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! **
