Friday, February 24, 2017

Kells Brewery announces inaugural Irish Beer Festival held in conjunction with St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Courtesy of Kells Brewery
PORTLAND, Ore. – Kells Brewery has announced it will host the inaugural Irish Beer Festival, a new event scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The Irish Beer Festival, which will feature specialty Irish style beers and cider from a dozen area breweries, will take place March 17 to March 19 in the tented and heated parking lot of Kells Brew Pub at 210 NW 21st Ave.
Participating breweries include 54°40′ Brewing, Burnside Brewing, Cascade Brewing, Cider Riot!, Culmination Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Grixsen Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Kells Brewery, Lompoc Brewing, Lucky Lab Brewpub and Mt. Hood Brewing. Many of the beers are being brewed specifically for the event.
Event hours are 11am to 1am on March 17 and March 18, and 10am to 6pm on March 19. Early admission before 4pm daily is $10, which includes a souvenir logo pint glass and seven taster tokens. After 4pm, admission is $20, which includes the glass, tokens and the cover charge into the adjoining Kells Irish Festival.
In addition to beer tasting, there will be Irish dancers, bagpipers, live music and Irish food specials all three days. Minors are welcome daily until 4pm. Attendees are encouraged to travel between the Irish Beer Festival and the Kells Irish Festival next door.
For more information, including beer descriptions and the entertainment schedule, visit KellsBrewPub.com or follow @IrishBeerFestPDX on Facebook and Instagram and @IrishFestPDX on Twitter.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

McMenamins 24th Annual Hillsdale Brewfest Taking Place This Saturday

Courtesy of McMenamins
The McMenamins 24th Annual Hillsdale Brewfest taking place this Saturday (Feb. 25) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. The annual event pits McMenamins head brewers against each other for a chance to win the coveted Hillsdale Brewfest Belt. 

Courtesy of McMenamins
The list of 22 one-off beers that have been brewed for the festival is both impressive and diverse, and includes a Whiskey Peach IPA, an Oatmeal Pale Ale and a Mexican Session Lager, among others. Guests will be able to purchase sample trays of the contending beers, and after they’ve had their fill, will cast their vote for the beer they feel deserves to be crowned champion. The winner of the Brewfest will be announced Wednesday, March 1 at the McMenamins Bottle Shop on NW 23rd Ave. 

Courtesy of McMenamin
Event: 24th Annual Hillsdale Brewfest
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Place: Hillsdale Brewery & Public House
Address: 1505 S.W. Sunset Blvd., Portland, OR 97239
Cost: Free to attend; Sampler tray with 11 (4 oz.) samples for $11.00

GoodLife Brewing Announces Launch of Secret Stash Experimental IPA Series

Courtsey of GoodLife Brewing Co
BEND, OR - With the success of Descender IPA, GoodLife Brewing’s flagship IPA, we are excited to announce the launch of Secret Stash Experimental IPA Series, which is going to be a platform for our brewers to make their imaginations a reality.  A new Secret Stash is going to be revealed roughly every 60 days and will be our take on different variations of IPA’s in addition to different hops in each batch.  But here’s the catch, each year it will be a different style of beer, so get your IPA fix in 2017 because you’ll have to wait to see what we have in store for 2018’s Secret Stash.

Secret Stash #001: This medium bodied NW ale is a bright copper color with an off-white laced head coming in 8.8% ABV. A northwest forest of dank aroma with fresh pine, juicy citrus, with a touch of tropical fruit. Dominant layers of citrus, pine, and earth are paired with subtle flavors of roasted sweet caramel. Secret Stash #001 finishes with herbal tea and bitter citrus notes.

Although it’s still a few weeks away from being released, here is a preview of Secret Stash #002: A light to medium bodied Spring IPA to transition seasons. Using floral/fruity/herbal German and American hops, along with a touch of lemongrass, this IPA will awaken your dormant taste buds while pushing the boundaries of a traditional IPA. Pilsner base malt, a touch of dark specialty malt, and fermented with house ale yeast, Secret Stash #002 will have a pleasant backbone allowing bright spring flavors to shine through. At 50 IBU and 6.5% ABV, you will be able to enjoy a pint… or two… or three while you watch the NW bloom.

Here is the 2017 Secret Stash IPA release schedule:
Secret Stash IPA #001- January and February
Secret Stash IPA #002- April and May
Secret Stash IPA #003- June and July
Secret Stash IPA #004- August and September
Secret Stash IPA #005- October and November
Secret Stash IPA #006- December and January 2018

Secret Stash Experimental IPA Series will be available in draft (1/2 BBLS and 1/6 BBLS) only throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho with limited volume so make sure you try every Secret Stash!

Courtesy of GoodLife Brewing Co
About GoodLife Brewing Company
As brewers of hand crafted ales, we are outdoor enthusiasts who look forward to sharing our craft beers that are most balanced and of the highest quality. GoodLife Brewing Company has been making award-winning beers since 2011 in its home of Bend, Oregon. GoodLife's “Adventurous Ales” are Descender IPA, Sweet As! Pacific Ale and a selection of seasonal beers. In addition to making beer, GoodLife enjoys giving back to the community by supporting many local and national non-profit organizations. Play hard, live easy and enjoy GoodBeer for GoodLife! For more information, visit www.goodlifebrewing.com, or find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @GoodLifeBrewing.

Ecliptic + Gigantic Team Up on a Beer from the Darkside

Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co
PORTLAND, Ore. (February 21)–. Ecliptic Brewing has partnered with Gigantic Brewing on the newest addition to its Cosmic Collaboration series, Star Destroyer.  Brewed in the style of an Imperial Schwarzbier and with a nod to Star Wars, Star Destroyer is cleverly styled as an Imperial Darkside Lager.

“In 2016 I approached Van Havig of Gigantic about a collaboration for 2017.  He agreed only if we called the beer Star Destroyer,” said Owner and Brewmaster of Ecliptic Brewing, John Harris.  “Brewing with the boys from Gigantic is always a good time!”

Ecliptic and Gigantic collaborated in 2013 on TicWitTic American Sour Ale, brewed for the opening of Ecliptic.  Both breweries knew that another collaboration was bound to happen, but little did they know that a beer brewed to the tunes of The Imperial March would be it.  Check out the description of Star Destroyer below.

About Star Destroyer
Feel the power of the darkside. Bah, Bah, Bah-Bum, Ba, Bum-Bum, Da, Bum. This beer is fully operational.  Prepare the attack.
ABV 8.0% IBU 39

Star Destroyer Release Events:  Oregon and Washington
·         Ecliptic Brewing, 825 North Cook St. Portland, OR.
o   Beginning March 1st, 11am.  Draft and bottles available.
·         The Growlerie, 15151 Barrows Rd. Beaverton, OR.
o   March 13th, 5pm-7pm.  Star Destroyer Release Party.
·         Teku Tavern, 552 Denny Way, Seattle, WA.
o   March 1st , 7pm-9pm.  Women in Beer Trivia and Star Destroyer Release Party
Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co
About Ecliptic Brewing

Ecliptic Brewing is a venture from John Harris, an Oregon beer icon whose background is steeped in the state’s rich craft brewing history. The name Ecliptic unites Harris’ two passions: brewing and astronomy, and as such, the brewery celebrates the Earth’s yearly journey around the sun through both its beer and restaurant menus. Executive chef Michael Molitor rotates his seasonally inspired menu every six weeks in accordance with the old world calendar. Harris’ signature beers include Spectra Hoppy Pilsner, Orbiter IPA, Phobos Single Hop Red Ale, and Capella Porter. For more information, visit: www.eclipticbrewing.com.

Ecliptic beers are available at the brewery (825 North Cook St), in bottle and on-tap throughout the area, and distributed by: Maletis Beverage (Portland, Salem, Vancouver WA), Bigfoot Beverage (Eugene, Bend, Coast), Fort George Distributing (Northern Oregon Coast), Summit Distribution (Southern Oregon), Click Distributing (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Northern Idaho), Dickerson Distributing (Bellingham), Crooked Stave Artisans (Colorado), Freedom Distributors (North Carolina), BeerThirst (Canada), and Graybeal (Eastern Oregon). 

Left Hand Brewing Releases Milk Stout Nitro Cans

Courtesy of Left Hand Brewing Co
LONGMONT, CO - The complete Nitro package is here – Milk Stout Nitro is available in draft, bottle and new in 2017... nitro cans! This year, Left Hand Brewing Co. will introduce Milk Stout Nitro cans to the definitive Nitro series, making Left Hand’s most popular and influential beer more accessible than ever. Nitro fans can take the beer on the go and drink a perfectly smooth and creamy Milk Stout Nitro from the can.

The first of its kind from an American craft brewery – Left Hand pioneered the way for beer drinkers to enjoy a Nitro draft-like experience at home, releasing Milk Stout Nitro bottles in 2011 and evolving into a benchmark for the style. While a glass is always recommended for the perfect pint, especially when you #PourHard a Nitro bottle, cans bring a greater drinking versatility, and bring Milk Stout Nitro to your lips with the crack of a can.

Milk Stout Nitro cans will be released later this year, available across the brewery’s 40 state footprint along with Milk Stout Nitro bottles, Nitro seasonals and draft.
Courtesy of Left Hand Brewing Co

About Left Hand Brewing Company
Employee Owned, Righteously Independent. Celebrating twenty-three years of brewing a well-balanced portfolio of craft beers, Left Hand Brewing Company is located at 1265 Boston Avenue in Longmont, Colorado. Left Hand is one of the most honored and recognized breweries in the state, with over 28 Great American Beer Festival medals, 11 World Beer Cup awards, and 9 European Beer Star awards. Famous for their Nitro series, Left Hand Brewing established America’s original Nitro bottle with their popular Milk Stout Nitro. Left Hand’s collection of perennial and seasonal beers are available in 40 states & DC. Distribution:  AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
International: GBR, IRL, CZ, DEU, SWE, NOR, CAN, JPN   

New Belgium’s 2017 La Folie Makes its Debut, Celebrating 20 Years of Sour Beers at New Belgium

Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
Ft. Collins, Colo. – This year marks New Belgium’s 20th year for making sour beers, which first launched its wood beer program in 1997 with La Folie. The award-winning sour ale’s 2017 version is now available and continues the sour ale tradition thanks to the craftsmanship of New Belgium’s blending team.

Every year, Eric Salazar, New Belgium’s Wood Cellar Manager, and Lauren Salazar, New Belgium’s Sour Beer Blender, coordinate a blending of various foeders (oak barrels) to make La Folie a winning interpretation of a Flanders-style sour brown ale.

“We’ve been blending and experimenting with sour wood beers for two decades and as the name La Folie implies it’s always with a touch of eccentric madness,” said New Belgium Spokesman, Bryan Simpson. “We combine multiple barrels based on continual tasting to create a combination that is just right. Once again, the crew nailed it this year.”

The 2017 La Folie is a sharp, tart sour ale full of green apple, deep cherry, dark chocolate, and tannin-like plum skin notes. It’s 7% ABV and available in both 22-oz. bombers and on draft. 

To geek out even more on sours, here are some links for enjoyment and learnings:

To find New Belgium beers near you, visit the libation locator at http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/locator.aspx or download New Belgium’s Beer Mode app.

About New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee-owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews fourteen year-round beers; Citradelic Tangerine IPA, Citradelic Lime Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, 8 Hop Pale Ale, Dayblazer Easydrinking Ale, Tartastic Lemon Ginger Ale, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Bohemian Pilsner, Abbey Belgian Ale, Trippel and a gluten-reduced line, Glutiny Pale Ale and Glutiny Golden Ale. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company Launching Leo v. Ursus, A New Chronology Of Beers

Courtesy of Firestone Walker Brewing Co
Venice, CA and Paso Robles, CA: After celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is set to chart fresh ground with the launch of Leo v. Ursus, a new chronology of beers that begins with the pre-release of Fortem at all Firestone Walker locations on Saturday, February 25.

Fortem, an unfiltered imperial IPA, will be officially released at the end of February in draft and 16-ounce can (four-pack) formats. Fortem will land in different Firestone Walker markets at variable times over the ensuing weeks (see www.leovursus.com for availability details).  It will be available for a short period before yielding to the next quarterly one-off release in the Leo. v. Ursus Chronology.

While diverse in style, each beer in the Leo v. Ursus Chronology will exhibit unifying threads—they will be bold, intense and often hoppy, but always with a native sense of balance. Many will also address “wish lists” expressed by loyal fans.

Brewing Team Unleashed

The Leo v. Ursus Chronology is born of a longing for high experimentation that was finally fulfilled by the recent launch of the Propagator, Firestone Walker’s pilot brewhouse in Venice, California.

“To say that our brewing team is pumped about Leo v. Ursus would be an understatement,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “Until the Propagator came along, our ability to experiment and go crazy with tiny batches was limited. The shackles are now off.”

The Propagator is a state-of-the-art miniature brewery made by Kaspar Schulz of Germany. It is designed to brew small, nimble batches, enabling the brewing team to explore new ideas and tinker with the results—which can then be fine-tuned and scaled at the main brewery in Paso Robles.

“Leo v. Ursus opens the door to increased creativity with new and exciting raw materials—namely, a host of new hop cultivars that do not fit into our established recipes,” Brynildson said. “We will also explore dark malts, experimental hops and alternative grains in this program.”

Fortem Pre-Release

Fortem (Latin for “The Strong”) is a new-age imperial IPA that draws upon a range of influences, all while exhibiting DNA from Firestone Walker’s own forays into the IPA style—including Double Jack and Luponic Distortion.

The intent of Fortem is to achieve power through balance, delivering amped-up aromas and mouthfeel while keeping bitterness on a leash. It blends newer hop varieties from the Pacific Northwest and Hallertau, Germany along with pale malt, wheat malt and flaked oats for a full body and a rounded texture.

Fresh Fortem (to be canned and kegged on February 24) will be unveiled for pre-release sampling and purchasing starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 25 at all Firestone Walker locations: the Brewery Emporium in Paso Robles, Taproom Restaurant in Buellton, and the Propagator Brewery Store in Venice.
Nomenclature & Artwork

The name Leo v. Ursus is a nod to the brewery’s distinctive culture of purposeful conflict, as embodied by founders Adam Firestone (The Bear) and David Walker (The Lion). Much in the way that Latin signifies a common root language, the Leo v. Ursus Chronology goes to the heart of Firestone Walker’s internal brewing identity—hence the use of Latin nomenclature.

To reimagine the Lion and Bear for Leo v. Ursus, Firestone Walker worked with Venice-based artist Todd Francis, whose work is legendary in the skateboard industry. Francis’s localized aesthetic reflects the neighborhood culture surrounding the Propagator pilot brewhouse, making his work a natural fit for beers largely inspired by experimental brews conceived at this location.

Along the way, Francis illustrated the Lion and Bear in a more aggressive stance, signifying the union of boldness and balance that one can expect from each beer released in the Leo v. Ursus Chronology.

“This is a new chapter for us,” Brynildson said. “We will go to our graves wishing we had made the perfect beer—but we will give it our best shot with Leo v. Ursus.”

Courtesy of Firestone Walker Brewing Co
Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering regional craft brewery founded in 1996 and located on the coast of California. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. For more information: FirestoneBeer