Holy Sh*t! Run leads to Ginormous Fermenters!

We participated in The Portland Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon yesterday. We had a fantastic day for running and a great run. Afterwards, we headed to Widmer to have a few celebratory beers and lunch. When we stepped off the Max at the Albina/Mississippi Station (2) ginormous tanks sitting on semi truck trailers were there to greet us. They were fermentation tanks. I was excited by the sight. I picked up my pace to get a closer look. I asked my fiancée if she would stand next to one to give it scale. She said, “I’m gross”, meaning she was soaking wet from running in the rain, but she kindly posed. I still thought she looked cute as ever standing next to the massive fermenters. The stainless steel tanks, crafted by Paul Mueller Company in Springfield, Mo. were made with love. They were very pleasing to look at, almost flaunting themselves.

Huge fermentation tanks / Tiny marathon medal receipt (aka my lady).
Both sexy as hell.

Hoops and Hops at Portland's Rose Garden

The Hoops for the Trailblazer/Wizard game Tuesday night were a disappointment, but the Hops prior to the game were a hit. It all began at Bridgetown Beerhouse around 4pm. We were told that Pliny The Younger was going to be draft and hiding out behind the bar, but from the looks of the place, the secret had spread fast. Mike, one of the owners, was making pour after pour for the thirsty line of Pliny lovers. It wasn’t long before Mike said “that’s it”, meaning the keg was spent. Fortunately, we were able to have one snifter type glass of the famed, rare Younger version of the Elder. It was delightful.

Thirsty for the Pliny

One happy camper

Our next stop was the main event. Hoops and Hops at the Rose Garden. My wonderful sweetheart surprised me this Valentine’s Day with tickets to this pre-game tasting series. I think we were both a little skeptical going in, but that all changed once we saw the variety of beers and breweries being represented. Some of the bigger players were there, like Widmer, Hopworks, Blue Moon and Ninkasi, but the event also featured some of the smaller guys, such as Breakside and Amnesia. Another appealing aspect of Hoops and Hops was seeing several brewer’s, owner’s and beverage representative on hand to answer questions about their product. We had a nice conversation with Blue Moon’s rep about an upcoming small batch series named Vintage Blond Ale that they had on hand. It was certainly interesting. It combined beer and chardonnay wine. We thought it tasted similar to sparkling wine and would pair well with a warm, summer day. Blue Moon is also releasing a red wine version of this unique blend.

The official tasting room

Blue Moon's beer and chardonnay beverage 

There were two other beers at the event that neither of us had tried before. One was a spiced IPA from Widmer’s Rotator series, a beer brewed with malty assam black tea, ginger, cinnamon, clove, star anise, black pepper, and cardamom. It was definitely one of a kind, like Blue Moon’s Vintage Blond Ale. We enjoyed our 4oz. taster. The second beer that was new to us, was Laurelwood’s Espresso Stout; a beer that was collaboration with Portland Roasting Company. This Stout was the ultimate beer coffee, or coffee beer mix. It was rich, full of flavor and smelled amazing. Juan Valdez would certainly give this 5 stars.

7 pm rolled around fast. We still had a few tasting tics left in our pockets that didn’t want to go unused. We traded them in for a pint of Laurelwood Gearhead IPA. After making quick work of the IPAs we headed across the commons to the Rose Garden for some Trailblazer action, which turned out to be inaction. We lost what should’ve been an easy win. Even though Batum had a great game, I read he said that the loss to the Wizards “maybe the worst game we’ve played this year”. Agreed. It was nice to see Batum start though. LA’s ankle roll was unfortunate and I hope he returns as soon as possible, but I think the team could have carried this game without him.

There are still three more Hoops and Hops series left. If you like the two B’s (beers and basketball) then you should definitely attend. You can find more information here:  http://www.nba.com/blazers/tickets/packages.html

Let’s hope our Blazers get back the spunk they had when the season started. I think they can do it!

Some more photos from the evening

Michael De Kalb, Owner of Laurelwood and a silly Blazer fan

Ben Edmunds, Head Brewer at Breakside

2 Craft beer lovers, Amnesia Brewer, Sean Thommen and
another silly Blazer fan

Representing my team and where
I established my roots.
Go 'Cuse!

The view from the tasting quarters

Disappointed fans

Beer Buzz 01: Widmer, The World Famous Kenton Club and The End of The World

We hope your 2012 is off to a great start. Since the end of the world is scheduled for December 21^st, we thought we better get out as many blog posts as possible. Yeah right.  We do have a few updates to share with ya though.  My friend, and fellow guest blogger, Mark turned me on to an article last July that said Widmer was going to build an outdoor beer garden (see our original post: 'Widmer Brothers to Build Beer Garden').  The rumor was true at the time, but on a recent, pre-Blazer game visit to their Gasthaus Pub I was informed that it was put on hold for at least a couple of years.  I also inquired about a remodel to Widmer’s innards.  That I was told may happen within the next year or so. Regardless, Widmer is always great, and will continue to be my go-to spot before a Rose Garden/Coliseum events.  I heart their Pitch Black IPA!

The second round of news came by word of mouth.  Angelo, from The World Famous Brewpublic told me that he saw on OLCC’s website that The World Famous Kenton Club applied for a brewing license.  It looks like it has been in the works for a while judging from some old articles I came across, including this one in The Willamette Week: 'Drink 2011: The World Famous Kenton Club'.  Hopefully it happens.  I love the Kenton Club.  As a matter of fact, we’re playing there this Saturday!  Check it: http://kentonclub.com/event/428/.  Sorry, I couldn't resist throwing in a personal plug.

Enjoy the rest of the year, and remember to book your Escape Earth 2012 Tickets. I highly recommend the Superluminal Package!

Widmer Brothers To Build Beer Garden!

This is article was obtained from: http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com
The beer garden will be a much welcomed addition indeed!


Land Use Approvals
Widmer Brothers To Build Beer Garden

Red marks the location of the approved Widmer Bros. beer garden.
Photo: Google Maps

Eliot 
BDS has approved the Widmer Brothers Brewing Company's plan to construct a beer garden in the unoccupied northwest corner of their site at N Russell Street and N Interstate Avenue. The garden will be lined with pavers and will be planted with trees both inside the garden and outside the garden's proposed perimeter wall along the street. (LU 10-188018 HDZ)

BRAIN vs. LIVER: The organ clash over the soon to be Hopworks Bike Bar.

As you most likely know, Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) will be opening their second location on N. Williams Ave in mid-June. What does this mean? It means us North Portland peeps will have another great brew pub to frequent. It also means not having to trek across town to take in their award winning beers and delectable food.

You may be wondering why I am blogging about this when there is already a wealth of information on HUB’s soon to be second home. The reason is personal; ever since news broke that HUB was moving in to the neighborhood my brain and liver have been at battle. My liver feels great places already exist within walking distance to drink amazing beer. It enjoys Lompoc’s Fifth Quadrant, which is literally next-door to HUB’s future location. It is also an Amnesia groupie; a brewery about 8 blocks west. Oh, and that guy below the lower part of my right ribcage told me not to forget about the other fine beer purveyors slightly further out, such as Saraveza, Breakside, McMenamins, Widmer, The Hop and Vine and The Lucky Labrador.

Please do not get me wrong, my liver loves HUB’s beer, which is why my brain is so concerned. My brain is afraid that my liver will dedicate a good portion of its free time to drinking beer at HUB and slowly forget about the other places that it once patronized.

So, what will happen? Good question. After some thought, I believe I have determined that my brain and liver are two separate entities. My brain has made the decision to remain true to the other incredible beer establishments in the area; HUB will certainly become part of the rotation. My liver says “f%#k you brain, when HUB opens you are going to be my bitch.” However, I still believe my aging brain has capable power to trump the desires of my weakening liver.

           Stupid Liver 

 Homer and I have some things in common  

Welcome to the neighborhood HUB! Well almost.


With Love,
Brain and Liver