Night of the Living Ales and DAY of the Living Ales returns for Halloween

Portland's premiere Halloween and Craft Beer extravaganza - Night of the Living Ales - comes together over two days this year kicking off with an adults -only fete on Halloween night October 31st and continuing with an all-ages friendly fall and pumpkin fest during the day November 1st.

Night of the Living Ales
Friday October 31st 6pm - Midnight 21+
7th & E. Burnside, Portland, Oregon

Advanced Tickets Here

Night of the Living Ales on Halloween features the amazing acrobatics of the Wanderlust Circus and music from DJ Pippen as well as costume contests and a Jim Beam hosted cocktail bar. Tickets are available now for $20 and include 2 drink tickets and also at the door starting at 6pm.
NOTLA will feature special rare beers and ciders like a special Pumpkin Stout with roasted peppers and smoked malts from Burnside Brewing and an award winning Belgian beer with Pears from Pelican Brewery as well as more approachable "Couch" light lager.

Day of the Living Ales

Saturday November 1st 11am - 6pm ALL-AGES

7th & E. Burnside, Portland, OR

The day of the living ales features more unique beers on tap both for fans of pumpkin ales and those not. We will be pouring extremely rare kegs like 10 Barrel Brewing's Jamaican Me Pumpkin and Neapolitan as well as exclusive like "Bloody Orange" from Hi-Wheel Wine & Mead. Meanwhile for the kids there will be a face painter from Noon to 4pm and a coloring contest. Also look for pumpkin pie and a full food menu in the Burnside Brewing Co. pub.

1. Burnside: The Dapper Skeleton - pumpkin ale
2. Burnside: Dapper Skeleton Stout - a special stout version of our chili infused and smoky pumpkin ale
3. Burnside Brewing: Couch - lager
4. Pelican Brewery: Poire Du Pélican - Belgian-style with Pears
5. Oakshire: Big Black Jack - chocolate pumpkin stout
6. Hi-Wheel: Bloody Orange - a fizzy wine with flavors of Mandarin.
7. 2 Towns Cider: Cidre Bouche
8. Pelican: Bochabock - a doppelbock with 150lbs of roasted bocha squash
9. 10 Barrel: Jamaican Me Pumpkin - Rum barrel-aged Pumpkin Strong Ale.
10. 2 Towns Cider: Cidre Bouche
11. 10 Barrel: Neapolitan - Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla.

Night of the Living Ales
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Wanderlust Circus

Brewers announced, tickets on sale for Holiday Ale Festival

19th annual event offers one of the nation’s finest gatherings of winter beers

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 28, 2014 – Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual Holiday Ale Festival, taking place Dec. 3 through Dec. 7 at Pioneer Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Portland. The popular event will feature 53 big, bold ales in the main festival, plus another two dozen rare, vintage and specialty beers that will be tapped at various times throughout the event — including a vintage draft J. W. Lees 2009 Harvest Ale barleywine to be tapped at the start of the event.

This year’s participating breweries are 10 Barrel, 13 Virtues, 2 Towns, Alameda, Baerlic, Base Camp, Bear Republic, Burnside, Cascade, Coalition, Deluxe, Deschutes, Dick's, Dogfish Head, Drakes, Eel River, Elysian, Ex Novo, Fearless, Feckin, Finnriver, Fort George, Gigantic, Gilgamesh, Golden Valley, Hopworks, Kells, Lagunitas, Lompoc, Mazama, McMenamins Edgefield, Migration, Natian, Nectar Creek Honeywine, New Belgium, Ninkasi, No-Li, Oakshire, Old Town, Payette, Portland, Rock Bottom, Rogue, Rusty Truck, Santiam, Seven Brides, Sixpoint, Slanted Rock, Stickmen, Stone, Vertigo, Viking Braggot and Widmer. (For a complete list of beers, visit http://holidayale.com/the-beers-standard-release.php; a list is also pasted in below.)

What makes this festival standout from other similar events is the beer selection: the festival works with every brewery involved to make sure they send a beer that has either been made or blended specifically for the event, or is a rare or vintage beer that isn't commonly tapped in the state, underscoring the event's reputation as one of finest gathering of winter beers anywhere in the nation. These top tier breweries are supported by some of the nation’s most passionate beer appreciators who have the good fortune to be able to celebrate all their favorite breweries in one location.

A small sample of the lineup includes Cascade Brewing’s Gingersnaps, a NW style sour blend of red, spiced red and spiced quad ales aged in Bourbon and rum barrels for up to two years on spices; Eel River’s Gargantua II, an imperial strong ale aged on Bourbon vanilla beans and blended with a strong ale aged in Jack Daniels barrels for six months; Dogfish Head’s Rasion d’Etre, a Belgian-style brown ale brewed with beet sugar, raisins and Belgian-style yeast that is rarely seen in the Northwest; and Stone Brewing Liberty Station’s New Desecrator, a black barleywine with nearly the same profile as Stone Old Guardian, but surrounded by de-husked darkness.

Beer alternatives include two ciders: 2 Towns Bourbon Barrel Aged Nice & Naughty, a specialty cider fermented with dark meadowfoam honey and aged in Bourbon barrels with spices; and Finnriver Stone & Pome Cider, a Bourbon barrel aged plum and peach cider. There is also a Triple Brett barrel aged sour session mead from Nectar Creek Honeywine, and Aurora Amber Braggot from Viking Braggot Co, with juniper berries, spruce tips and local blackberry honey.

To enter and consume beer, the purchase of an entry package is required. Advance ticket packages are available now through 11:00am PST on Dec. 3 at http://holidayale.com/advance-tickets.php; advance general admission tickets cost $35 and include the tasting mug, 14 taster tickets and express entry all five days. Advance VIP tickets cost $80 and include the tasting mug, 30 taster tickets, bottled water, access to VIP lines (including special tappings), VIP only vintage bottles and/or draft, and express entry all five days. (Express re-entry requires a wristband and the 2014 mug, and is subject to the festival's capacity.) Door prices are the same, but do not allow for expedited entry.

A full mug of beer costs four taster tickets, and a taster costs one ticket. Certain limited release and special tappings may not be available in full mug pours, or may cost double tickets. Additional beer tickets can be purchased for $1 apiece. Previous years’ mugs will not be filled.

Designated drivers in a party of two or more may purchase a designated driver wristband for $10, which includes Crater Lake Root Beer or bottled water for the duration of the stay (DDs are not allowed to consume alcohol).

Holiday Festival hours are 11am to 10pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 11am to 5pm Sunday. To avoid the lengthy lines that often accompany beer festivals, the recommended days for attendance are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Holiday Ale Festival is for ages 21 and over.

Attendees stay warm and dry under clear-topped tents that cover the venue. Gas heaters create a cozy ambiance beneath the boughs of the region's largest decorated Christmas tree. In addition to beer tasting, the festival also features meet the brewer events, a root beer garden, food vendors, beer pairings with cheese, event merchandise and a coat and bag check that raises funds for the Children's Cancer Association. For more information, visit www.holidayale.com.

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2014 BEER LIST

10 Barrel Brewing Co., TBA, Double Black Ale with Black Licorice
13 Virtues Brewing Co., Barrel-Aged MAX Stout, Imperial Stout
2 Towns Ciderhouse, Bourbon Barrel Nice & Naughty, Cider
Alameda Brewing Co., Admiration IPA, American IPA
Baerlic Brewing Company, The Great Bear, NW Red Ale aged on Beechwood
Base Camp Brewing Company, Dunkelrauch Weizenbock, Imperial Grätzer
Bear Republic Brewing, Do You Want to Build A Snowman?, Golden Barrel Aged Blend

Burnside Brewing, Jingleberry, Imperial Stout aged on Fresh Cranberries
Cascade Brewing, Gingersnaps, NW Style Sour Strong Ale
Coalition Brewing, Big Maple, Imperial Maple Porter
Deluxe Brewing Company, Dunkel the Halls...With Beer & Jolly, Dunkel Bock
Deschutes Brewery, Scarlet Flame IRA, India Red Ale
Dick's Brewing Company, Black Friday Stout, Imperial Stout
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Dogfish Head Raison d'Etre, Belgian-style Brown Ale
Drake's Brewing Co., Jolly Rodger 2014, Imperial Coffee Stout
Eel River Brewing, Gargantua II, Whiskey Barrel Vanilla Imperial Strong Ale Blend
Elysian Brewing Company, Knock on Nelson, IPA with Nelson Sauvin
Ex Novo Brewing Co., TBD, Mexican Chocolate Baltic Porter
Fearless Brewing Company, Ichabod, Pumpkin Ale, Spice/Herb/Vegetable
Feckin Brewery, Top O' The Feckin' Mornin', Imperial Espresso Milk Porter
Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Finnriver Stone & Pome Cider, Barrel Aged Plum and Peach Cider
Fort George Brewery and Public House, Santa's Dinner Jacket, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Red Ale
Gigantic Brewing, Red Rider BB Gun, Saison with Cranberries
Gilgamesh Brewing, Eastside Bandit, Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter
Golden Valley Brewery, Pinot Noir Barrel-Aged Tannen Boom, Barrel-Aged Belgian-Style Strong Ale
Hopworks Urban Brewery, The Incredible Abominable of the Enchanted Barrel Forest, Barrel Aged Imperial Winter Ale
Kells Brew Pub, MIC Stout AKA Boom Roaster, Milk Imperial Coffee Stout
Lagunitas Brewing Company, Scare City, Wheatwine
Lompoc Brewing, Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Cheval de Trait Belge, Belgian Strong Ale
Mazama Brewing Co., Noel Rouge, Imperial Wit
McMenamins Edgefield Brewery, Lord of Misrule, Rum Barrel Aged Habanero
Migration Brewing, Frankie Claus, Belgian Imperial Stout
Natian Brewery, Irish Water, Imperial Golden Ale
Nectar Creek Mead, Triple Brett, Barrel Aged Sour Session Mead
New Belgium Brewing Company, La Folie, Sour Brown Ale
Ninkasi Brewing Co, Doppelbock, Doppelbock

No-Li Brewhouse, Whiskey Barrel Aged Winter Warmer, Winter Warmer

Oakshire Brewing, Prestidigitation, White Chocolate Milk Stout
Old Town Brewing Company, Bluth's Original Chocolate Banana Hefeweizen, Chocolate Bavarian-style Hefeweizen
Payette Brewing Company, Bandito, IPA with Agave and Tequila Soaked Oak Chips
Portland Brewing, 2014 Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout, Bourbon Barrel Aged Cherry Stout with Coffee
Rock Bottom, Yul Brynner, Santo Poco style Strong Ale
Rogue Ales, BIG ASS BARREL Maple Doppelbock, German Style Doppelbock
Rusty Truck Brewing Co, Santaweizen, Weizenbock
Santiam Brewing, Golden Sultan, Belgian Golden Strong
Seven Brides Brewing, The 503, Barleywine
Sixpoint Brewery, Lump of Coal Porter, Robust Porter
Slanted Rock Brewing Company, Cordial Tease, Spiced Winter Ale
Stickmen Brewery & Skewery, Big Chocolate Banana, Dunkelweizen
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, New Desecrator, Black Barley Wine
Vertigo Brewery and Taproom, Busted Head Red, Imperial Red Ale
Viking Braggot Company, Aurora, NW Amber Braggot
Widmer Brothers Brewing, Frosty The Munchieman, Porter

Beer Mail:Ninkasi Brewing's Venn and Oktoberfest

A couple of weeks back freshpints.com received beer mail from Ninkasi Brewing. Samples included Venn, a Dortmund-style lager from Ninkasi's Prismatic Lager series and Oktoberfest, a Festbier Lager, from Ninkasi's Seasonal release series.

Since it's more fun to share samples than just sample alone, I tried to gather local friends to share the Venn and Oktoberfest....but it was not to be, as everyone was too busy to gather for beer....I know...crazy. So instead, last weekend my parents had a little get together with some family and I decided, perfect occasion! We'd do a little family-style beer mail sampling.

Being the type of person I am and therefore wanting to control how I shared the samples, I actually packed in my own set of eight tasting glasses. I'm convinced this made a positive difference, though the beer is good regardless of serving vessel.

Samplers this time included my mom and dad, my aunt and uncle visiting from Seattle, my brother and his girlfriend up from Corvallis, and Emily and me of course.

First sample was the Oktoberfest. This one got great reviews from our "tasting panel."  It was a crisp fall day, we were eating chili and cornbread, and this was a very fine accompaniment.  It was nice and malty but not too sweet with a nice very mild hop flavor as well.

Next we broke out the Venn.  This is a great Lager, very light and clean, well balanced.  This was also popular with our crew, who noted, slight citrus and grassy hop aroma and slightly bready or biscuit and citrus and grassy flavor's. It's very drinkable and mellow; it would be easy to enjoy a few.

Oktoberfest Stats

Style: Festbier Lager

Series: Seasonal Release Series

Available: Sept.-Oct. 2014

ABV: 5.9

IBU: 25

Starting Gravity: 1058

Malt: Pilsner, Carahell, Cara Munich

Hops: Sterling, Willamette, Tettnang

Packaging: 22-ounce bottles, 12-ounce bottles, draft

Distribution: Oregon; Washington; Idaho; Montana; California; Alaska; Nevada; and Vancouver, British Columbia
URL: http://www.ninkasibrewing.com/oktoberfest

Description: To celebrate the harvest, we decided to brew a beer dedicated to the tradition of Oktoberfest. Using Pilsner malt and hops grown in the Northwest, this beer is our way of toasting to the great bounty that our area brings us. Cheers!

Tasting Notes: Our Oktoberfest has a slightly higher ABV than most Bavarian-style lagers, followed by a more prolific aromatic hop profile. With a deep copper color, this lager has a toasty malt flavor and a dry finish with earthy, grassy hop notes.

Food Pairings: Chicken, Duck, Rabbit, Pork, Potatoes, Spaetzle, Salads, Caramel Sweets and Cookies

Venn Stats

Style: Dortmund-Style Lager

Series: Prismatic Lager Series

Available: Sept.-Dec. 2014

ABV: 5.1

IBU: 25

Starting Gravity: 1050

Malt: Pilsner, Vienna, Carahell, Acidulated

Hops: German Magnum, German Hersbrucker

Packaging: 12-ounce bottles, draft

Distribution: Oregon; Washington; Idaho; Montana; California; Alaska; Nevada; and Vancouver, British Columbia

URL: http://www.ninkasibrewing.com/venn

Description: Venn is the definition of balance, where American craft meets European tradition. First brewed in 19^th century Dortmund, Germany, the hallmark of the style is its sophisticated symmetry. Brilliantly marrying a perceptible Noble Hop bitterness with a rounded, sweet malt flavor, Venn is golden in color, clean and harmonious.

Tasting Notes: The hallmark of this Dortmund-style lager is the balance between perceptible Noble Hop bitterness and rounded malt flavor; making it deliciously easy to drink.

Food Pairings: Sausages, Spaetzles, Trout, Fondue, Potato Salad

 

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Born Yesterday On Its Way From Lagunitas Brewing

Born Yesterday, a new Fresh Hop Pale Ale from Lagunitas Brewing, is shipping as I type this. Expect to see it at limited tap houses and bottle shops in California, Oregon, and Washington tomorrow (10/27/14). Born Yesterday is a version of the Dogtown Pale ale that will use fresh unkilned wet hops. Once Born Yesterday is bottled and kegged, Lagunitas will ship the product to store shelves or bars within 24 hours.

Information sent to freshpints.com from Lagunitas about Born Yesterday is below. Lagunitas is also sending freshpints.com some samples of Born Yesterday - we're excited to try this unique, (very) fresh hop pale! Our beer was born today, so we'll have it tomorrow and will post about it in the very near future.  (Thank Lagunitas for sending some our way - we've been looking forward to this release since BBC14 in August!)

The Announcement:

IT’S A BEER:
Born Yesterday Pale Ale
WHAT?
It's a newborn version  Pale Ale (New DogTown Pale), with a fresh addition.  wet, un-kilned virgin hops—with all their oils intact—10lbs per barrel
Then bottled and delivered the result within 24hrs.
FRESH HOPS USED:
Wet Amarillo, wet Mosaic and Wet Equinox (Wetquinox) picked on the Sept. equinox.
All hops are from our farmer friends up at Carpenter Ranch, Loftus and Perault.
PEDIGREE:
An preemie version of Born Yesterday beer won first place at the Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival.
AVAILABILITY:
Ridiculously limited 6packs and draft in California, Oregon and Washington.

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The Bastards are Coming: 2014 Double Bastard Ale and Lukcy Basartd Ale Released Today

Press Release:
ESCONDIDO, CA– Feeble palates beware: The Bastards are coming. Starting today, 2014 Double Bastard Ale and Lukcy Basartd Ale will descend upon an unsuspecting nation in 22-ounce bottles and on draft at select retailers, restaurants and bars. Not to be wasted on the tentative or weak, both beers are reserved for Worthy souls with the ability to comprehend and appreciate these refined forms of “Liquid Arrogance.” They are amazing specimens to be relished, revered and respected.

Fizzy yellow beer drinkers should simply stay home…with their mothers.

Originally created to honor the one-year anniversary of Arrogant Bastard Ale—itself an over-the-top ale that led to the establishment of the now widely recognized American Strong Ale beer category - Double Bastard was first released November 1998 and has since been released on an annual basis. The beer debuted as the amped-up evil uncle of its already aggressive predecessor, with the bottle warning: “This is one lacerative muther of an ale.”

First unleashed upon the world in November 2010, Lukcy Basartd Ale was created to celebrate every form of Arrogance for Arrogant Bastard Ale’s (lucky) 13th anniversary by blending Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale and OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale, and then dry-hopping the result to the hilt. The LB has been making a brief appearance every other year since.

While Lukcy Basartd Ale should be consumed right away and without delay when it’s at its brash freshest, the massive Double Bastard Ale can be massively enjoyed sooner, later, or whenever you damn well please, as it may be properly cellared for months or even years.

2014 Double Bastard Ale Quick Facts
Name: 2014 Double Bastard Ale
URL: arrogantbastard.com/doublebastard/
Stats: 11% ABV, IBUs – CLASSIFIED
Availability: Limited three-liter bottles, Arrogant Bastard Box, 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning October 27
Hops bill: CLASSIFIED
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
Find this beer: find.stonebrewing.com

 

Lukcy Basartd Ale Quick Facts
Name: Lukcy Basartd Ale
URL: arrogantbastard.com/lukcybasartd/
Stats: 8.5% ABV, IBUs – CLASSIFIED
Availability: Arrogant Bastard Box, limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning October 27
Hops bill: CLASSIFIED
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
Find this beer: find.stonebrewing.com/

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Old Town Brewing Co. Taps Grimm Collaboration Beer to Benefit Doernbecher

Old Town Brewing Co. Taps Grimm Collaboration Beer to Benefit Doernbecher

Portland brewery will donate $2 of every pint of “Wesen Wiezen” sold to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

Portland, Ore. – Old Town Brewing Co.® (OTB®), a locally owned and operated Portland brewery, will celebrate the season premiere of Grimm’s® fourth season on Oct. 24, 2014, with the tapping of its Wesen Wiezen specialty brew.  For every pint sold, OTB will donate $2 to the Grimmster Endowment at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

No stranger to ghosts and legends with its famed haunted location in Old Town, Old Town Brewing Co. knew locally filmed and beloved Grimm would be the perfect partner for a specialty beer, and just in the time for Halloween, too. The result is a delicious reflection of Portland and the show’s character.

The Wesen Wiezen, a black Bavarian hefeweizen brewed in tribute to Portland’s own Grimm TV show, is a classic Bavarian-style hef with black malt that shifts the shape of the sessionable black ale. The specialty brew will be available at both the brewery location on Martin Luther King Blvd. and the Old Town Pizza Davis Street taproom location until it’s sold out.

“For Old Town Brewing Co., this is what it’s all about - creating beer with local partners that reflect the spirit of our city, while being able to give something back to an incredibly important local organization,” said Adam Milne, owner of Old Town Brewing Co. and Old Town Pizza. “My hope is that the community will rally around this opportunity to enjoy incredible beer and raise as much money as possible for Doernbecher.”

Old Town Brewing Co. has been busy during its first two years of inception, scooping up four major awards in the last 12 months, two from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and two from the World Beer Cup. Those beers include the following:

• GABF 2014, Silver, I’d Like to Buy the World a Kölsch, German-Style Kölsch category
• GABF 2013, Gold, Cents and Sensibility, Fresh Hop category
• World Beer Cup 2014, Silver, I’d Like to Buy the World a Kölsch, German-Style Kölsch category
• World Beer Cup 2014, Bronze, Paulie’s Not Irish Red, Irish Style Red Ale category

About Old Town Brewing Co./Old Town Pizza

Old Town Brewing Co. (OTB) opened in northeast Portland, Ore., in 2012. With an emphasis on crafting its beer to reflect the spirit, values, history and personality of Portland, OTB proudly uses Portland’s legendary white stag symbol as the emblem for its beers. OTB is the first Portland brewery to deliver beer and pizza by bike straight to consumers, rain or shine. Reclaimed materials were extensively incorporated into the design of the brewery, evoking an atmosphere authentic to Portland.

Owner Adam Milne opened OTB to complement his Old Town Pizza® location in Portland’s historic Old Town neighborhood. A devoted Old Town Pizza customer since celebrating his ninth birthday at the restaurant, Milne purchased Old Town Pizza from the original owners, the Accuardi family, in 2003.For more information visit www.otbrewing.com and www.oldtownpizza.com.

About the Grimmster Endowment,

After visiting with patients at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the cast of Grimm were inspired to establish the Grimmster Endowment to provide critical support to OHSU Doernbecher’s most vulnerable patients and families, including help with uncompensated care, travel, lodging and other services integral to their care and comfort.

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Kells Brew Pub

 

Kells Brew Pub brings new head chef on board, releases updated, rustic menu

Brewery expands beer lineup, wins Willamette Week Beer Pro/Am People’s Choice AND Judge’s Choice award 
 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 23, 2014 – Kells Brew Pub on NW 21st Ave is pleased to announce the addition of Travis Stark as its new head chef. Stark’s first order of business was to refresh the existing menu, adding a variety of new appetizers, salads and entrees.

Stark, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, has experience running the kitchen at the Pitchwood Ale House in his hometown of Raymond, Wash., as well as working at downtown Kells and other Portland restaurants over the past seven years. He grew up in the Northwest, and has a keen appreciation for its bounty. “We get to enjoy fresh seafood, oysters, vegetables, fruit and, of course, the other food staple – beer,” said Stark. “Part of the fun for me is pairing up foods that not only pay homage to the Northwest but also complement the amazing Kells’ brews.”

The updated menu starts with “Wee Plates” which includes all new items like salmon cakes with a chipotle remoulade & house made pickles; house-made falafel fritters served with tzatziki; bacon wrapped figs stuffed with goat cheese; and asparagus topped with an egg and bacon. New main entrees range from a cast-iron Wagyu top sirloin and Imperial Ranch lamb chops to wild caught salmon and a house smoked pork chop. Other new items are sprinkled throughout the menu, including a number of vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Traditional Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, corn beef and cabbage and Dublin Chicken Curry remain. (Click here to see the complete new menu.)

“We really wanted everything to be a bit rustic – food cooked simply, using the best local ingredients,” explained restaurant manager Garrett McAleese of the new menu. “A few of the dishes are cooked and served in cast iron to give the food a vigorous, hearty flavor.”

Kells Brewery has been busy expanding its beer lineup as well. Adding to its original offerings of an Irish Lager, Irish Red and Irish Style Pale Ale is an Irish Stout served on nitro using fresh ingredients from the Northwest; and a whiskey-barrel aged red ale that immediately sold out upon its first release and will be released again in December at the Brew Pub. The brewery also has bottling plans in the works: its popular Irish Red Ale will be packaged in 12-oz bottles that will be available in December in time for the holidays.

Kells Brewery recently won the Willamette Week Beer Pro/Am People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice award for its Boom Roasters Coffee Milk Stout, a collaboration between homebrewer Natalie Baldwin and Kells head brewer Dave Fleming.

Kells Brew Pub is open to all ages seven days a week from 11:30am to close Tuesday through Friday, 9am to close on weekends, and 4pm to close on Monday. For more information, visit www.kellsbrewpub.com or call 503-719-7175.

ABOUT KELLS
Serving the Northwest since 1983, Kells Irish Restaurant is a local family-run establishment that is consistently voted and ranked among the top Irish pubs in the United States. With locations in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, it is a touchstone of each community that stays true to its roots, annually hosting the largest St. Patrick’s Day festival in the Northwest. Owners Gerard and Lucille McAleese are also recognized for their generosity to a number of nonprofits and community organizations. For more information, visit www.kellsirish.com.

New Stone Brewing Release:Smoked Porter With Chocolate and Orange Peel

Another Interesting beer coming out of the Stone Brewing Camp. See press release below.

Press Release:

ESCONDIDO, CA (Oct. 20, 2014) – In time for fall, Stone Brewing Co. is introducing a new, citrus-rich chocolaty iteration of the classic year-round Stone Smoked Porter. Today, Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel begins shipping in 22-ounce bottles and on draft at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets nationwide.

“Since 2006, we’ve done experimental cask creations with Stone Smoked Porter and discovered how well it pairs with a broad range of ingredients, from chipotle peppers to vanilla beans,” explains Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele. “When trying out different combinations for this specific limited release, I was really impressed with how well chocolate and orange peel worked together and knew it had to be shared with our fans on a large scale.”

Orange peel was added post-fermentation to bring about a citrusy aroma and lingering, tangy flavor. The cocoa flavors come from the dark malts and addition of chocolate from Los Angeles-based ChocoVivo, which naturally augment the beer’s sweet, robust flavor. Magnum and Mt. Hood hops provide complex flavors, aromatics and a balanced bitterness that doesn’t overpower the chocolate and citrus qualities of the beer.

To fully enjoy the robust flavors present in Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel, the beer should be enjoyed within 120 days from the “bottled on” date found on the bottle neck. 

Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel Quick Facts

Name: Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel   URL: stonebrewing.com/porter/chocolateorange   Stats: 5.9% ABV, 53 IBUs Availability: Limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning October 20 Hops bill: Magnum and Mt. Hood Distribution: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, TV, WA, and Puerto Rico Find this beer: find.stonebrewing.com

Tasting notes, provided by Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele

Appearance: Pours deep brown with a tan head. Aroma: Peat-smoked malt, orange peel and coffee with hints of cocoa. Taste: First impression is the smoky flavor from the peat-smoked malt that characterizes our regular Stone Smoked Porter, followed immediately by a blast of orange peel and citrus. Cocoa and roast malt characters follow, but the orange peel is particularly prominent in the aftertaste. Palate: Medium body with a light sweetness and citrus tang, along with balanced hop bitterness. Overall: This is a fun beer to brew. We’ve loved this orange and chocolate flavor in beer for a long time, and our team has made several casks of this particular version that are always very popular. The orange notes blend in well with the dark-roasted malt character, and the peat-smoked malt adds layers of flavor.

Suggested pairings, provided by Stone Craft Beer Ambassador "Dr." Bill Sysak

Appetizers: Goat-cheese stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp, bacon-wrapped dates, pulled pork sliders, hummus, artichoke dip
Soups: Beef stew, lentil, New England-style clam chowder, French onion soup, chili con carne
Entrees: Pork tenderloin, lamb chops, filet mignon, stuffed Poblano peppers, Indian yellow curry
Desserts: Tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, oatmeal cookies, pecan pie, vanilla ice cream

 

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SLAY WINTER WITH RETURNING COLD-WEATHER OFFERINGS FROM NINKASI BREWING COMPANY

Sleigh’r Dark Doüble Alt Ale and Imperiale Imperial Stout Available Through December 2014

Press Release:

EUGENE, Ore.—Oct. 15 2014—Returning to Ninkasi Brewing Company’s winter line-up Sleigh’r, Dark Doüble Alt Ale, and Imperiale, Imperial Stout, will be available this month throughout Ninkasi’s distribution footprint through December.

Hailing from traditional beer styles, these beers were brewed with winter in mind – dark and smooth.

Brewed in the traditional German Alt way, Sleigh’r is darker than its traditional heritage, profiling a malt-forward, dry and toasty beer from Ninkasi’s Seasonal Release Series. “Sleigh’r is a true tribute to the spirited nature of the season,” says Ninkasi founding brewer and co-owner, Jamie Floyd. “A dark, rich toasted-malt flavor is balanced by just enough hop bitterness to make this winter offering deceptively easy to drink.”

Making its way back to Ninkasi’s Special Release Series is Imperiale. This Imperial Stout offers lots of roasted malt flavor, along with a rich, smooth and warming body. “Impeirale is the perfect beer to accompany any winter gathering, pairing well with hearty foods of the season,” says Floyd.

Both beers are available through December across Ninkasi’s distribution footprint: Oregon; Alaska; Arizona; California; Idaho; Montana; Nevada; Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Sleigh’r  Stats
Style: Dark Doüble Alt Ale
Series: Seasonal Release Series
ABV: 7.2
IBU: 50
Starting Gravity: 1068
Malt: 2-Row Pale, Crystal, Munich, Carahell, Roasted Barley, Chocolate
Hops: Nugget
Available: On draft, 12 and 22-ounce bottles
URL: www.ninkasibrewing.com/sleighr

Description: A delicious Northwest seasonal brewed with winter in mind. A dark doüble alt ale, malty and delicious, it's sure to keep the winter at bay. And yes, Sleigh'r does rock!

Tasting Notes: An alt ferments with ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives alts a more refined and crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The doüble alt means that it has been “Ninkasified." Regular alts are 5 to 5.5 percent ABV and 40 IBUs. Sleigh'r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and has 7.2 percent ABV and 50 IBUs keeping it in a perfect alt balance!

Imperiale Stats
Style: Imperial Stout
Series: Special Release Series
ABV: 9.1
IBU: 70
Starting Gravity: 1090
Malt: 2-Row Pale, Munich, Crystal, Flaked Barley, Roasted Barley, Black Malt, Carafa
Hops: Nugget
Available: On draft, 22-ounce bottles
URL: www.ninkasibrewing.com/imperiale

Description: Rich, full bodied and surprisingly smooth, Imperiale Stout has a big roast hit up front. Dark malt flavors are balanced with an ample hop bitterness to finish.

Tasting Notes: Roasted malt up front, with a smooth and creamy body warming the mouth. Caramel, toffee, molasses and a touch of coffee notes are present but unified in one amazingly drinkable beer. Let us bundle you up!

Black Widow Porter Released Today At All McMenamins Locations

 Black Widow Porter from McMenamins is being released today on tap and in bottles through October 31st at all McMenamins locations. Black Widow Porter has a long history, as it was created and brewed on October 15,1991 at the Thompson Brewery and Public House location in Salem,OR and brewed each year after. Now All McMenamins breweries make Black Widow Porter and release the beer during the short window of October 15th through Halloween. So get out and find a McMenamins and grab a pint of Black Widow Porter before it crawls away.





Beer Info:
Malts Used: Bairds Pale Malt, Great Western Munich, Great Western Flaked Barley, Great Western Wheat, Bairds 135/165L Crys­tal, Bairds Roast Material, Bairds Black Malt
Hops Used: Horizon (Bittering & Flavor)
Additional Ingredient: Licorice Root
ABV: 7.35%    IBU: 41   SRM: 38

 Thanks McMenamins for the sample.