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

Over the summer, a few great beers graced the tap on my kegerator. One of these that was particularly quenching was Fort George’s Sunrise Oatmeal Pale Ale. Now with the ongoing expansion efforts of the Astoria, Oregon brewhouse, this wonderfully floral brew is soon to become available throughout the Pacific Northwest in 16-ounce cans, joining the popular 1811 Pre-Prohibition-style Lager, Vortex IPA, and Cavatica Stout.

An official release event is slated for February 23, 2012 from 6-11PM at Liberty Glass (938 North Cook St., Portland, OR)

More details on Fort George’s Sunrise Oatmeal Pale Ale:

Nice and Creamy session-style American Pale Ale.

Good beer for drinking anytime of the day, even when the sun is rising, due to its dry nature with Mild bitterness and lovely hop aroma.

This beer is based on the first beer ever produced at the Fort George Brewery, Beer#1: We decided to add 50lbs of Oatmeal to make it even better.

Famous quote: “I’ll have just one more OPA, please.” This beer has become a staff staple.

I.B.U.’s (Intoxicated Brewer Units): See Famous Quote above.

• ABV% 5.5
• SG @ 1050
• TG @ 1009

Ingredients:

• Organic 2-Row Barley
• Flaked Oats
• Chocolate Malt
• Amarillo, Challenger, Zythos, & Summit Hops

Posted under Oregon beer, beer news, beer releases, events

Over the summer, a few great beers graced the tap on my kegerator. One of these that was particularly quenching was Fort George’s Sunrise Oatmeal Pale Ale. Now with the ongoing expansion efforts of the Astoria, Oregon brewhouse, this wonderfully floral brew is soon to become available throughout the Pacific Northwest in 16-ounce cans, joining the popular 1811 Pre-Prohibition-style Lager, Vortex IPA, and Cavatica Stout.

An official release event is slated for February 23, 2012 from 6-11PM at Liberty Glass (938 North Cook St., Portland, OR)

More details on Fort George’s Sunrise Oatmeal Pale Ale: Read More…

Posted under Oregon beer, beer news, beer releases

Schwarzenfreude is a first-ever collaboration brew with the Pelican Pub & Brewery and Gigantic Brewing Company. Founded by former Pelican brewer Ben Love and Van Havig, Gigantic is a new brewery scheduled to open in SE Portland this Spring.

Schwarzenfreude was designed and brewed for the Read More…

Posted under Beer personalities, Oregon beer, beer releases, brewpubs, press releases

BREWVANA Brewery Tours is hosting a Connoisseur Tour for local craft beer enthusiasts.  The tour features Mike Branes,  Migration Brewery’s head brewer, who will be leading the tour to two breweries, a public house and an English- style pub. Taking place this Sunday, February 12th from 1-5pm, the tour is $69/ person and is all inclusive.

The tour begins with a beer sampling at Migration Brewery and a tour of the facility, where Mike will introduce his brewery and discuss the beers that he brews. The next stop is the NW Lucky Lab where head brewer Ben Flerchinger will give a tour of his brewery and participants will taste their beers.  Lunch and beer will be served at East Burn, a public house that focuses on craft beers with 16 rotating taps. The final stop will be the infamous Horse Brass Pub featuring over 50 different local, regional and international varieties of beer in a traditional English-style pub.

Ticket’s for BREWVANA’s Connoisseur Tour with Mike Branes are $69 per person and are all inclusive, consisting of the tours, beer tastings, and lunch.  Register online @ http://www.experiencebrewvana.com/register/?regevent_action=register&event_id=201

or call BREWVANA @ 503.729.6804. Seating is limited and reservations must be made in advance.

Mike Branes started his career at Barley John’s in Minnesota where he learned and was inspired by head brewer and owner John Moore. There he cleaned kegs, and other brewery tasks in his 3-year internship, receiving a wealth of knowledge as his payment for these laborious tasks.  Mike took this knowledge and harnessed his craft for the next 8 years as a home brewer, while working as a pubster for the Lucky Labrador and distributing for Mt. People’s organic beer and wine distribution.  In 2008 Mike took the leap of faith and trust in his ability to become the head brewer and partner of Migration Brewing Co.

Each month, Brewvana’s Connoisseur Tour gives a different local brewer the opportunity to showcase the beers that they live to brew and create their own tour based on their favorite places around town. It is their chance to share their knowledge of beer with their community.

BREWVANA is the Ultimate Beer Tour Experience, committed to embracing the history and culture of the craft brewing industry in Portland, Oregon. Transportation is provided on a 14-passenger bus equipped with cup holders, a beer inspired mural and the Beeriodic Table for reference.

Posted under Beer personalities, Oregon beer, beer events, brewpubs, events, places to drink beer

This month Full Sail Brewing will release a new beer in their Brewer’s Share Experimental line up: “Dan’s Satin Stout” crafted by Assistant Operations Manager Dan Nakamura.  Intrigued by the complexity of dark beer, Dan brewed a sweet, dark stout with a very smooth, satiny finish.

Dan’s Satin Stout is a creamy, dark beer with a soft and smooth finish and is complemented with the subtly sweet notes of chocolate and a hint of honey. A blend of pale, Munich, caramel, chocolate malt, and roast barley give Satin Stout its deep darkness and complex palate. Willamette and Mt. Hood hops provide just enough bitter to balance the sweet malitness; their slightly spicy aromas complement the floral notes from the addition of wildflower honey. Nitrogen conditioning is the final finishing touch providing a luscious satiny smoothness. 5.2% ABV 36 IBU

“I feel so fortunate to have a job I love in the place I grew up. I started my career at Full Sail as a keg washer over 21 years ago and have had the opportunity to move through many jobs at the brewery.  In the process I have really gained a passion for great beer and a deep respect for the brewing art.  When the opportunity to brew my own beer came up, I jumped at the chance to follow a long line of very talented Full Sail brewers. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this beer as much as I enjoyed brewing it. Cheers!” said Dan Nakamura.

Full Sail has scheduled a “Meet the Brewer and the Beer” event to showcase this new beer. The event will be at Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, on Thursday, February 16^th from 5:00 to 6:30PM. Join the Full Sail crew to celebrate and toast with a pint of this special brew.

Dan’s Satin Stout will also be featured at Full Sail’s Zwickelmania brewery open house. On Saturday, February 18^th, dozens of Oregon breweries and brewpubs will open their doors to visitors for the state’s 4^th annual Zwickelmania. Hosted by the Oregon Brewers Guild (OBG), Zwickelmania is a free statewide event that offers visitors a chance to tour Oregon breweries, meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers. Full Sail Brewing will offer guided brewery tours at 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4pm and will be offering samples of Dan’s Satin Stout paired with artisan chocolate. Tours and tasting are free of charge and each tour participant will receive a complimentary pint glass. Full Sail’s Brewery at Riverplace in Portland will also be open for tours.

With each Brewer’s Share series beer, Full Sail picks a local charity to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beer. Dan has chosen to support Hospice of the Gorge so every keg of Dan’s Satin Stout benefits this organization whose mission is to compassionately support patients and families through the end of life process.

The Brewer’s Share Experimental series is a line-up of small batch draft beers where each Full Sail brewer takes a turn hand-crafting their own single batch recipe. A portion of the proceeds benefit a local charity or organization of their choice. Full Sail’s Brewer’s Share Experimental beers will only be available on tap at Full Sail’s Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, Oregon, and at Full Sail’s Brewery at Riverplace, in Portland, Oregon. Growlers to go are available.  The next Brewer’s Share Experimental will be brewed by Lead Lab Tech, Joshua Allman and is planned for spring.

About Full Sail Brewing Company:

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment our specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session Premium Lager, Session Black and Session Fest. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 25 years.  Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in 29 states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week.  Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.  http://www.fullsailbrewing.com

Posted under Oregon beer, beer events, events, press releases

This month Full Sail Brewing will release a new beer in their Brewer’s Share Experimental line up: “Dan’s Satin Stout” crafted by Assistant Operations Manager Dan Nakamura.  Intrigued by the complexity of dark beer, Dan brewed a sweet, dark stout with a very smooth, satiny finish.

Dan’s Satin Stout is a creamy, dark beer with a soft and smooth finish and is complemented with the subtly sweet notes of chocolate and a hint of honey. A blend of pale, Munich, caramel, chocolate malt, and roast barley give Satin Stout its deep darkness and complex palate. Willamette and Mt. Hood hops provide just enough bitter to balance the sweet malitness; their slightly spicy aromas complement the floral notes from the addition of wildflower honey. Nitrogen conditioning is the final finishing touch providing a luscious satiny smoothness. 5.2% ABV 36 IBU

“I feel so fortunate to have a job I love in the place I grew up. I started my career at Full Sail as a keg washer over 21 years ago and have had the opportunity to move through many jobs at the brewery.  In the process I have really gained a passion for great beer and a deep respect for the brewing art.  When the opportunity to brew my own beer came up, I jumped at the chance to follow a long line of very talented Full Sail brewers. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this beer as much as I enjoyed brewing it. Cheers!” said Dan Nakamura.

Full Sail has scheduled a “Meet the Brewer and the Beer” event to showcase this new beer. The event will be at Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, on Thursday, February 16^th from 5:00 to 6:30PM. Join the Full Sail crew to celebrate and toast with a pint of this special brew.

Dan’s Satin Stout will also be featured at Full Sail’s Zwickelmania brewery open house. On Saturday, February 18^th, dozens of Oregon breweries and brewpubs will open their doors to visitors for the state’s 4^th annual Zwickelmania. Hosted by the Oregon Brewers Guild (OBG), Zwickelmania is a free statewide event that offers visitors a chance to tour Oregon breweries, meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers. Full Sail Brewing will offer guided brewery tours at 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4pm and will be offering samples of Dan’s Satin Stout paired with artisan chocolate. Tours and tasting are free of charge and each tour participant will receive a complimentary pint glass. Full Sail’s Brewery at Riverplace in Portland will also be open for tours.

With each Brewer’s Share series beer, Full Sail picks a local charity to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beer. Dan has chosen to support Hospice of the Gorge so every keg of Dan’s Satin Stout benefits this organization whose mission is to compassionately support patients and families through the end of life process.

The Brewer’s Share Experimental series is a line-up of small batch draft beers where each Full Sail brewer takes a turn hand-crafting their own single batch recipe. A portion of the proceeds benefit a local charity or organization of their choice. Full Sail’s Brewer’s Share Experimental beers will only be available on tap at Full Sail’s Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River, Oregon, and at Full Sail’s Brewery at Riverplace, in Portland, Oregon. Growlers to go are available.  The next Brewer’s Share Experimental will be brewed by Lead Lab Tech, Joshua Allman and is planned for spring.

About Full Sail Brewing Company:

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment our specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session Premium Lager, Session Black and Session Fest. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 25 years.  Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in 29 states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week.  Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.  http://www.fullsailbrewing.com

Posted under Oregon beer, beer events, events, press releases

This month Full Sail Brewing will release a new beer in their Brewer’s Share Experimental line up: “Dan’s Satin Stout” crafted by Assistant Operations Manager Dan Nakamura.  Intrigued by the complexity of dark beer, Dan brewed a sweet, dark stout with a very smooth, satiny finish.

Dan’s Satin Stout is a creamy, dark beer with a soft and smooth finish and is complemented with the subtly sweet notes of chocolate and a hint of honey. A blend of pale, Munich, caramel, chocolate malt, and roast barley give Satin Stout its deep darkness and complex palate. Willamette and Mt. Hood hops provide just enough bitter to balance the sweet malitness; their slightly spicy aromas complement the floral notes from the addition of Read More…

Posted under Oregon beer, Uncategorized, beer events, press releases

ABYSS DAY & NIGHT!
We saved a KEG just for you, bring your Valentine in for a pint or two of THE  ABYSS on Thursday, February 9th, Noon till Gone!  She will love you for it!

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