloyingly sweet. Just summer in a glass.

I'm sad that I didn't get to try the Dogfish Head Festina Peche (which I see from my Twitterfeed is now at Beaumont Market, woot!), or the Fort George Cherry Stout... I would have also liked to try the Hopworks Red Delicious Belgian Applebiere. But I'll keep my eyes peeled for those.

After the whirlwind festival hour, we went to dinner, where DH had a Victory Prima Pils and I had the Southern Oregon Pinup Porter... Also both good.

Next up on the beer adventure list is the North American Organic Brewers Festival. I'll keep you posted. :)