Stout Month is just over a week deep into events and killer dark brews in Astoria, Oregon. Here’s an update from the goodly folks at Fort George Brewery regarding what’s going on and what house and guest taps you can expect to try at the brewpub.

Almost a week down in Stout Month and the big bold dark beers are falling into place nicely.  We are just finishing up a Read More…

Posted under Beer & Art, Beer & Music, Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, brewpubs, places to drink beer

Laurelwood Brewing Co. is holding a one of a kind collaboration brewer’s dinner on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. The dinner will feature collaboration beers brewed by Vasilios Gletsos of Laurelwood Brewing Co., Alex Ganum of Upright Brewing, Van Havig of Gigantic Brewing Co., and Tom Bleigh of Hopworks Urban Brewery. These exclusive handcrafted ales will be served with a five-course dinner prepared by Laurelwood’s Executive Chef Aaron Nichols. Tickets are $50 per person and available at the NE Portland and Battle Ground, WA Laurelwood locations. The menu is as follows:

Amuse: Chicken coronets with preserved lemon

Beer: Cascadian Pilsner brewed by Van Havig and Vasili Gletsos

Appetizer: Mussel and shrimp soup with lemon grass, kafir lime leaf, fish stock, chilies, garlic, shallot, and Thai spices

Beer: Thai Wit brewed by Tom Bleigh and Vasili Gletsos

Salad: Blood orange and arugula with red onions, Castelvetrano olives, and parsley

Beer: Sour Red blended by Alex Ganum, Tom Bleigh, Van Havig, and Vasili Gletsos

Entrée: Smoked pork belly and pomegranate barbequed brisket with potato-chard gratin, and pomegranate demi glaze jus

Beer: Scottish Ale brewed by Alex Ganum and Vasili Gletsos

Dessert: Grapefruit tart with pecan brittle and Chantilly cream

Beer: Milk Stout brewed by the Laurelwood Brew Team

The food for this dinner is locally sourced from Draper Valley Farms, Sweet Briar Farms, and Country Natural Beef. Laurelwood will also donate 10% of the collaboration dinner sales to the Oregon Food Bank. Join us for a night of special one of a kind beers and a wonderfully prepared dinner.

As stated by Vasili Gletsos, Brewmaster, Laurelwood Brewing Co., “For this Collaborative Beer Dinner, we have broken the mold and created a unique experience by first asking the Chef to create a seasonal menu and then getting together a great set of brewers to create beers to pair with it.

The selection of the participating brewers has special significance for me since I have chosen to work with brewers who have been my past Brewmasters at my previous breweries here in Portland, and who have all gone on to other breweries, as I have. Part of what working at Laurelwood has given me is the flexibility to make lots of one-off and seasonal beers, as well as to answer the question “when will I ever get to work with those awesome brewers who have taught me so much?” This is a great opportunity for me to have a little reunion of brewers I have a high regard for as well as are good friends of mine. I know everyone else will be really pleased with the unique beers and pairings that we come up with.”

About Laurelwood Brewing Company

Laurelwood is a family owned brewery that creates one of the most recognized regional craft beers. Owners Mike De Kalb & Cathy Woo-De Kalb are dedicated to sustainable and organic practices, and first began producing certified organic beer in 2001. Laurelwood’s product line is known for its creativity and quality therefore winning many national and international beer awards. Laurelwood’s handcrafted beers can be found on draft and in bottles throughout Oregon and Washington. To find out more about Laurelwood Brewing Company go online at www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com.

About Van Havig, Gigantic Brewing Company

Van Havig started his brewing career in 1995 at Minnesota Brewing Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then moved on to work for the Rock Bottom Breweries for the next 16 years.  He was brewmaster at the Bethesda, Maryland and Portland, Oregon Rock Bottoms, as well as the regional brewer in both locations.  From 2004 to 2011 he also ran the QA/QC program for Rock Bottom Breweries.  He is currently starting his own brewery, Gigantic Brewing Company, in Portland, Oregon.

About Thomas Bleigh, Hopworks Urban Brewery

Thomas Bleigh started his career at Portland Brewing Company as an un-paid intern. Prior to joining Hopworks, he held the positions of Brewer, Lead Brewer, Lead Cellar Operator, Head Brewer and Plant Manager at Portland Brewing, Pyramid Breweries, Independent Brewer’s United and North American Breweries. In 2008, he was recognized, along with Pyramid Breweries as Mid Size Brewer/Brewery of the Year at GABF.?He is a graduate from UC Davis and UW-Madison with an MFA in Fine Arts. Born in Augsburg, Germany, he has an appreciation for beer appellation and the “drink local” mentality. When not spending time with his two young children, or playing soccer, he can be found spending his time pursuing charcuterie or fermenting various meats, cheese, fruits or vegetables.

About Alex Ganum, Upright Brewing

Alex Ganum is the owner and head brewer at Upright. He grew up drinking his father’s German pilsners and his older brother’s Bells Porter before moving to Portland in 2002. After meeting several homebrewers he decided to give it a go and never looked back. Seven years later his love of brewing led him to open Upright, a brewery he thinks is as much a part of the community as it is personal. When he doesn’t have beer on his mind Alex is probably thinking about what’s next in the kitchen or on his plate and what digestif to wash it down with.

Posted under Beer personalities, Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, brewpubs, events, places to drink beer, press releases

Local brewpubs & restaurants compete to see who serves the city’s best clam chowder while raising money for the Community Transitional School

Lompoc Brewing has announced the date for its sixth annual Chowder Challenge, an event that determines which Portland restaurant serves up the best clam chowder. A dozen local brewpubs and restaurants will vie for the coveted Chowder Cup at the annual Chowder Challenge on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from Noon to 4 pm.

The blind tasting competition will take place at Lompoc’s Fifth Quadrant, located at 3901 N Williams Ave. Admission into the event is free. Attendees ages 12 and over must purchase sample trays for $10 to participate in the tasting. All of the money raised will be donated to Portland’s Community Transitional School, which provides important educational services to children who are homeless or otherwise at risk of school failure.

A dozen samples of traditional New England-style clam chowders from the participants are served in non-labeled, two-ounce cups. After tasting all entries, attendees vote for their favorite. The chowder receiving the most votes will be named the People’s Choice Winner and will take home the coveted Chowder Cup; awards will also be given for second and third place.

Confirmed restaurants include Cascade Brewing Barrel House, Columbia River Brewing, D’s Bar, Deschutes Brewery, EAT, El Gaucho, Fifth Quadrant, New Old Lompoc, Rogue, Salty’s and Trebol. The New Old Lompoc, known throughout the city for its chowder, has taken home the Chowder Cup five of the past six years.

The festivities also feature a beer garden, live music, a soda garden for kids, Joe the Balloon Guy, a raffle with prizes from the participants, special beers, and pub food for purchase. Minors are welcome at the family friendly event.

Among the specials beers will be two offerings from LOLA, or Ladies of Lagers and Ales, a social drinking group for ladies who love craft beer in the Portland area. LOLA brewed a collaboration beer with Lompoc Brewing in December. Look for two versions of a Wee Heavy: Wee LOLA, and a version blended with a number of aged Lompoc beers for a woody, dry, slightly sweet and bitter ale, dubbed the Lolampoc Clan.

The Saturday festivities kick off with a shrimp boil on Friday night, Feb. 24, also at the Fifth Quadrant. Beginning at 6 pm, seafood lovers are invited to roll up their sleeves and dig in; admission is $14 a plate which includes shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob and Louisiana spicy sausage. There will be spicy garlic butter available for dipping and Old Bay on the tables, plus special beers on tap. There are no pre-sales, so early arrival is recommended.

For more information, visit www.lompocbrewing.com.

Posted under Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, beer releases, brewpubs, events, places to drink beer

This year is the 24th Annual Chocolate & Beer Extravaganza at Rogue Public House and Distillery and hosted by Fred Eckhardt. Join us for 10 courses of beer and chocolate on Valentines Day!

Tickets are now on sale at the pub and can be purchased over the phone (503) 222-5910 or in person. Seating is limited so get yours soon.

Posted under Beer personalities, Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, events, places to drink beer

February is here and this means that two of the year’s boldest month-long beer events are happening in Oregon – Fort George Brewery’s Stout Month and Block 15 Brewery’s Bourbon Month.

It is February, the shortest month of the year, but this year it is a little longer thanks to it being leap year. That means every four years an added day is tacked on to the end of the month to synchronize with the astronomical year. What does this mean specifically? Well, for beer lovers here it means one more day to enjoy two of the best month-long celebrations around. Fort George Brewery of Astoria is returning their much anticipated Stout Month. For the full month of February, the artisan brew house will pay homage to rich, roasted barley delight. Each year since 2007, this month-long event sees the brewery’s public house surprisingly more hopping than in some coastal summer months. To the appeasement of beer zealots, this year’s Stout Month at the Fort will be bigger and better than ever thanks to added space and an expanded brewery. There will be at least eight of their own stouts presented, and the pub and taproom will also showcase some regional breweries’ most limited specialty brews.

Several events highlight the Read More…

Posted under Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, brewpubs, places to drink beer

Trellis, a wine county-inspired restaurant that celebrates small scale, artisan products at the height of their seasonality, will host Portland, Ore., based organic brew masters Christian Ettinger, Thomas Bleigh and Jaime Rodriguez of Hopworks Urban Brewery for the second annual brew pairing dinner on Friday, Feb. 24.

Hopworks is Portland’s first Eco-Brewpub offering world-class organic beer. Hopworks incorporates a range of sustainable practices in their operation, and makes every effort to protect the future with a thoughtful alternative.

This will be Hopworks’ second visit to Kirkland. Chef Brian Scheehser has created a delectable five-course dinner featuring Wild Prawns and Bone Marrow Bruschetta, Grilled Quail, Boneless Short Rib and a Hazelnut Flourless Chocolate Cake. Each course will be paired with one of Hopworks’ organic brews, which will remain top secret until the night of the dinner. Some of the featured beers are also included in Chef Scheehser’s recipes.

WHO: All community members, family and friends over the age of 21.

WHAT: Hopworks Urban Brewery Second Annual Beer Pairing Dinner

WHERE: Trellis Restaurant, 220 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, Wash.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24, 2012

5:30 p.m. – Beer reception and passed hors d’oeuvres

6:30 p.m. – Beer pairing dinner

COST: $75 for five-course meal and beer pairings. Tax and gratuity not included.

Seating is limited; please call (425) 284-5900 for reservations to the Hopworks Urban Brewery Second Annual Beer Pairing Dinner. Those who reserve seats at the dinner are eligible for a discounted stay ($119) at the Heathman Hotel on the night of the dinner.

About Trellis

Housed in the luxurious Heathman Hotel (www.heathmankirkland.com) on Seattle’s eastside in Kirkland, Wash., Trellis is a 90-seat restaurant and bar that features wine country-style cuisine under the direction of executive chef Brian Scheehser, who was featured at the famed James Beard House in New York City as part of its Best Hotel Chefs in America series in 2008.  Trellis features a richly appointed environment that is comfortable and warm with food and drink that celebrates small scale, artisan products at the height of their seasonal quality.  Trellis’ rustic, farm-fresh, robust menu characterizes wine country restaurants and evolves with the seasons, always using the best of the current harvest as a foundation for its farm-to-table philosophy. Much of the produce on the menu is grown in Scheehser’s local five-acre garden at the South 47 farm in Woodinville, Wash.  A wine list with more than 200 selections features the best that California, Washington and Oregon vintners have to offer as well as an extensive international collection.  Heated outdoor seating is available.  For additional information, visit www.trellisrestaurant.net.

About Hopworks Urban Brewery

Hopworks Urban Brewery and Hopworks BikeBar are Portland’s first Eco-Brewpubs offering handcrafted organic beers and fresh, local ingredients. The brewpubs are sustainably-built and operated buildings with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Hopworks is 100 percent renewably powered, “cradle to gate” carbon neutral and features sustainable components including composting, rain barrels, a pervious paver parking lot and hand dryers. The company makes every effort to protect “our” future with a thoughtful alternative.

The 20-barrel brewery produces 8,500 barrels a year and provides its restaurants with ten different HUB organic beers on tap and two cask ales at all times. Hopworks beer is available on draught and in bottles in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. For more information, please visit HopworksBeer.com or follow on Twitter @HopworksBeer.

Posted under Beer personalities, Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, events, places to drink beer

My Beery Valentine 3

Brewpublic & Saraveza Present an event for Beer Lovers

On Sunday February 12, 2012, Brewpublic & Saraveza Bottleshop & Pasty Tavern team up for a special Valentine’s event to once again to bring bring sweethearts, sweet tooths, and, of course, beer lovers, the ultimate lineup of Valentine’s brews from Beervana and beyond.

Pairing with a delectable assortment of flavors from some of the most talented craft beer brewers around, My Beery Valentine will also feature the mouthwatering and decadent treats from Sugar Pimp.

The Beers

Look for some spectacular one-offs from some of our favorite brewers including:

1. Breakside “Lavender Fudge Stout” – “A sweeter version of our dry stout conditioned on cacao nibs and lavender.”

2. Coalition – “Sweet Kiss Goodnight Double Porter” – Sweet Kiss Goodnight is a strong porter, coming in at 8.2% ABV, 31 IBU.  Chilean caramel malt, munich malt, and honey malt add sweetness, with a hint of roastiness from carafa.  After fermentation, this beer was aged on cherry wood and vanilla bean to add to its alluring complexity.

3. Upright “Blend Edmunds” – A barrel aged wheaten Four with tart cherry / barrel aged Six with dark sweet cherry

4. Mt Tabor “Valencino’s Dirty Nutz” – “Valentine’s Day is a time for secrets and sweets. Surprise your taste buds with our Dirty Nutz, a stout infused with Nocino, a sweet Italian walnut liqueur. Take your time, as Dirty Nutz is built to last and some say tastes even better when warm (don’t worry, our Dirty Nutz don’t sweat). So get in the mood, grab your sweetheart and wrap your lips around our Dirty Nutz.”

5. Vertigo “Raspberry Blast” – “We took our Arctic Blast Vanilla Porter and pulled out a half-barrel to which we added 6 pounds of raspberries.”

6. Fort George “Mexican Chocolate Stout” – ?“What does a revolution taste like? Smooth, creamy, and with a kick of cinnamon! Our Mexican chocolate stout starts off with a smooth chocolate taste and balanced body. The different chocolate malts give off not only a creamy dark roasted chocolate flavor, but also a bit of bitterness to help prepare you for the wonderful spices that come at the end. With cinnamon, vanilla, and almond spices blended in the chocolate that we put in the kettle and the bright tank, this potent brew is great to enjoy before or after the revolution. Enjoy this sweet yet spicy new stout from the Fort George and celebrate the revolution that is Stout Month. Viva La Stout!” 7.6% ABV

7. Cascade – “Live From the Barrel: Bourbon Apricot” “This NW-style sour ale is a special one. Apricot nectar was barrel aged for four months then blended with spiced Bourbon Quad and Noyaux shells. Apricot skins, brandy and charred notes from the Bourbon barrel greet you in the nose. Tart rich notes of apricot flesh and oak on the palate lead to a complex finish of apricots, cherry pits, oak and vanillin. Servus!” 7.14% ABV

8. Laurelwood – “Hugh Heifer Milk Stout” “Made with British Maris Otter, Brown, chocolate malts and Roast Barley, Domestic Crystal 60 and 150 as well as oats and Black Prinz Malt, Lactose, Northern Brewer Hops and finished with Cacao Nibs and Coffee. This beer is a luxurious an velvety stout with a with a mature, rich and complex body. The nose is dominated by layers of Chocolate, Coffee, and lightly roasted Coco Puffs. The body is voluptuous. ’nuff said?” 5.2% ABV

9. Alameda “My Bloody Valentine” – “This is the second incarnation of this farmhouse style Saison. It is dry, citric, tart, spritzy, and incredibly drinkable. The orange essence comes from the use of dried orange peels and blood orange juice.”

10. The Commons “Brotherly Love” – A Belgian Dark Strong Ale aged in a Heaven Hill bourbon barrel. Red tart cherry and roasted Peruvian cocoa nibs were added to the barrel and allowed meld with the beer. 8.7% ABV

11. Block 15 “Love Potion #9” – Sweet stout conditioned with locally grown black Raspberries from Stahlbush Island Farms and matured on house roasted Fair Trade cocoa nibs. Developed by Gypsies & guaranteed to help you find love. 6.3%ABV, 30 IBU.

12. Hopworks “Army of Darkness Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout” – Black as a moonless night, Army of Darkness emerges from the Hopworks cellar after 9 months in Bourbon Barrels. What was once a roasty, fruity, warming stout has become a chocolatey and smooth. Caramel and vanilla dominate the nose, while the Bourbon barrels impart and mildly drying finish. Big, black and bold all around, this beer embodies darkness in the best way possible. 11.1% ABV, 63 IBU

13. Oakshire “Cordial Love” – Oatmeal stout made with cocoa nibs and aged on espresso and sweet cherries. 6.4% ABV

This event begins at 6PM. Sample trays available. No tickets required to enter.
Saraveza is located at 1004 N. Killingsworth St. in Portland, OR.

Posted under Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, events, places to drink beer

What: Chocolate is often referred to as a gift from the gods. At Deschutes Brewery, it is no different. Each of the five courses for this seated dinner will include…you guessed it…chocolate! Every course will be paired with a specialty hand-crafted brew. Some delectable items from last year’s menu included cocoa dusted lamb shank and a chocolate gnocchi. The menu for 2012 promises to be even more divine!  What a great way to share an evening with the ones you love!

When: Saturday, February 11^th | Starts at 6 pm

Where: Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room, 901 SW Simpson Avenue, Bend, OR

Cost: $65 – all inclusive

Posted under Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, events, places to drink beer

Having a Valentine void? Looking for an alternative to the Valentine hoopla or for something a little different, a little more in budget, AND super fun? Then celebrate a day early at By the Bottle for a food and beer pairing featuring the alluring ales from Odin Brewing in Seattle, and the finesse of Chef Jeanette with Kaliedescope Catering.

Thank you for your consideration. We hope you can make it. All are welcome, singles, sweethearts, beerdos, and good-looking strangers.

CHEERS!

By the Bottle

_______________________________________________________

The beers of the Odin Brewing Company personify the spirit of exploration, adventure, and a lack of fear of the unknown.  Odin’s beers pay homage to traditional styles, but layers of unique flavors and ingredients provide a modern twist and a truly distinctive beer experience.

Odin sees beer as an integral part of the dining experience and designs their beers with great food in mind. This mantra and the exquisite talents of Chef Jeanette have come together in a beautiful union to present this carefully planned beer and food pairing menu.

First Course

Freya’s Gold, a light, crisp, and refreshing Kolsch Style Ale brewed with a touch of ginger is delecately paired with brie cheese, parmesan cheese and strawberries.

Second Course

Viking Gold’s XPA (Extra Pale Ale) full flavors of citrus, light bread and wheat are alongside an endive, herbed goat cheese and pear salad with cinnamon walnut vinaigrette.

Third Course
Odin’s Gift Ruby Ale brewed with just the right amount of hops and juniper berries is served beside Beef Tenderloin and fennel slaw.

Fourth Course

The port-like essence, alluring malt profile, and unique woody notes from Angelica spice of Thor’s Equinox Belgian Strong Ale, pair well with flourless chocolate cake with chocolate ganache.

Date: Monday, February 13, 2012

Time: 7p to 9p

Cost: $20.00 per person, cash only
Includes (4) 8-ounce beers and sample portions of each course with a discussion from Brad Robinson, Odin Brewing Representative, and Chef Jeanette, about the pairing.

RSVP and pre-pay required

Space is very limited, call to reserve, or, if you need to make special arrangements, we can make it happen!

Call Arlene at 360-696-0012.

Where

By the Bottle, 104 W. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA,

360-696-0012

Posted under beer and food, events, places to drink beer

Our February Brewmaster Dinner will feature a four course “Retro Classics” menu and each course will be paired with one of our award winning brews.

The cost of the dinner (including beer) is $30 per person. Service will begin at 5:00PM until we run out! (Quantities are limited, and our regular menu will also be available.) For more information about the dinners call the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.

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. “RETRO CLASSICS” MENU

“RETRO CLASSICS” MENU

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

For more details go to: http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/event/full-sail-february-brewmaster-dinner.cfm

Posted under Oregon beer, beer and food, beer events, events, places to drink beer