2009 Holiday Ale Festival PDX

It is hard to believe but, it is time for that great Winter tradition...the Portland Holiday Ale Festival in Pioneer Square!
The festival is December 2nd to the 6th
and is open 2-10PM on December 2nd, 11AM-10PM December 3rd to the 5th and 11AM-7PM December 6th.

For those of you who have never been, the event is held in a huge tent and there is no worry if Jack Frost is nippinig at your nose in the rest of the world outside the tents have a fine heating system.
The website sums up the festival being "more than 50 potent winter ales...all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. (Not)beers you'll find in the supermarket - brewers have put together special recipes just for the Holiday Ale Festival. From Belgians and Barleywines to Porters and Stouts, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors."

My best advice is to show up early! This is a BIG event in a place that is rather too small for a place like Portland. Things get very-very busy as the evening pushes on. Showing up early will insure your chances of trying a number of great beers without the long lines.

The beer list is a massive one and can be checked out fully by clicking here.
But, some of the high points should come from such brewers as Astoria, Oregon's Fort George Brewery & Public House with their "North III" a brew described as being a Belgian Tripel and being "brewed strong, bold and sweet with honey malt and maple syrup, then fermented with our jolliest Belgian yeast, this beer then rests in the bright tank with 60 pounds of finely chopped sugar plums...onyx in hue with hints of oak and spice..."
Other great beers should be Portland's own Hopworks Urban Brewery with their "Kronan the Barbarian" (and not just because it reminds me of a co-worker known by the same name). This beer is said to be a "Baltic Porter" with a "frothy tan head and rich malty aroma with notes of chocolate, caramel, dark fruit and toasted marshmallow. As its garnet color mesmerizes, the rich flavors engulf the senses.... made with bottom fermenting lager yeast."
And last... but, I am certain not least, Hillsboro's Vertigo Brewing with their "Arctic Blast".  This fine selection, from a relative newcomer, is a "Robust Vanilla Porter" and is described as being a "Briess Pale malt balanced with Roast, Dark, Crystal and Munich malts (that) allow for the perfect mix of malted barley for this Robust Porter with Madagascar vanilla bean. Lightly hopped to allow a slight roast, dominant chocolate and vanilla bean character to come through, this beer borders on the low end of the IBU scale and the high side for Original Gravity."

There will also be a variety of "Limited Release" kegs...usually single kegs...that will pop up on a schedule of sorts.

Not only is this just a fun annual tradition but, the festival also supports charity with the Children's Cancer Association! So, remember to support them by checking your coat or having a hand-crafted Crater Lake Rootbeer to help raise funds!!

Cheers!

-William

Portland's Own - MacTarnahan's...

MacTarnahan's...a confusing yet satisfying brewer. Formerly under the Portland Brewing umbrella now they have assumed the leadership role and main identity for the brewery which is also linked to Pyramid Brewing!

They turn out a basic and satisfying Amber Ale that is a staple. They also feature such other brews as Sling Shot Pale Ale (a clean tasting pale), Summer Grifter IPA (a lighter but, descent IPA), Lip Stinger Farmhouse Ale (the claim to fame here is that it is fermented with peppercorns...which makes me curious...and hungry for steak. But, I have missed this one.).

The latest is their holiday Porter "Winter Hum Bug'r" which was released on October 28, 2009. They describe it as having a "dark malt body and rich roasted flavor". "Malts: Caramel, Black Roast, Wheat and Oats - Hops: Northern Brewer and Willamette - Bitterness: 27 IBU Alcohol By Volume: 5.3%"

I would have to say it is a very drinkable and friendly brew. Not as heavy and flavorful as a serious Porter drinker would expect...maybe a bit more carbonated then one would expect...but, over all a good beer that will appeal to a wide range of people at those holiday gatherings coming up!

Cheers!
- William

Ninkasi: Not Just Another Sumerian Goddess

Ninkasi Brewing is located in Eugene, Oregon and has been brewing up wonderful things since Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge started full speed in 2006! They started out small but, are now a brewing with a 30 barrel system!
I found myself pondering the name and thought...Japanese? But, I have now been educated in that Ninkasi was the Sumerian Goddess of fermentation. How did I not know that? I guess I took too many contemporary history classes while at the UofO!
But, I have to agree with what the brewery had to say on the label..."Beer is a staple of civilization. Worship the Goddess!"

The beers produced at Ninkasi are all great...but, the all time classic is the "Total Domination IPA" which is "a true Northwest style IPA, citrus notes, floral and balanced, from ingredients regionally sourced." It is 6.7% alcohol by volume and a respectable 65 IBUs.
However, they also have a wide range of brews from the lighter "Quantum Pale Ale" to the complex "Oatis Oatmeal Stout".

Ninkasi Brew can be found at many stores bottled, at festivals such as the Spring Beer & Wine Fest and yes, even at the brewery located at 272 Van Buren Street in Eugene, OR.


All we can say Ninkasi from those of us who are already fans "keep up the GREAT work!" - And for those who have not yet sampled the goods you should make a point to do so as soon as possible!

Cheers!
-William

Chocolate Habanero Stout At Roots!

Roots Brewing has just done it again....they have just released a Chocolate Habanero Stout!
The Oregon Brewer's Guild described it as being a "Stout brewed with chocolate malt, chocolate wheat & five pounds of coco nibs in the mash, boiled for two hours during six pounds of organic free trade semi sweet chocolate syrup made by Alma Chocolates is added. After fermentation they dry hopped with 100 chopped Habaneros."
Roots has once again come up with a great brew made with organic elements and supporting free trade products supplied by another local business.
I urge anyone who can go by and sample a pint ot two to do so!

-William

Eel River Brewing: Organic Brew

I normally try and focus on the small very local brewers but, there are times when the brewery that has grown still retains its integrity.

Eel River Brewing is located in Fortuna, CA and is the first Certified Organic brewery in the country and they take that very seriously! However, they aren't all work and no play which is proven out by their motto "Be natural; drink naked."
They have won medals in competition dating back to 1996.

Eel River Brewing are regulars at brewers fests here in Portland with a variety of great beer and they are also available at many stores bottled these days.
One beer that was featured at the North American Organic Brewer's Fest in 2009 was the Acai Berry Wheat. This is a light refreshing beer and only 4% alcohol by volume and a gravity of 10.0 P.

The brewer describes it as "A light-bodied wheat ale brewed with organic acai berries from Brazil, and a flavorful mix of four other organic berries. Acai berries boast high antioxidant properties too, so drink on!"

According to WebMD "the acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. It is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry, and other dark purple fruits...

Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids. Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life's stressors. They also play a role in the body's cell protection system. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.  By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer."

I finally found this ale in 22 oz. bottles here in the Portland area at the Beaverton Fred Meyer. They have a newly remodeled and expanded selection of micro-brew. It was very impressive for a main stream store. So, credit where credit is due!

The Acai Wheat is a really nice brew for guests this holiday season who maybe aren't into the heavy stouts or the hoppy IPA...or even for a hop lover who just wants a light refreshing beer as a change of pace!

- William

Vertigo Brewing: Meeting The Brewers

We had the pleasure of meeting the two Mike's a few days ago at the Green Dragon's "Meet the Brewers" night on October 27th. They are the founding partners and brewers for Vertigo Brewing and two very nice guys.

That night they were featuring "High Dive Rye", "Black Pearl Porter" and "Hop Harvest Pale Ale".

All the beers were really good. The favorite with our crew that night seemed to be the Porter....but, the Hop Harvest Pale Ale seemed to sum up the nature of the brewery for me when they said that the hops all came from their home gardens.

This is truly a small craft brewer that cares about the final product. They are currently a one barrel system...but, looking to expand in time. Right now they manage to turn out eight to ten barrels a month.

Currently, the beer is only available on tap...but, you can also have a corny keg filled at the brewery!

The brewery is in a warehouse in Hillsboro, Oregon. For brewery visits or dock sales you can

call 503-645-6644.

- William

Tug Boat Brewing Small In A Big Way!

Tug Boat Brewing is one of those places that make Portland great. For those of you who haven't ventured down to check it out yet it is a small brew pub downtown located at 711 SW Ankeny St...you know...down a funny side street off Broadway...near Burnside...and around the corner from Mary's.
Don't bother thinking, "Hey, let's head there for lunch!" They have evening hours only...opening at 5:00 PM Mondays and 4:00 PM the rest of the week - closed Sundays!
The Tug Boat brewers pride themselves in brewing in the British tradition and being unfiltered!
What ever they are doing they are doing it right!
They seem to almost shun publicity...they avoid brew festivals...they website is basic....but, they are BIG in a small way!
I have been a fan for years....It is a friendly place...where you can always find a conversation and possibly even an artistic activity! I once found myself invited to cut a design and print a set of block print note cards...it became one of my fondest and off the wall memories!
I can tell you that you should make a point to try the Tug Boats brew...really...but, they always have guest taps too.

On another note the music is also top notch and seems to always be free (at least in my experience).
I have seen some fantastic jazz music and when my cohorts and I were there on a Tuesday night recently we had the pure pleasure of hearing a local band named "Sleepy Eyed Mule" who we were told are a regular Tuesday night feature. We tried to look them up and found nothing....but, they are fantastic!
It is a classic blue grass-country style band that knows how to play. Every member seemed to sing and they all played wonderfully....especially the fiddle player!

If you are able to amble downtown you should make a point to check this brewery out!

-William

Lagunitas Brewing....Limited Release!

Now, I know....Lagunitas is getting bigger and bigger and is now available far and wide bottled but, it is a consistently fantastic brew!

Lagunitas Brewing, located in Petaluma, CA, has a great IPA that is made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts that they say "will likely float your boat, whatever planet you're on!" They are right!
However, they have some other fine offerings that are readily available. The "Hop Stoopid Ale" is a nice brew and is described as, "So Hoppy that it threatens to remove the enamel from one's teeth."

On the "Limited Release" side of things the "Little Sumpin' Extra Ale" is a good one. It has an I.B.U. of 72.51, an O.G. of 1.082 and an alcohol content of 8.74%. It does have a little sumpin' extra!

It has a nice balance of big hop flavor, malt and has an almost mildly floral finish. (A manly floral finish....don't worry!)

This is one I would recommend you try before it goes away!

- William

Roots Brewing....How can you go wrong?

Yes, that's right....how can you go wrong!

Roots is Oregon's 1st organic brewery....and one of the very best breweries in the NW! - That can be said without reservation by anyone who has tried the very hoppy and well balanced "Woody IPA".
The brewery describes it as being "IBU 73.3, 6.0% ABV. Not your classic N.W. I.P.A., it’s BETTER! Dry hopped with an abundance of whole magnum hops to get your attention- and hold it."
What we can tell you is that it is hop heaven in an imperial pint glass.
But, for those who want to try other brews there are many different ways to go....the regular tap list includes their "Island Red", "eXXXcalibur Imperial Stout" and "Burghead Heather Ale" among many others - including a wide variety of seasonal brews!
Being a hop lover I lean that way usually....however, the heather ale is exceptional. It is a fresh and unique addition to the special beers available to those of us lucky enough to be here in the North West!

If you didn't feel like we gave you enough reasons to visit Roots Organic Brewery....check out the menu. We recommend the "Mayan Bowl"! But, if that is not reason enough.....every Tuesday Imperial pints are only $2.50....all night!!

As a side note, Roots is the organizer of the North American Organic Brewer's Fest every year right here in Portland!
The NAOBF is not only a great event...with fine organic brew...but, also benefits charitable organizations such as World Action Foundation, Oregon Food Bank, Willamette River Keeper, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Oregon Tilth.

-William

Roots Brewing: 1520 SE 7th Portland, OR
Tel. 503-235-7668