Here in Portland, Oregon aka Beervana, we can attribute being at the pinnacle of the craft beer world thanks to a number of variables. The region’s climate goes unmatched for the growing of the choicest hop varietals (somewhere in the ballpark of 30% of all grown on the planet); betwixt the equator and the North Pole and how we are impacted by the Pacific currents, Cascadia’s cool and cloudy months might be a mainspring to our taste for a variety malty styles; the rich history of founding brewers such as Henry Saxer and Henry Weinhard. Whatever it is that instills this affinity for great beer, one thing is undeniable, and that is that the driving force behind our great beer and all its glory is an ever-growing community of dedicated and passionate human beings. Obviously, there’s the brewers making it and the pubs selling it, but we should not forget the people who have dedicated themselves and their lives to advocating of brew, people like Ms. Chris Crabb.
Crab
b is the humble force behind Portland and the nation’s greatest and most attended beer festivals. These include the Oregon Brewers Festival of which she has been the head of media relations for the past 16 years, and the Holiday Ale Fest, which has also been reoccurring for the past 16 years. In addition to running these, Crabb has recently assumed the responsibilities of promotion and organization of the popular North American Organic Brewers Festival. On top of helping to orchestrate some of the largest beer events on the West Coast, Crabb is also dedicated to promoting a few breweries around Portland, providing public relations and social media services to the likes of New Old Lompoc Brewing and Cascade Brewing.
Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Crabb, the woman you can thank for much of these exceptional events. Read More…
Posted under Beer personalities, Oregon beer, beer events
This post was written by Angelo on December 2, 2011
Tonight’s Tap It Tuesday at 6 pm is “LIVE: Elderberry II.” This live barrel of NW-style sour red ale was initially aged for 14 months in French oak wine barrels, then additionally aged on elderberries for five months. Sharp dark port, raisins, black currants and hints of red peppercorns greet you in the nose. Tart dark fruit, blackberries and currants on the palate lead to a slightly drying finish of sweet elderberries, dark grapes and aged port. This is what Sang Royal and Nightfall would taste like if blended together and aged in port barrels! 7.75% ABV, $6 a glass.
Alas, another work week begins. Perhaps this will cheer you up – tomorrow’s Tap It Tuesday at 6 pm is “LIVE: Lemon Drop.” This Northwest-style sour ale is a blend of barrel aged triple and blond quad that was then spiced with lemon peel and honey. Lemon zest and herbal honey notes greet you in the nose. Bright tart lemon peel and quad on the palate give way to a lingering crisp, lemon finish. This is just the thing to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day. Be careful – this is a big beer at 9.25% ABV. Cost is $6.50 a glass.
Tonight’s Tap It Tuesday at 6 pm is “LIVE: Red Label Scotch,” a Northwest sour style Scotch ale barrel aged for eight months in French oak before being blended with fresh Bing cherries. Sweet cherries and smoke, peat and caramel malts greet you in the nose. Rich dark cherries and dark caramel, peat and a hint of smoke on the palate are followed by a sweet dark candy and a slight cherry tartness in the finish. The blenders suggest pairing this with cured meats and funky aged cheese. It weighs in at 8.5% ABV and costs $7/glass.
