Tastings of the Week

Last Wednesday’s release of the Flanders Red from Root Brewing created quite the buzz of the week. Brewpublic was present for the release and had to return later in the week to get another tasting of this wonderful beer from Roots.  While bloggers all over Portland have had some mixed reviews of the beer, Brewpublic would like to congratulate the brewer’s over at Roots for branching out and trying to brew something that for one, took about two years to create and two, exhibited Craig Nicholls‘ love for Belgian style beers. This brew was definitely a labor of love.

I found this beer to have a nice cherry, raisin fruity character with a moderate tartness. For being 9%, this beer was surprising smooth and definitely exhibited that wine-like quailty that is common with this style of beer. While I have not had the oppertunity to taste a wide range of Flander Red style beers I’d have to say that this was a great attempt of Roots to experiment with a style that is not easy to brew.

Looking at what is to come this week with tastings and beer releases, Root’s Flanders Red may have given the month of January the kick start it needed to make it an exciting beer month after all.

At Belmont Station

Monday Jan. 19, 6-8 PM. Laughing Dog Tasting and Meet the Brewer

Thursday Jan. 22, 6-8 PM. Alaskan Tasting and Smoked Porter Night.

Monday Jan. 26, Struise Black Albert Keg Tapping (a rare Russian Imperial Stout)

At The Green Dragon

Saturday Jan. 24, 3 PM. Struise Black Albert Tapping.

Announcements

Southern Oregon Brewing bottles.

From Mark Weksler at Green Bottling:

“We just got back late last night from a HUGE bottling at Southern Oregon Brewing in Medford.  That brewery was without a doubt the most impressive craft brewery I have ever seen.  We bottled approx 900 cases of Porter, Gold, and Pale Ale.  It should be on the shelves in Portland within a week or two.  And if you get a chance to see it I highly recommend trying their barley wine!!!”

News from Rogue

After 150 years of statehood, Oregon deserves its own beer.  And Oregon’s own Rogue Ales – which is

celebrating its 21st birthday this year – is brewing it.

Oregon 150, the non-profit organization responsible for planning the state’s sesquicentennial celebration, selected Rogue to brew a special commemorative ale for the state’s 150th birthday. Sesquicentennial Ale will be available starting Feb. 14—Oregon’s birthday – on draft and in limited edition 22-ounce serigraphed bottles.