My week in Portland, OR flew by, and try as I might, I was not able to wipe out the city's beer supply. Still, I had tons of amazing beers, met a lot of great brewers, and got well-acquainted with a couple relatively new styles: the single-malt ale and Cascadian dark ale (black IPA). Here are a few of my favorites that I took notes on below.
The picture to your right is from my visit to Wyeast Labs as part of a tour put on by the Oregon Craft Brewers Guild. We trying several beers that differed only in yeast strain - very cool. The day also had a visit to Full Sail Brewing where brewmaster Jamie Emmerson pulled bottles of Session off the line for us to drink. I may never have a fresher beer.
Thomas Fawcett Single Malt Bitter
New Old Lompoc Brewery
English Bitter | 3.40% ABV
A- / 4.1
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 4.5
On cask at the brewpub. This beer blew me away. I've never had a great low-alcohol bitter on cask in the US before, let alone that the beer is US-brewed. The flavor is a little spicier than the Baird Maris Otter, with jasmine and cake frosting notes mixed with the bread crust and biscuit malt notes. Man, I wish there were more beers like this. I mean, it has so little alcohol that it actually helps hydrate you, but it has all the complexity of a beer twice its size.
HUB Lager
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Czech Pilsener | 5.10% ABV
A / 4.3
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 4.5
Had a pint at the Horse Brass with friends. Man this is a heck of a beer. I certainly wouldn't mind having a liter-stein of it. There's a soft, bready malt character with very mild hints of spice and vanilla. There's also a note or toast and a little citrus. The beer is dry and super drinkable, and frankly, I'm glad I have the self-control to move along.
Black Bear XX Stout
Alameda Brewhouse
Foreign / Export Stout | 6.80% ABV
A- / 4.1
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 4.5
Split a bomber with friends. Nothing surprising about the appearance, big and black with a tan head. I really enjoyed this stout because it wasn't the usual thick, chewy stout. Instead it was a touch lighter, like an export stout should be, with two dominant characteristics: dry roasted black malts and sweet cocoa chocolate. Heck of a beer, check this out.
India Pelican Ale
Pelican Pub & Brewery
American IPA | 7.50% ABV
A- / 4.2
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | drink: 4
I split a bomber at Bailey's Taproom... but ended up enjoying most of it. Despite the extra strength, it hardly felt like a heavier IPA. In fact, I had no problem finishing my pint. What I really loved about this beer was that it covered a lot of different hop flavors - floral to earthy to citrus - and balance them all well to make a slightly juicy, and wholly delicious IPA. Yum.
