Beer West is coming!

Beer West is coming January 2011!

After three fantastic years as Beer Northwest, we are changing our name to Beer West and taking the plunge into California. You can expect more of the same great coverage we've been bringing you for three years, only there will be more of it. Beer West will debut with the Winter 2011 issue, out in January. The new Beer West website will go in January with even more features, enhanced content, updated blog (I realize we've been neglecting this one lately as we've been expanding), chat forums, and more. We can’t wait!

Welcome "O'Dark:30," the new Spring Seasonal from Oakshire Brewing

Oakshire Brewing Company of Eugene, Oregon released their newest Seasonal Beer, O’Dark:30, a Cascadian Dark Ale, Friday, March 5th. O'Dark:30 is a style that has, until recently, been called "Black IPA" for both it’s color and hop bitterness, flavor and aroma. However, the movement has taken hold, and is now called Cascadian Dark Ale.

“The challenge with designing a beer like this is balance,” explains Brewmaster Matt Van Wyk. “The challenge is creating a black color with only a hint of roast and chocolate flavors while still letting the Pacific Northwest hops shine through. We think we’ve come up with something that all beer fans will enjoy.”

And what of the unique name? “O'Dark:30 is that time of morning that is so early and so dark that the actual time is irrelevant," according to Jeff Althouse, Founder of Oakshire brewing, “It's a unique and fun name that honors the many brewers, including ours, who often wake up early to start the brew day."

O’Dark:30 (6.3%abv, 70 IBUs) will be available throughout Oregon in both draft and 22 oz bottles. Brewmaster Matt Van Wyk will be in Portland on Friday, March 12th at 5PM at The Eastburn and Monday, March 15th at Belmont Station to debut O’Dark:30, which will also be featured at the Spring Beer and Wine Festival on April 1st and 2nd in Portland.

Oregon Brews and BBQs to benefit Habitat for Humanity

Oregon Brews and BBQs, an event celebrating Northwest breweries, food and music, will be held June 18-19 at the Granary District, 845 NE 5th Street in McMinnville. The event will benefit Habitat for Humanity and locally related Habitat projects.

The event will kick off Friday, June 18, from 3-10 p.m. and continue Saturday, June 19, from noon-10 p.m. Admission is $5 for those 13 and older and $1 per taste token. For more information, call 503-472-9637 or go to www.oregonbrewsandbbqs.com.

ExBEERience!

The 4th annual ExBEERience will be held THIS SATURDAY, March 13, 2010 at Redhook Brewing Company in Woodinville from noon to 4 PM. The event, sponsored by the Cascade Brewers Guild home brewing club, will feature commercial brewers, home brew samples, food, and the recognition of award winners from both the 2010 Cascade Brewers Cup home brewing competition and the annual awards from the Washington Homebrewers Association. Brewers scheduled to pour at the event are Alaskan Brewing, Baron/3 Skulls, Big Al, Black Raven, Firestone Walker, Fremont Brewing, Georgetown, Issaquah Brewhouse, Kona, Lazy Boy, Odin, Powerhouse, Redhook, Trade Route and Widmer. Proceeds benefit Childhaven, a non-profit to benefit abused and neglected children.

Entry is $20 in advance, $25 at the door and includes entry, lunch and 9 beer tokens. Additional tokens available to purchase on site; ATM available. Advance tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/98927.

Beer Classes from Oregon Beer Odyssey

Oregon Beer Odyssey will be offering beer appreciation classes in Portland!

From the Press Release:
"Beginning March 20, 2010, Oregon Beer Odyssey (OBO) will offer classes, tastings, and events designed to promote beer appreciation and education. Classes will be held at sites around Portland, including notable bottle shops such as The Hop and Vine, the Wine and Spirit Archive, Saraveza, Bailey’s Taproom and The Beer Mongers.

In March and April, class topics will include Oregon Beer Odyssey’s signature, introductory class Tasting and Talking About Beer, and one entitled Great Beers of the Northwest. Future classes will include style-specific workshops and overview courses on the great beers of Belgium, Germany, England, Scandinavia, and Italy. Oregon Beer Odyssey's full class schedule is available on its website and on Facebook.

According to founder and co-owner Ben Edmunds, “we hope to teach people to be able to talk about the flavors they discover in beer and to introduce people to beers and styles of beer that they otherwise might not know. Our classes are targeted at everyone from the beer knowledgeable to beer novices.”

Starting in April, Oregon Beer Odyssey’s will be headquartered at the corner of SE 12th and Division, in the same building as The Beer Mongers and across the street from soon-to-open beer bar Apex."

Brewpublic Presents Portland's first ever Meet-the-Brewers Pub Crawl!

This will be an outstanding event! Come out and support the brewers, and Brewpublic!

From the Press Release:
"Brewpublic is pleased to announce The Division Street BREWPUBLICRAWL, the first Meet-the-Brewers pub crawl in Portland, Oregon. This event is happening on March 20, 2010 (Saturday); we're kicking the thing off at Victory Pub (SE 37th and Division) at Noon. They've agreed to open early this day just for this event."

Eight brewers will be showcasing their Cascadian-brewed beers at 4 pub stops:
12pm: Victory Bar with Hopworks Urban Brewery and Double Mountain Brewery
1:30PM: New Old Lompoc Hedge House with Lompoc
3:00PM: Bar Avignon with Full Sail and Fort George
4:30PM: The BeerMongers with Walking Man, Barley Browns, and Beer Valley

For more details, check out the BREWPUBLIC events page: http://brewpublic.com/events

Calling all Homebrewers!

Enter the Sasquatch Brew Festival Homebrew Competition!

The national competition is made possible with the sponsorship of NW Legends, and the generosity and hard work of the Cascade Brewers Society. It is also sanctioned by the BJCP, recognizing the most outstanding home-brewed beers produced by amateur brewers.

Entries must be received by Eugene City Brewery by May 1.
Please Ship to: 844 Olive St. Eugene Oregon 97401.

Judging will take place on May 8, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each of the following categories and their sub-categories. The "Best of Show" prize is tuition and lodging for HopUnion’s Hop School (the winner will be responsible for transportation and incidental expenses).

Category 8: English Pale Ale
Category 10: American Ale
Category 14: IPA
Category 18: Belgian Strong Ale
Category 19: Strong Ale
As well as the “Glen tribute Beer”
The idea of the “Glen Tribute Beer” is to brew a beer that Glen might have brewed and most certainly would have enjoyed.

For more information, winners list for 2009 and entry forms, visit www.sasquatchbrewfest.org

Corvallis Welcomes Flat Tail Brewing

Tonya and Iain Duncan, owners of three successful and diverse restaurants in Corvallis, have partnered with Laura Bryngelson and Mark Martin, owners of Calapooia Brewing Co. in Albany to create Flat Tail Brewing, scheduled to open in late February, 2010.

For almost two decades, Oregon Trail Brewery was the sole brewery in Corvallis. In 2006, Block 15 Brewing opened their doors. Now with two breweries in such close proximity, can Corvallis support another brewpub? "Oh yeah. It's unbelievable that a PAC 10 town of over 50,000 residents only has two breweries!" said Martin, Brewmaster for Calapooia Brewing Co. "There are towns with half our population, with no college, that support three or four microbreweries, so it should be no problem for Corvallis."

Nick and Kristen Arzner, owners of Block 15, agree: "The addition of another craft beer establishment will strengthen Corvallis' already great beer reputation, and encourage folks to frequent our beautiful downtown and travel from afar." When asked if he was worried that a new brewpub would compete with Block 15, Arzner answered, "Craft beer is all about diversity and selection. Flat Tail will bring their own style of brewing to Corvallis, which will complement what we are brewing here at Block 15 and the Brewer's at Oregon Trail. Can you imagine, within our downtown you will be able to drink over 20 different styles of local craft beer? That's the way every town should be."

"We have a great relationship with Nick and Kristen and with Dave Wills of Oregon Trail," commented Bryngelson, President of Calapooia Brewing Co. "We buy hops from Dave, and we bought some of Block 15's furniture when they were cleaning out old furniture from Headline. We answered some of their questions about the industry when they opened, and they have offered to return the favor when we start dealing with the City. Plus, we plan to feature beers from both breweries as guest taps." Cloud Davidson, owner of Cloud 9 and The Downward Dog on 1st St, sums it up: "It's great to see a negative void from the former Fox n Firkin spot filled by a positive, local, family-owned business. Flat Tail Brewing is a wonderful addition to our vibrant waterfront!"

With three restaurants downtown, Iain and Tonya Duncan already have a full plate. "Le Bistro, Aqua, and Terzo have successfully contributed to a diverse culinary offering for Corvallis. With Flat Tail, however, we wanted a place that will cater to the University students, staff, alumni, and Beaver fans. It's crazy that there aren't any Beaver-themed pubs in this town!" said Tonya Duncan. Iain added, "With our established experience in fine dining, Calapooia's knowledge of brewing, and support from OSU's coaches, we're confident that Flat Tail will be good for Corvallis."

Flat Tail Brewing is scheduled to open in February 2010. The brewery will begin production on site in April 2010. In the meantime, Calapooia Brewing Co. will contract brew six or seven styles of beer for Flat Tail. The beer selection will be rounded out by guest beers such as local favorites Block 15 and Oregon Trail, and other craft brews from around Oregon and the Northwest. The owners plan to host a Grand Opening in May, once the brewery is ready for operation.

Standing Stone Brewing Co. Hosts Regional Kickoff of "Women Enjoying Beer"

Standing Stone Brewing Co (101 Oak St, Ashland) will host the regional kickoff gathering of "Women Enjoying Beer" on Thursday, February 11 from 7-9 pm. This event is for women only, and focuses on helping females learn more about the many different aspects of beer, while have fun doing. "Women Enjoying Beer" will be held on a regular basis, providing participants with a chance to try new beers and deepen their knowledge and appreciation in a relaxed, social setting.

This unique concept is the brainchild of Ginger Johnson, a beer enthusiast, industry specialist and consultant who organizes events and helps breweries develop and serve their female consumer base on a national level.

Johnson will lead a tasting of 4 beers, facilitate a discussion about qualities and flavors, describe the beer making process and the factors that contribute to a beer's overall taste experience, and answer questions. The gathering is designed to be an informal, fun opportunity to meet other women interested in exploring the world of beer. The event costs $10 per person.

Interested attendees can call Ginger at 515-450-7757 to sign up, or get more information.

Crispin Cider Company Acquires Fox Barrel Cider Company

Crispin Cider Company announced the acquisition of California based Fox Barrel Cider Company in an all-stock transaction, terms of which are not disclosed.

The acquisition includes all assets, including the cidery located in Colfax, California, and liabilities. “The Crispin Cider Company is now very well placed in terms of scale. . .to compete at the highest levels within the global cider market. With the manufacturing & R&D capability located in our cidery in Colfax we can now accelerate our expansion plans across the US and beyond,” said Joe Heron CEO Crispin Cider Company.

“Sonicsgate” selected to screen at BAM Fest

“Sonicsgate: Requiem For A Team,” the critically acclaimed documentary chronicling the true story of the Seattle SuperSonics’ tragic demise, has been selected for the Beer And Movie Fest (BAM) in Portland, Oregon. “Sonicsgate” will screen at the Bagdad Theater & Pub (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd.) on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7:15 P.M.

BAM is a two-week, four-venue, 50-film screening festival in Portland from Feb. 10 – 26
showcasing the best Northwest brews alongside some of the best films of our time. Buy tickets,
check showtimes and view additional information at www.bamfestpdx.com.

“Sonicsgate” director Jason Reid said he expects a packed house at BAM, as the Northwest
community unites to celebrate the Sonics’ rich history and learn why the team ultimately left town.

“Even though they were our I-5 rivals, TrailBlazers fans have been among the most supportive
people in our fight for the Sonics,” Reid said. “All those battles between Seattle and Portland
going back so many years – from Walton and Sikma to Drexler and Payton – it’s a cultural
centerpiece that was stolen from the Northwest, and we have to get it back.”

“Sonicsgate” was released free to the public online at www.sonicsgate.org, collecting
more than 70,000 views since its October 12 release amidst several sold-out theatrical
screenings in Seattle. Sports Illustrated named it the “Most Persuasive Grassroots Flick
of 2009” in its Year In Sports Media issue (Dec. 2009).

More than just a sports movie, the two-hour investigative documentary dissects the
modern business of professional sports, exposing how a perfect storm of corporate greed
and political impotence ripped a beloved 41-year institution out of Seattle, leaving die-
hard fans toiling helplessly in their fight to keep the Sonics.

Due to its independent production and online release, “Sonicsgate” is currently in
contention for eleven categories at the upcoming Webby Awards. Visit
www.sonicsgate.org/webby to watch the exclusive Webby Trailer.

Jason Reid will be in Portland on Feb. 9-10 as the Blazers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder
(formerly the Seattle SuperSonics). Reid is available to schedule television and radio interviews
during that time as well as Feb. 19-20 before the BAM screening. Contact Jason at info@sonicsgate.org

Laurelwood's "Hops For Haiti" Fundraiser

“Hops for Haiti," a benefit for earthquake relief in Haiti, will be taking place this Friday, January 22nd from open to close at all 3 Laurelwood locations.

$0.50 of every PINT poured and $1 of every GROWLER sold or refilled will be donated to Mercy Corps to help aid in the relief efforts in Haiti.

Please tell everyone you can about this event, you can feel free to donate any money of your own on Friday evening as well.

Hoppy Beerthday, 99 Bottles!

99 Bottles specialty beer store will celebrate its third year of business with a “Beerthday Bash” while serving beer and cake on Wednesday, January 20th.

99 Bottles has been celebrating with beer and cake every year since their grand opening in 2007. Previous years featured vanilla cake with caramel filling paired with hazelnut and chocolate beers, and chocolate cake with cream cheese filling paired with coffee beer. This year’s cake will be a rich carrot cake with pecans and cream cheese filling, created by Corina Bakery of Tacoma. Paired with the cake will be a Belgian-style witbier that has a slightly tart palate, a chocolaty-coffee porter that’s locally brewed in Snoqualmie, and an intensely citrusy India pale ale.

The event allows Tiffany Adamowski, co-owner of 99 Bottles to feature two favorite foods—beer and baked goods. Adamowski says, “While bars focus on pairing beer with pretzels, we use the store’s anniversary as an opportunity to pair beer with everyday baked goods, such as cake.”

Adamowski has also been known to hold “beer and donut” breakfast tastings for 99 Bottles customers and sponsor “Dish’n Beer” events that focus on pairing beer with foods that are easy to make at home or pairings with take-out foods from local establishments.

Ages 21 and over are invited to attend. Come to 99 Bottles in Federal Way on Wednesday, January 20th to try the three beers and have a slice of cake for $1. The event runs from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Zwickelmania Returns!

Breweries across the state of Oregon will host open houses and special tastings on Saturday, February 13, from 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., as part of the Oregon Brewers Guild’s 2nd annual Zwickelmania Oregon Brewery Tour.

The Presidents' Day weekend event offers visitors a chance to tour dozens of Oregon breweries, meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers.

"Last year we had more than 10,000 visitors from across the state participate in Zwickelmania," says Oregon Brewers Guild Executive Director, Brian Butenschoen. "This year we have extended the hours to make the experience more enjoyable and allow participants to experience more breweries."

Zwickelmania takes its name from the zwickel, or sample valve which is mounted on the outside of fermentation or conditioning tanks and allows brewers to take samples for quality assurance and control. Zwickelmania offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes, taste beers where they're produced, and meet the brewers who craft them.

Admission to all Zwickelmania events is free, with some breweries offering complimentary sample tastings, food pairings and other activities. Additionally, the Oregon Brewers Guild will provide buses in Portland and Eugene to help shuttle visitors among multiple breweries throughout the city. Close-toed shoes will be required for any visitors entering brewing facilities. For a complete list of Oregon breweries participating in Zwicklemania and sample itineraries, please visit here.

Green Dragon Brew #9: Build-a-Dragon

Brew #9 is ready and will be tapped on TODAY, January 6th at 5:00pm at the Green Dragon, 928 SE 9th Ave., Portland.

Build-a-Dragon is an American Pale Ale that was brewed by Shane Watterson of the Oregon Brew Crew as the culmination of the Oregon Brew Crew’s Build-a-Beer Project.

Build-a-Beer was a year-long project that taught Oregon Brew Crew members recipe design, ingredient-by-ingredient. Build-a-Dragon Pale Ale was brewed using ingredients that were hand-selected by Build-a-Beer students.

Build-a-Dragon is brewed with 6 ingredients: Golden Promise Pale and C-40 Malts; Amarillo and Centennial Hops; Scottish Ale Yeast and Water. Specifications are 50 IBU, 6º Lovibond and 15.4º Plato.

A portion of the proceeds from Build-a-Dragon will be donated to the Oregon Brew Crew.

Mt. Angel Wurstfest

Dust off your lederhosen, starch up your Bavarian Dirndl and join the happy folk of Mount Angel for a fun-filled weekend of celebration in honor of the Wurst.

Oktoberfest and the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce are teaming up again this year for the last blast of winter. Wurstfest, a celebration of the mighty German (wurst) sausage, takes place in the Oktoberfest Community Building, 500 S Wilco Hwy, on Friday, February 12, from 5:00 p.m. ‘till 11:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, from noon ‘til 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 14, from noon ‘til 6:00 p.m. This is the weekend before Ash Wednesday and the start of the austere, Holy Season of Lent. Included in the $10.00 adult admission fee is a half liter, Spaten souvenir Bavarian glass beer mug, easily worth the price of admission. Four thousand mugs are available on a first come first serve basis. Sunday, February 14 is Saint Valentine’s Day and we will have a special gift for the ladies – a $10.00 gift card to one of Mount Angel’s great restaurants, the Glockenspiel, Bavarian Haus or the Mt. Angel Sausage Company. Children accompanied by an adult are admitted free until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and all-day on Sunday.

Area sausage makers present for sale the best of their wurst – bratwurst, bockwurst, frickadelwurst, famous Oktoberfest sausage and many other variations garnished with sauerkraut, grilled onions and the Benedictine Sisters award winning Monastery Mustards. On tap are world famous Spaten Biers from Munich – Premium Helles, Optimator, Helles Bock, Pilsner, Franziskaner Hefeweizen, along with the ever popular Bud Light. There will be a wide array of regional wines, non-alcoholic drinks and potions. For a cold winter day, try a steaming cup of Bavarian Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Select cheeses, sausage pizza, baked goods, Extreme Chocolates, roasted nuts along with hot dogs and chicken nuggets for the kids round out the food offerings.

Non-stop music at Wurstfest features Oktoberfest favorites – Mount Angel’s own Z Musikmakers, the Greg Meier Bavarian Quartet, Jägermeister Volksmusik and others.

Those traveling some distance to the festival can take advantage of the Oregon Garden Resort Wurstfest Special Package – one nights lodging and two VIP tickets to Wurstfest for $99.00. (Thursday thru Saturday arrivals) Enjoy a wonderful stay at Oregon’s premier garden resort and the last blast of winter at Wurstfest. Call 503-874-2500 for details and reservations.

For more Wurstfest information, call 503-845-9440 or visit www.oktoberfest.org.

Stone Opening a Brewery in the EU...?

Stone to open a Brewery in Europe? from stonebrew on Vimeo.

February Stout Month at Fort George

February 1st marks the beginning of Stout Month at the Fort George Brewery in Astoria, OR. At least 8 stouts will be featured this year, including Badda Bing, a flanders-style sour cherry stout; The Murky Pearl, brewed with Willapa Bay oysters; Bourbon Barrel-aged Cavatica Stout; Spank Stout, brewed with 3 varieties of hot pepper; and the ever-popular Coffee Girl Stout, made with espresso. Several guest stouts will also be on tap, including The Abyss from Deschutes Brewery. A flight of all the stouts is available for a blind tasting, and commemorative Stout Month t-shirts will be for sale.

The annual "Stout & Oysters" Brewer's Dinner will take place on February 10th, featuring 5 courses of mouth-watering oysters paired with selected stouts. Tickets for the Brewer's Dinner are $55, or $100 for two.

The Fort George Brewery is located at 1493 Duane St. in Astoria, OR. Visit the website, or call (503) 325-PINT for more information.

New Belgium's Solar Array Goes Live

New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale, announced today that the largest privately owned solar array in Colorado has gone live.

The 200 kW system will produce 16 percent of New Belgium’s peak electrical load and 3 percent of their total electrical energy use. The array is part of the brewer’s commitment to Fort Collins’ FortZED initiative, a public/private partnership that aims to create the world’s largest “active zero energy district” through Smart Grid and renewable energy technology.

Boulder-based Namaste Solar was contracted for the integration, which began in late August. The New Belgium packaging hall now holds 870 panels, and engineers estimate it can power the bottle line for up to eight hours on a sunny day.

New Belgium, along with several other Fort Collins entities—such as the City of Fort Collins, Colorado State University, Spirae, Inc., Brendle Group, Advanced Energy, and Woodward—responded to a request from the Department of Energy to demonstrate peak load reduction. The partners were one of nine groups nationwide to receive such a grant.

“We feel very fortunate to participate in this ambitious local effort. By leveraging the contributions from our partners and the Department of Energy along with our own investments, we’ll reduce our peak electrical load by over two-thirds,” said New Belgium Sustainability Director Jennifer Orgolini.

New Belgium became the country’s first brewery to subscribe to 100 percent wind powered electricity in 1998 and can produce up to 15 percent of its electrical needs by capturing methane from its process water treatment plant to fire a co-generation engine which produces heat and electricity on-site.

Sheep Eater Scotch Ale Released From Grand Teton

Grand Teton Brewing Company will be releasing the Sheep Eater Scotch Ale on January 9th, the final release in their 2009 “Cellar Reserve” series of specialty beers. The 2009 Cellar Reserve beers were dedicated to, and brewed in strict adherence with, the Reinheitsgebot, the 1516 Bavarian beer purity law. Each beer is brewed to highlight one of the four true beer ingredients: malt, hops, yeast and water.

Sheep Eater Scotch Ale was brewed to showcase the role of malt in the flavor of beer.

The Scotch Ale was brewed with black roasted barley and peat-smoked malt. It was gently hopped, fermented cool and aged cold for weeks, and is copper-brown in color with some sweet maltiness.

The Sheep Eater Scotch Ale will be available at select locations in Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, California, Oregon, Montana, Washington, New York, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas and Missouri.

"The Ritual Project" Brought Stella Artois to Life Above the Streets of NYC

To celebrate the rich tradition of the Belgian Pouring Ritual, Stella Artois commissioned a group of New York City painters from Sky High Murals to bring the pouring ritual to life high above the streets of New York, calling it The Ritual Project.

Step by step over 21 days, the painters hand-painted a 20 x 50 foot stop-frame animation on a building side in SoHo (at the corner of Crosby and Broome). A viewing area was set up at the location, where passersby could view the painters’ work close-up through vintage viewfinders and also receive free Stella Artois Chalices.

The entire project, from time-lapse film footage to photos to interviews with the painters, is being brought to life as a short documentary. Follow the project at http://theritualproject.com