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