By Kim Schimke

Beercation: traveling to new beer destinations in search of deliciousness. Okay, so that may be my definition, but neither Webster nor Wikipedia has yet to adopt this term, so I’m improvising. In the past couple months; I have been fortunate enough to take two major beercations; one to LA and the other to Boston. Both were incredibly successful. What makes for a successful beercation you ask? I have thrown together some tips so you may be equipped to take and fully enjoy a beercation of your own.

I may not be a craft expert, but beercations are something I have pretty much specialized in since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Growing up with my craft loving parents, I’ve been traveling around the country hitting up brewpubs, breweries, and bottle shops for quite some time. I’ve picked up a thing or two and have now acquired a beercation bag of tricks. It’s important to keep in mind that though a hoot and a half, beercations also take preparation, just like any other vacation. Read More…

Posted under Beer Education, beer humor, beer me, beer tools, Beer Travel

Charlie Herrin aka The Beer Traveler reviews Fort George Brewing‘s Cavatica Stout aged in Heaven Hills Rye whiskey barrels.

A real treat for the hardcore beer geeks, this limited edition stout available while supplies last in 16-ounce cans is a force to be reckoned with. Find out Read More…

Posted under beer reviews, beer tools, beers on film, Oregon beer

By C. Baker

There’s a rumor going around about a new(ish) Growler that has been spotted roaming the streets of Northeast Portland. My friend, Mark confirmed the gossip, reporting a sighting at Breakside Brewery’s NE Dekum location on Sunday. A few clicks of the mouse this morning led me to the company that spits out what I would say are fine pieces of art. They refer to themselves as the Portland Growler Company (PGC). According to their website they began in the summer of 2010. The company consists of designers and ceramicists who collectively work together to create locally made, beautiful clay based-growlers. The PGC growler, which brings to mind the Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey jug, comes in several styles and colors. One design, called The Sprocket even pays homage to our vibrant cycling community by sporting a handle that looks like Read More…

Posted under beer me, Beer Merchandise, beer tools, Oregon beer

By Sara Hancock

There are just so many great seasonal beers out this time of year that I have decided to embark upon a twenty-four beer marathon leading up to Christmas Day. Think of it like an advent calendar but for grown-ups so instead of chalky milk chocolate snowmen you get a craft beer.

I am now more than ten days into the advent calendar and there have been some ups and some downs. I have included beers from many different breweries and locations, I have included many different styles and strengths but ultimately what makes a great Christmas beer will be somewhat subjective.

Do you want a hoppy crisp Northwest coast ale on Christmas morn? Or do you prefer to snuggle up fireside with a robust and spicy stout? Maybe you like a liqoury winter warmer as a nightcap after a long day skiing? While we may not always agree on what makes the best beer choice for the holidays I hope you enjoy learning about the many wondrous winter options out there.

So please follow along on www.partingglassblog.com as I continue to explore one new Christmas/Winter/Seasonal beer each day and then review and rate them on my trademarked (I wish) candy cane rating system. Like actually seeing Santa on Christmas Eve I remain vigilant in my efforts to locate (and drink) that elusive ten candy cane beer.

Happy Holidays and Joyeux Noel!

Posted under beer and food, beer events, beer me, beer to do list, beer tools, British Columbia Beer

By Kim Schimke

Droplets of condensation, vibrant hues, extreme close-ups, perfect pours with a ¾ inch head: these are just some descriptors of beer porn. Yes, beer porn. It exists and it’s pretty sexy stuff. The smartphone app, Instagram, has introduced me to this foreign subculture of beer drinkers that are eager to post and view pics of beer and documenting their sipping adventures via social media. From these sultry photos spawns interaction.

Beer lovers are eager to comment on pictures as well as offer up recommendations, inquire about the beverages posted, and get to know their fellow brew enthusiasts. The camaraderie amongst beer drinkers is quite evident and the community that exists on Instagram alone shows the increasing popularity and prevalence of craft beer in America. Read More…

Posted under beer me, Beer personalities, beer tools

Posted under Beer Education, beer humor, beer to do list, beer tools

Support our friends and fellow craft beer lovers, and help a wonderful new book get off the ground. Not just another pun involving the famous beer spice, Hop in the Saddle is a wicked cool guide to Portland’s craft beer hot spots via bicycle. The three ladies who are behind the book are seeking out community support via Kickstarter. If you know what’s awesome, you’ll join us and show ‘em your support! Here’s the full details: Read More…

Posted under beer to do list, beer tools, Oregon beer

By Jen Sotolongo

In this seemingly everlasting recession, an industry near and dear to many of us has experienced tremendous growth. Yep, I’m talking about the craft brewing industry.  Ready for some statistics?

In 2011, there were 1,989 craft breweries in the United States, the highest number since the 1880s, accounting for just a sliver of the total share of the beer market at 5 percent. However, sales grew 15 percent in 2011, generating $8.7 billion in retail sales. Craft brewing accounts for an estimated 103,585 jobs nationwide, including wait staff at brewpubs. According to the Brewers Association, a craft brewery is one who produces fewer than 6 million barrels of beer annually ad is independently-owned. Read More…

Posted under beer me, Beer Science, beer tools, Oregon beer

By Sally Woods

According to the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism (NIAAA) over 17.6 million adults in US have had some form of alcohol abuse treatment in their lifetime.  Quite what constitutes “alcohol abuse treatment” is something they are less clear on, however, and it leaves you wondering about the various stages of “treatment” that fall between taking a couple of aspirin with a glass of water and having your stomach pumped!

Regular readers will know that we here at Brewpublic Towers will rarely Read More…

Posted under beer and food, beer tools

By Matt Van Wyk, Brewmaster of Oakshire Brewing

As the craft beer industry continues it’s meteoric rise through the adult beverage category, one can’t help notice the scores and scores of specialty, one-off, rare, barrel aged beers being produced across the country.  Whether you are a fan of Three Floyd’s Dark Lord or Portsmouth’s Kate the Great or you regularly receive shipments from the Bruery, you know what I am talking about. If you trade HotD for Surly’s Darkness or Lost Abbey’s Cable Car for Cigar City’s Hunahpu Imp. Stout, you have an idea what I mean. The amount of special collectible beers is growing out of control, and I know because I raided my cellar over the Thanksgiving Holiday and the 15 awesome beers I pulled out barely left a dent. (I have a slight issue with saving beer though).  At Oakshire, we have begun two series of barrel aged beers, Hellshire, which is our spirits barrel aged series of beers and Brewers Reserve, which is very small quantity, mostly wild beers aged in wine barrels. Skookumchuck, our first release  blended wild ale and a Eugene Water and Electric Board Centennial Celebration beer, was released on November 18th and will make a brief appearance Thursday December 15th at Belmont Station.  These beers will mostly be sold out of the tasting room as our friends at Upright Read More…

Posted under Beer personalities, beer releases, beer tools, vintage beers