It is already August and this means that Oregon Craft Beer Month has at last come to a conclusion. Another year, and more growth all around in the industry – more breweries, more volume, more events. For many August signifies that summer is in full swing and about a third of the way through, but for those who live for craft beer, this means that the busiest and most eventful month of July is now behind us. With quivering livers and many memories of what July meant – from the Oregon Craft Beer Month kickoff at Jeld Wen, to the finally roaring tent at the Oregon Brewers Guild – it has been undeniable to us that this past July was the biggest and most festive month yet. Here’s a look at some highlights that we experienced during July 2011: Read More…

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

Today’s Portland Cheers To Belgian Beers kicks off at noon. From the looks of things at last nights preview dinner, we are feeling pretty confident that this year’s PCTBB will prove to the the best yet. Here’s three key reasons why… Read More…

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

The weekend came and went with such celerity that, when chewing the cud, it appears to have moved with the fervor of one devoid of last minute tax filing work. An old adage asserts that there are only two certainties in this world: death and taxes. Well, death happens only but once and sees to an end of its own condition for he who is of its grasp. Elseways, taxes are an annual quibble that returns to haunt us just as we’ve survived the throes of winter.

As mentioned, the past weekend wasn’t without a bit of stress, but once the final tax hurdles were cleared, all seems good in the world…that is until next April (however, if apocalyptic prophecies are fulfilled early enough in 2012, we may be spared of one of these certainties). So, yeah, the weekend… Read More…

Posted under beer releases, Oregon beer, places to drink beer, weekend in review

by Jana Daisy-Ensign

It is nice to imagine traditional craft being passed down from one generation to another; father or mother teaching a trade to their children. But what if your craft is brewing beer? And what if, like so many in today’s microbrew industry, brewing is not something your parents or grandparents did, but is new to your generation? Pioneers of this modern beer industry rely on the knowledge of predecessor and mentors, but also trend towards openly collaborating and sharing information with colleagues- a number of whom happen to be siblings. Examples of brothers in the beer industry are bountiful. Here in the Pacific Northwest, brothers have had a significant hand in helping to build our rich and diverse brewing community; consider the familiar family names of McMenamin, Maletis or Widmer brothers.

Another pair of local brothers who share not only familial ties but also a common love of beer is Chris and Tim Ensign. While neither is a professional brewer by trade, they each have made their own contributions to and continue to help shape the Portland beer scene. In a sea of beer geeks and connoisseurs Read More…

Posted under beer events, Beer personalities

Join APEX for Tim and Chris Ensign’s “Brothers in Beer” Birthday Bash! Thanks to the generosity of Fort George Brewery and APEX, we’ll also be raising funds for the relief effort in Japan with each Fort George pint poured during the event. Please note this is an adult only venue and food is not served (available nearby to bring in). Thanks.

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