 By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler I was never the type of person to embrace New Year’s resolutions. Mostly, this was because I was too busy enjoying life to worry about pesky concerns like being healthy or living to a ripe old age. But part of it owed to me realizing that whatever I swore off would undoubtedly tempt me within a week of giving it up — and I’m not exactly known for saying no. Exercise was out simply due to the number of bars (where I enjoyed “regular” status) which lay between my house and the gym. Further, every time I joined a gym, I just paid the membership dues and rarely worked out — if I was going to spend my time celebrating, I might as well spend my money in the same manner, right? Whatever my excuses, it was a long time ago and it’s too late now, anyway. There comes a point in paunchy middle age where you just say screw it and order another round. (Wait a minute — that happens in exuberant youth, too.) Perhaps it’s fitting we examine six great Belgian-style brews this month. After all, most beers from the Low Countries have their roots in the cloistered discipline of centuries-old monastic communities. If you’re not going to commit to a life of respectable moderation, at least you can hoist a pint made by those who chose rigid restraint over hedonistic abandon. What better way to start a new year than by enjoying brews originally created by workers who’d taken vows of silence, poverty or chastity? While I’m pretty sure the Northwest brewmasters who produced January’s selections aren’t operating under any such restrictive oaths, they’ve nevertheless crafted some disciplined Belgians for our enthusiastic enjoyment. WINNER Alesong Brewing & Blending: Dubbel, Eugene 7.1% ABV; 24 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Let the quiet calm of abbey life envelope you as you contemplate this deep amber-colored, Belgian-style dubbel in front of a crackling fire. Malty notes of dark fruit, caramel and cocoa punctuate the aroma while flavors of fruity and spicy Belgian yeast give way to a clean, medium-bodied finish. Consumer Comments: Monastic roots notwithstanding, this month’s favorite might be described as a study in contrasts. With a low, but dense, head topping a mysterious amber murk, Alesong’s Dubbel presents an invitingly light nose of red fruit. Beautifully balanced, this brew is weighty enough to claim substance but light enough to seduce. Dubbel could be the archetype of Belgian brewing: clean, easy and sublimely beguiling. This is a gorgeous beer, but treat it with respect. Evasion Brewing: Belgian Dark Strong, McMinnville 8.5% ABV; [Unavailable] IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is our take on a traditional Belgian dark strong. It has lots of Belgian yeast characteristics such as clove, baking spice and dried fruit. The combination of darker crystal malts and traditional Belgian candi syrup provide a strong dark fruit profile that is classic Belgian. This beer comes off as a spiced banana bread. It’s also made with gluten-free ingredients; the base malt being millet, rice, oats and candi syrup. It’s unfiltered so as to not take out the flavors and aromas of the yeast. Consumer Comments: Yes, yeast and clove mark its initial palate, but Evasion’s Belgian Dark Strong is perhaps more approachable than its name implies. Still, approachability doesn’t diminish character, and this brew manages to hold its own. With notes of seasonal fruit and spice, our panelists enjoyed this pint’s bitter strength and gentle assertiveness. Ghostfish Brewing Company: Shrouded Summit Belgian White, Seattle (and sold throughout Oregon) 4.8% ABV; 20 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Tart and complex, yet smooth and thirst-quenching, this funky brew has a lot to offer. It’s a session beer at heart, designed for drinkability, but it’s built on an artful balancing act of some very unique ingredients: malted millet and buckwheat, orange peel, juniper berry, coriander seed and a fruity Belgian yeast. It makes an excellent crossover beer for cider fans! Consumer Comments: Gluten-free doesn’t mean taste-free, as this beer deftly illustrates. Although a Washington-state brew, the Shrouded Summit Belgian White appeals to many Oregonians’ dietary needs while adhering to the Northwest standard for superior beer — plus the brewery’s ties to Oregon ensure it’s available statewide. This brew’s upbeat citrus fruit body defines its expressive character, making for a highly enjoyable regional Belgian. Ordnance Brewing: 16 Quadruple Ale, Boardman 14.75% ABV; [Unavailable] IBUs Brewer’s Description: This quadruple ale called 16 pays homage to our Belgian cousins who number their beers rather than naming them. Brewed on a leap year, 16 was aged in whiskey barrels for 16 months. The whiskey notes blended pleasantly with dark malt aromas to create a caramelized raisin flavor. Enjoy now … or in another 16 months. Consumer Comments: A mahogany hue and gentle head usher in the wood-focused character of the 16 Quadruple Ale. This robust beer leads with whiskey and molasses — maybe pairing perfectly with flavorful partners like smoked meats or cheeses. Not for the weak-spirited, this brew commands measured deference. Be careful, chest-thumping may ensue! Scout Beer: Syruptitious, Portland 10.0% ABV; 28 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is a big, delicious Belgian waffle quad. Brewed with aromatic and CaraVienna malt, Syruptitious is the toasty, maple syrup-filled cornerstone of every balanced breakfast. We chose B45 Gnome yeast and finished the beer on toasted oak. What better way to start your day? Consumer Comments: Hints of banana and warm cinnamon yield to the maple forests of Vermont as Syruptitious introduces itself. Yes, the maple character is palpable, but this pint also celebrates fruit and spice with aplomb. A well-balanced brew as quirky as it is affable, the Syruptitious perfectly captures the one-of-a-kind Oregon spirit. Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery: Sebastian Cherry, Newberg 6.4% ABV; 19 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Tart and lush with mellow, pie spice-like notes, our Sebastian Cherry is a blend of several oak-aged Sebastian saisons refermented in the cask with local Montmorency cherries. Try it with any rich pork dish or even a ripe and aromatic blue cheese. Cheers! Consumer Comments: Tart and lush is right! With its ruddy hue and fruit-bomb nose, Sebastian Cherry lives up to its name and then some. Exhibiting the expected boldness of a fruity sour beer, the ale demonstrates sour fruit and spice, our panelists stating it would pair well with the dense sweetness of cheesecake. As we start 2018, ponder one observation: Oregonians tend to be mindful of moderation and healthy habits, but nothing illustrates our equal commitment to proper relaxation like our storied brewing scene. Curmudgeonly middle-aged beer columnists aside, most of us love where we live and we want to live responsibly enough to enjoy it. Fortunately, our regional breweries make it easy to celebrate everything that makes the Northwest so special!
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 By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler I was a mall Santa. Not my proudest moment, I was a 20-something who needed an additional gig to support my holiday celebration fund — more commonly called “drinking money.” I was young and slim, but my habitual chain-smoking had given me a gravelly “ho-ho-ho” at an unnaturally young age — probably not the best choice to play Santa but, hey, I’m pretty sure the mall people were as desperate as I was. Plus, I’ve always maintained a short list of jobs everyone should do once like driving a taxi, tending bar and, yes, playing a mall Santa. In my current portly, non-smoking, white-haired state, I definitely see the irony. Mall Santas are subject to all sorts of abuse such as screaming toddlers, deluded parents and adolescents who, when they sit on Santa’s lap, laugh so hard they fart. Santa also hears the yuletide requests of a few full-sized adults who, for whatever reason, still believe in the magic of St. Nick. But altogether, the hundreds of children, awestruck and excited, eagerly whispering their Christmas wishes into Santa’s ear is a memorable and touching event — even for a young and self-absorbed Santa. Having occupied both the jolly red fellow’s seat and the place of the harried parent, these days I’m pretty understanding. Maybe that’s why I once told the long-suffering Meier & Frank Santaland Santa, whose lap my young daughter had just vacated, that I should’ve brought him a pint of whiskey as a tip. No matter your take on the holiday season, it’s a good time for celebrating with family and friends. Even if you dislike the yearly display of crass commercialism, you must admit the chill of a dark Northwest December is best remedied with a pint. In celebration of the season, we bring you a selection of winter warmers — Oregon brews created to take the bite out of the long nights. WINNER Three Mugs Brewing Company: Death Czar Russian Imperial Stout, Hillsboro 9.7% ABV; 40 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This huge brew has complex aromas and flavors that will explode in your mouth. It’s black as a winter night in Russia, with a perfect melding of malty, chocolaty and roasty notes that will kill your desire for any other stout. Consumer Comments: Beer may be a Northwest hallmark, but the Death Czar Russian Imperial Stout comes complete with another regional trademark: coffee! December’s favorite, this darkly ruddy cold-weather brew is built on notes of robust java, a fleeting sweetness and a gently astringent oak-barrel finish, which makes for a very clean mouthfeel. Our panelists declared the Death Czar the quintessential winter warmer! 10 Barrel Brewing Co.: Beer Nog, Spiced Winter Ale Aged in Rum Barrels, Bend and Portland 11.9% ABV; [Unavailable] IBUs Brewer’s Description: This full-bodied spiced winter warmer is just what you need to get out of the cold. A blend of spices and nuances of raisins, toasted oats, cocoa nibs along with the use of five different malts pack this beer with a ton of flavor. Take off your coat and enjoy this annual favorite. Consumer Comments: What they said. (I love it when the brewer’s notes and the tasting panel’s are in agreement!) Beer Nog is indeed a spiced winter ale, which reflects its rum barrel aging. This brew’s mulled warmth is enhanced by its sour character, its creators deftly hitting a solid sour-hop balance. Seasonal spices underscore this brew’s fall/winter theme, offering a perfect companion for cold nights in front of a crackling fire. Falling Sky Brewing: Wet Earth Winter Ale, Eugene 6.5% ABV; 58 IBUs Brewer’s Description: It’s time to accept it, doom and gloom: the rain is here. Aromas of wet earth and spicy hops sink into roasted nuts and a hint of dark fruit welcoming a hearty winter offering. This mahogany brew has rich malt depth with a touch of alcohol warmth while being dangerously drinkable for an internal sweater when it’s pouring outside. Cheers to the season! Consumer Comments: IPA lovers, take heed! Wet Earth Winter Ale exhibits all the characteristics you’d expect in a winter beer but with a little something extra: hops. This affable brew leads with moderate hops and malt along with bits of nut and fruit — even reminding several of our panelists of a well-balanced rye porter. This beer easily blends the comfort of a winter warmer with the refreshment of a brisk IPA. Golden Valley Brewery: Tannen Bomb, McMinnville 8.0% ABV; 50 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Fall is here and it’s time for the release of Tannen Bomb, our winter warmer ale. This strong, tawny amber features a complex malt character derived from the generous use of assorted specialty malts and adjuncts, including flaked barley, wheat, crystal, crystal rye and pale chocolate malt. The robust malt presence is countered by the judicious application of Cascade, Golding and Willamette hops. Consumer Comments: With the husky hue of raw honey and an invitingly frothy head, Tannen Bomb is a decidedly Northwest seasonal choice. Less weighty than many winter warmers, this amber ale is true to its hop heritage while offering layered malts with just a bit of juniper before a very clean finish. Our tasting panel labeled the Tannen Bomb a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings! pFriem Family Brewers: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, Hood River 11.5% ABV; 70 IBUs Brewer’s Description: The first imperial stouts were high-alcohol concoctions brewed for Czar Peter the Great of Russia. Our own Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout absorbs the tannins of OOLA Distillery’s bourbon barrels for a full year, resulting in huge roasted malt, chocolate mousse, coconut and ripe cherry flavors that may leave you feeling like a bit of a monarch yourself! Consumer Comments: A distinct nose of molasses introduces the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. Notes of sorghum, coffee and a hint of raspberry shape the character of this full-bodied brew — several panelists even detected a little teriyaki. Almost Eastern European in its fortitude, this imperial stout isn’t for the faint-of-heart. Serve this meaty pint steakside and follow it with a generous slice of double-chocolate torte. As you experience the holiday season this year, kick back, grab an Oregon brew and reflect on the connections you have with those close to you. If you’re like me, you’ll take some time to feel gratitude for the people you love, the things you have and for this beautiful state we call home. Even if your life isn’t perfect — whose is? — at least you’re not a mall Santa.  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler As I write this column, it’s late and I just returned from a fundraising dinner for a local nonprofit organization. Held in a ballroom, this formal event featured all the hallmarks of a well-staged banquet: live entertainment, good food, beer and wine, auction items. But since this all took place in Oregon, maybe it was a bit smoother than it might have been elsewhere. In Oregon, we’re laid-back and we do things a little differently — including how we attend formal banquets. While some guests wore tailored suits and evening gowns, an equal number were clad in khakis and flannel shirts. I saw elected officials, business owners, physicians and lawyers who belonged in both dress camps. And the great thing? It was totally fine. Nobody cared. It struck me that, in addition to all the unique and quirky characteristics Oregon is known for, the best might be our ability to just chill. In other places, people may have felt over- or under-dressed, but not here. I love that about Oregon. Every fall, when football season comes around, the storied rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State highlights our chill-ability like almost nothing else. Since I count friends of both the Beaver and Duck varieties, each year the good-natured ribbing and pranking that accompanies the Civil War game causes me to marvel. Duels of this sort occur all over the country, but not with the grace and good humor we exhibit here. So here’s to Oregon (the state at large, not the school — wouldn’t want to show bias, after all). And here are four great Oregon tailgating brews to fill your raised glass! WINNER Elk Horn Brewery: Vindeglas, Eugene 6.4% ABV; 65 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Fresh-squeezed Mosaic hops, picked right from the bines and tossed into the kettle, provide a juicy citrus and grapefruit flavor profile for this seasonal fresh-hopped IPA. Consumer Comments: Notes of sweet, citrusy grapefruit and a little pineapple introduce the immensely refreshing Vindeglas from Elk Horn. While Vindeglas won the title from our tasting panel this month, we’re not sure it’s a predictor of the game. But it’s a well-balanced and clean brew, from start to finish. True to its nose, the easy-drinking Vindeglas is hop-focused without being obnoxious. Well done, Elkhorn! Burnside Brewing Company: Couch Select Lager, Portland 5.0% ABV; 18 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is a helles-style lager brewed with quality pilsner malt, German Tettnanger hops and fermented with the Bohemian Lager yeast strain. Cold fermentation produces a nice crispy snap to a beautiful malt flavor and subtle hop presence. It’s best drank in large quantities accompanied by a cheeseburger. Helles yeah! Burnside Lager, unlike other Burnside Beers, is filtered. Our new high-tech filter allows us to polish this traditional style to create a bright brew with a crisp finish to style. Prost! Consumer Comments: If you’re tailgating, Couch Select Lager might be the perfect brew to take along. Honest and straightforward, this lively brew’s notes of green apple and easy hops are respectful to the palate. Our tasters uniformly stated this beer took them right back to their college days. Beer pong anyone? Climate City Brewing Company: Hot Shot Smoked Helles, Grants Pass 5.1% ABV; 28 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is a very pale, light lager hailing from Germany — but with a twist. There’s just enough cherry wood-smoked malt and hand-toasted cherry wood chips to impart gentle, intriguing smoky notes — perfect for quaffing next to the campfire! Consumer Comments: What the helles? Climate City has an outstanding beer in its Hot Shot. Our panelists loved this affable lager’s easy palate and — yes, you can really taste it — smoky character. With robust carbonation, a bit of acidity and bright hops emerging on the mid-palate, this brew is masterfully balanced. Hot Shot finishes cleanly with a pleasant, lingering bitterness. Flat Tail Brewing: Tailgater Kolsch, Corvallis 5.5% ABV; 25 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Our authentically brewed kolsch starts with Weyermann Pilsner Malt and German Tettnanger hops and is lagered for four weeks after fermentation. Crisp, clean and easy drinking with just enough complexity to get your beer geek on. Consumer Comments: Another collegiate classic, our tasters enjoyed Tailgater Kolsch, remarking on its fruity aroma, easygoing sweetness and well-balanced, medium body. Notes of wheat evolve to light hops and a crisp finish — altogether an honest and laid-back brew. Anyone up for a game of quarters? Even though I’ve been known to gripe about a few things commonly found in Oregon — the rain and the slow driving might be my favorites — I recognize we live in a special place. I like to expound on Oregon’s natural beauty, but the state’s people are an even bigger part of why living here is so extraordinary. We’ve got it good, no matter who wins Nov. 25. Either way, we’re chill. That’s how we do things in Oregon.  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler We live in a beta world. Back when companies put serious effort into beating their competitors’ quality, it was a big deal to be No. 1. It meant your product was better than the other company’s product. It meant your product would likely outlast or outperform the other guy’s. Now, No. 1 means you made the most money the fastest. It means certain careful steps in the testing and certification phase of product development have been sacrificed to hasten your product’s delivery to market. It means your shareholders are happy but your customers, well, not so much. If you ask me, this new No. 1 is a load of No. 2 (yes that number two). In technology, we’ve witnessed amazing innovation and creativity flowing forth in an uninterrupted stream since the mid-1990s. But then we started seeing beta products — software still in test phase — released for public experimentation and scrutiny. Beta products became increasingly common until, today, pretty much everything is beta. Part of this is due to the dynamic nature of the industry — nothing’s ever really finished anymore. Part of it can be attributed to the speed at which events take place today — hesitation doesn’t win acclaim and make money. Whatever the case, I don’t mind living in a beta world even though I’m occasionally frustrated by certain oafish flaws in my software — bugs that almost certainly would’ve been caught by a rigorous test protocol. But I’m grateful there’s nothing beta about beer. Sure, the Oregon brewing industry has seen a lot of experimentation and innovation. But in the end, I know I’ll have a great frustration-free product in my glass — like any of the five robust Oregon porters we explored. WINNER Leikam Brewing: Hey Porter, Portland 6.4% ABV; 40 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Throw down your cash and grab our Hey Porter. You won’t be able to wait for a second pint once you taste this unique blend of coffee, chocolate and wheat malts. Created in honor of our third son, Daniel Porter. Consumer Comments: A ruddy complexion and vigorous head introduce Leikam Brewing’s Hey Porter. This month’s favorite, the Hey Porter’s nose of blackcurrant, molasses and polite yeast yield to coffee and hints of juniper and a mildly bitter mid-palate. If it sounds complicated, it’s not. This well-balanced brew confidently evolves to a clean finish. Long Brewing: Paul’s Porter, Newberg 6.2% ABV; 37 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Intensely black with a thick, tan head, this beer has layers of dark bittersweet chocolate, coffee and caramel aroma. Rich, complex malts create an almost chewy mouthfeel. Finish has some minerality. The porter is lightly hopped to highlight its soft malty sweetness. Little-to-no burnt roast, bitterness or astringency. Consumer Comments: What he said. (It’s nice when the brewer’s notes nail the beer.) Paul’s Porter from Long Brewing demonstrates a double chocolate theme throughout, along with coffee, caramel and the barest hint of cherry. A lively brew with a big personality, Paul’s Porter is rich without being heavy — this is the funny guy everyone loves at parties, but he doesn’t cross the line. You’ll want to invite him back. Hop Haus Brewing: Cocos Nucifera Toasted Coconut Porter, Gresham 5.6% ABV; 28 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Smooth, chocolate, slightly-sweet and roasted malt goodness is balanced with toasted organic coconut and late edition Willamette hops. Together, those flavors provide the basis for a wonderful porter without overwhelming the palate. Consumer Comments: Coffee and caramel take the lead with Cocos Nucifera Toasted Coconut Porter from Hop Haus. Perhaps the perfect autumn brew, it serves as a segue from summer’s lighter flavors to the forthcoming stoutness of winter. Coffee-themed throughout, this brew’s malty character mellows its upbeat bitterness. Rusty Truck Brewing Co.: Taft Toffee Porter, Lincoln City 5.0% ABV; 20 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Named for Rusty Truck’s home in the Historic Taft District, Taft Toffee Porter is a dark and velvety ale with significant toffee and chocolate notes. Slightly lighter in color than mass-produced porters, our version is a tasty twist on the dockworkers’ old favorite. Consumer Comments: A dark brew with a white frothy cap, Rusty Truck’s Taft Toffee Porter is complex and thoughtful, layered in both flavor and hue. Gentle notes of cherry and plum give way to a lingering orange-citrus finish. This porter is that rare brew that manages to remain true to itself while offering the taster diverse nuances all the way to the bottom of the glass. Three Creeks Brewing Company: FivePine Chocolate Porter, Sisters 6.2% ABV; 55 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is a robust porter that features 2-pounds-per-barrel of the finest Belgian chocolate, creating a slightly roasty pint with underlying chocolate sweetness. Consumer Comments: Subtle notes of smoky leather rise above the rich depths of FivePine Chocolate Porter from Three Creeks. A hoppy character asserts itself on the mid-palate, buffered by a bit of nutty malt. A gentleman of a beer, the FivePine will mind his manners but you won’t forget the quiet strength beneath his charm. As long as we’re on the subject of innovation and creativity, I want to suggest an idea for a beta product. I volunteer to exhaustively test this product myself: a built-in USB two-brew cooler with cup holder for my PC. Or maybe six-pack size. Surprise me. Until I get such a device, I’ll have to get up and walk to the fridge for my Oregon craft refreshment. But I’m anxious to begin the beta testing.  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler As a food and beverage writer for several publications, I usually try to write with humor, relating lighthearted anecdotes as I describe the enormous role food and drink plays in making life so enjoyable. But as the country grows increasingly polarized and people on opposite sides of controversial issues are no longer willing to speak with each other — other than hurling vile insults and screaming obscenities — I find myself emphasizing the potential eating and drinking have to act as bridge-builders. I have been blessed to enjoy friendships with people of many cultures, religions and colors — and political beliefs spanning the entire spectrum. Although I disagreed profoundly with some of my friends’ positions, I am absolutely certain my life has been vastly enriched by the scope of these varied relationships. Maybe surprisingly, some of the people who blessed me the greatest are those with whom I disagreed most vehemently. Almost never did our hours-long discussions end with significant position changes for any of us. But every time — almost without exception — these dialogues resulted in mutually increased respect around the table. And it was a table invariably littered with crumpled napkins, food-spotted plates and empty pint glasses. As we celebrate the harvest, it’s worth underscoring the importance food and drink play in bringing humans together. If you set aside your most dearly held beliefs just for a moment, you’ll find we have a lot more in common with each other than we have at odds. I’m not advocating compromising your principles; I won’t do that myself. But when two people with opposing perspectives put aside the issues separating them, they’ll find dozens of interests or tastes they have in common. Every time, guaranteed. In the spirit of healthy discussion (and with apologies for preaching), we bring you several reds this month — perfect to get the conversation started. WINNER Royale Brewing Co.: Inspektor Red Ale, Portland 6.0% ABV; 31 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Rich, malty, flavorful red ale. Deep crimson red in color. Ripe melon, bright berry and citrus aroma. Toffee caramel, fresh-baked bread malt character. Medium-bodied. Clean finish. Consumer Comments: The favorite of this month’s panelists, our tasters spoke of the outstanding quenchability of Inspektor. Hints of lemon and hops on the nose yield gently to notes of caramel and a mild bitterness. Panelists overwhelmingly recommended pairing this brew with harvest barbecue. Backside Brewing Co.: Axeman Red, Roseburg 6.3% ABV; 75 IBUs Brewer’s Description: A notorious Northwest-style red. Deep color and silky layered complex flavoring. If you like reds, Axeman does not disappoint. This beer is a tribute to our local logging heritage. Consumer Comments: A frothy head and berry palate characterize the affable easy-drinking Axeman. A soft mouthfeel and notes of lemon suggest a broader appeal than a straightforward red — sort of a gregarious strawberry blonde, if you like. Leikam Brewing: Grateful Red, Portland 7.1% ABV; 70 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Our Grateful Red will ripple through your taste buds with the flavor and aroma of Chinook, Willamette and Columbus hops. We use five different malts and four hop varietals for this hoppy red. Consumer Comments: Green melon and gentle hops introduce the tantalizing Grateful Red. This lively brew’s fruit yields to a more astringent hoppiness and notes of juniper on the mid-palate, finishing cleanly. An excellent pint, the Grateful Red is a beer-lover’s brew, through and through. I’ll have another Grateful Red, please! Laurelwood Brew Pub: Free Range Red Ale, Portland 5.9% ABV; 50 IBUs Brewer’s Description: A Northwest-style red with a sweet caramel malty backbone, balanced by a smooth hop profile. Consumer Comments: If ever a beer had perfect manners, it’s the Free Range Red. With easy notes of charred wood and a shred of butterscotch, this beer possessed a balance and drinkability that immediately earned it high marks. A happy brew, this one should satisfy both IPA lovers and those who prefer a more restrained pint. Scout Beer: Jam, Portland 5.9% ABV; 20 IBUs Brewer’s Description: The focus of Jam is on the beautiful and fresh marionberry flavor. Already bursting with fruit from the pounds and pounds of berries added to this beer, we then heightened the flavor by using Kent Golding hops and Scottish ale yeast. If you stop by the brewery, try it blended with Anaphylactic, our peanut butter porter. It’s a PB&J in a glass! Consumer Comments: The brewers are right: Jam is a berry-centric delight. Tasters liked the fruit focus, noting its subtlety and simplicity heightened the brew’s enjoyability. A straightforward and honest brew, Jam is a perfect pint to drink after a day’s work or as a regular weekender. Wild Ride Brew: 3 Sisters Red Ale, Redmond 6.0% ABV; 45 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Faith, Hope and Charity. The backdrop of Central Oregon features these lovely Sisters, which are three of the highest peaks in Oregon. We use three main types of malt and hops to represent these Central Oregon landmarks. This beautiful beer has a sunset-red appearance to remind us of their presence at the end of the day. Like many peaks you might aspire to climb, the Sisters can be both bitter and sweet, and the select hops represent the Northwest in every way possible. Consumer Comments: Notes of sweet apple and malt lead with a beguiling smoothness when a 3 Sisters Red Ale is pulled. Beautifully balanced, this medium-bodied and lightly hopped pint was described as easy to drink and a good “anytime brew,” perfect to serve when trying to please varied tastes. So grab a pint and have a seat across the table from someone who belongs to the other political party or who practices a different faith or cultural tradition than yours. You don’t need to change your positions or compromise your beliefs. You just need to be willing to listen and to speak easily while enjoying a great Oregon brew. It’s a message I will continue to preach — a lesson I learned that can dramatically enrich your life. And since it’s a lesson best learned over a pint, it’s worth trying, right?  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler I have a swimming pool. It’s not a temporary pool but an honest-to-goodness in-ground pool, complete with sparkling blue water, chaise lounges and a deep end — although it no longer has a diving board due to one careless swimmer who thought it was suitable for launching his 200-plus-pound adult body many feet into the air after running out the back door and down the stairs at full speed on his way to cooling off. Diving board or not, it’s the perfect place to kick back on lazy summer afternoons with a few friends and some cold beverages. When it’s hot outside and cool waters beckon, Oregon summers demand refreshing brews — maybe not the “big” beers we enjoy the rest of the year. With a lower alcohol content than many of the brews we drink year-round, sessions are perfect for cloudless sunny days. But, like my pool in the springtime, the origins of the term “sessions” is murky. Most sources agree the term probably originated in wartime austerity and productivity, when the need to produce things simply was matched by the urgency to do so with a sober focus. Whatever the case, session has come to define brews of less than five percent alcohol content by volume. These lighter beers offer a particular appeal when the heat is a little overbearing. Whether you’re a fan of big beers or gentler pints, these sessions demonstrate the craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Oregon brewers are known — there’s a brew for every taste in August’s batch. And with all this beautiful Northwest sunshine, now is the perfect time to enjoy them. WINNER BridgePort Brewing Company: Bullpen Session IPA Portland 5.0% ABV; 47 IBUs Brewer’s Description: A smooth, lower alcohol ale, this beer gives a surprising burst of citrusy hop flavor in the finish. We make a malt base using our Two-Row Pale Malt then add Golden Oats and Honey Malt for a smooth, slightly sweet mouthfeel. Then we add hops. We use Northwest Nuggets, Meridians and Crystals. Then we finish the beer by dry hopping twice with a combination of Citra and Meridian hops for a burst of fresh citrus flavor. Consumer Comments: With its seamless coalescence between nose and palate, Bullpen Session IPA is a beautifully balanced brew where hops and citrus are perfect partners — no competition here. The favorite of our tasting panel, the beer offers notes of crisp apple and lemon as it introduces a surprisingly robust body, which provides immensely satisfying hot-weather refreshment at the same time. Assertive without being overbearing, this brew is summer in a pint glass. Coalition Brewing: Serendipity People’s Ale Portland 4.5% ABV; 25 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Beer has the unique power to bring together individuals of all backgrounds. This is a true drink of the People. Highly approachable and sessionable, Serendipity People’s Ale presents as golden colored with orange hues. It has a light maltiness from Munich and Honey Malts that hit the front of the palate. The addition of flaked barley carries a subtle sweetness through the body. While hops are not the star of this show, they play an integral role in balancing the malt profile. Nobles offer a light and clean bitterness. Consumer Comments: Hints of honey and a full head say howdy when Serendipity People’s Ale is poured. This session is exceptionally well-mannered — charming and polite, but with enough nuance to suggest a sharp underlying wit. Our panel described Serendipity as a “gentleman’s ale” and suggested pairing with spicy Asian dishes. Crux Fermentation Project: Off Leash Session IPA (Available May through September) Bend 4.5% ABV; 30 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Debuted at an event that crowned our hometown “Dog Town USA,” this light-hearted ale bounds with regional Citra, Centennial and Crystal hops for those citrusy notes beloved by Northwest hop hounds. We’ve nudged the malt bill in the other direction for a sessionable ale that’s easy to love. Consumer Comments: Fresh peaches and a little citrus make for a tempting nose on the seasonal Off Leash Session IPA. A genuine session IPA, hops and lemon merge with malt to form a medium-bodied brew where zesty lemon tames residual bitterness. From its stone fruit start to its remarkably clean finish, Off Leash is an ideal IPA for August. Elk Horn Brewery: SirBerlin Eugene 4.5% ABV; 10 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Light golden and highly effervescent, this twist on a traditional German Berliner weiss has bright flavor and a light, bubbly body perfect for summer refreshment. Its fresh, citrusy lemongrass note is complemented by lychee fruit and a subtle malt character provided by the combination of White Wheat and acidulated malt, which adds a crisp, tart flavor. Consumer Comments: A bright nose of pear invites when the champagne-like SirBerlin is poured. Effervescent and consistent, floral notes and a bit of grass yield to light fruit and a crisp mouthfeel. SirBerlin is straightforward and honest, an easy-drinking, warm-weather brew. GoodLife Brewing Company: Wildland Session Ale Bend 4.5% ABV; 30 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is a bright and clear beer that is a golden-orange straw color with a white head. Slightly dank aromas of citrus fruit mix with spicy background notes. Peach and other bright fruit flavors are at the forefront of a clean-finishing, medium-bodied beer. Overall, Wildland is a great summer beer that is dank and easy to drink. Consumer Comments: If Bend can be captured in a bottle, GoodLife Brewing Company has done it with its outstanding Wildland Session Ale. My personal favorite of the sessions, this brew is honest from start to finish. Offering notes of high desert juniper, resinous pine and refreshing citrus, the ale is gentle and masterfully balanced, perfect for summer sipping but almost certainly just as enjoyable any other time of year. Well done, GoodLife! Hop Haus Brewing: Sunny Bono Session IPA Gresham 4.5% ABV; 50 IBUs Brewer’s Description: A lower-alcohol, easy-drinking golden IPA perfect for warm days, this beer incorporates Pilsner, Vienna and Two-Row Malts along with low-alpha hops, making a very sessionable IPA that won’t fill you up. Consumer Comments: The Beat Goes On with the rich amber hue of this earthy-but-refreshing summer IPA. Sunny Bono Session IPA is no Little Man, but it might be the perfect hot-temperature pint for IPA enthusiasts. With well-mannered hops and a laid-back bitterness, this amiable brew is So Fine — sure to please even those who find IPAs too much. Panelists agreed Sunny Bono would pair well with Summertime grilled burgers. As a big fan of bright and hot Oregon summers, a pool isn’t optional for me. What better place to cool off and entertain guests during the long-awaited Oregon summer months? Well, most guests anyway. Those inclined to abuse innocent diving boards can find a public pool or a river. But for guests who are welcome, a pool and a refreshing Oregon session might just be the perfect way to pass a hot August afternoon!  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler Oregon is a quirky place. Long-established agrarian roots ensure plenty of rural charm, but the state is also home to one of the most laid-back urban areas in the nation. Framed by a breathtaking natural topography, Oregon is a land of great beauty, diverse people, geographic contrasts and even the occasional controversy. But Oregonians are known to discuss differences in an amiable manner, usually over a friendly pint. At least that’s the way I’ve always experienced it. Throughout the years, I’ve built a lot of good friendships from debates conducted over tables laden with empty pint glasses. One matter of debate among brewers and beer aficionados alike is the International Bitterness Unit (IBU). Developed over a period of decades by a number of disparate parties, the American Society of Brewing Chemists collated and codified everything into the IBU scale, which has been adopted internationally. Simply put, the scale measures a brew’s iso-alpha acid isohumulone, assigning it a bitterness score ranging from zero to 100. Commonly accepted as the most accurate measure of a beer’s bitterness, the IBU scale is a good starting point for consumers, where a low IBU score indicates minimal bitterness and a high score the opposite. But that’s all it is: a place to start. Numerous other characteristics will affect a brew’s bitterness — flavors like malt, for example, serve to significantly diminish overall bitterness. Similarly, a “well-balanced” beer with high IBUs might taste less bitter than its score would suggest. As we present eight excellent Oregon IPAs this month, keep in mind that IBU-rated bitterness can be relative. While all of these brews earned high IBU ratings, many are affected by other factors which alter the taster’s perceptions of bitterness. That’s why brewers are sometimes hesitant to publish IBU ratings — consumers can be over-reliant on the scale when selecting a six-pack. So grab a pint and have a look at its IBUs. But remember: the contents of your glass might not match your expectations if IBUs are your only consideration. WINNER GoodLife Brewing: Descender IPA, Bend 7.0% ABV; 70 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Descender IPA is a big, true Northwest IPA mixed with some West Coast style. We balance the bitterness with the aromatics of the hops to make this a downright enjoyable IPA. Bottoms up! Consumer Comments: Offering an inviting hue of natural clover honey, Descender IPA earned our tasting panel’s top marks. A classic IPA, the Descender’s soft-but-gently-assertive character is hoppy without being overbearing — an upbeat and ebullient beer! The Descender’s hop character introduces itself confidently before subsiding on the mid-palate only to return for a clean and lingering finish. Panelists described this refreshing brew as soft and well-balanced — a “take me anywhere” beer. Burnside Brewing Company: Isomer IPA, Portland 8.0% ABV; 86 IBUs Brewer’s Description: We converged in our lab and concocted a new IPA with the help of two of our very favorite subjects: Meridian and Ekuanot Hops. This substantial IPA drinks deceptively smooth while featuring flavors of ripe berries, bubblegum and melon. Consumer Comments: With a fresh nose evoking a stroll through an apple orchard, the appropriately-named Isomer IPA is a complex brew with enthusiastic carbonation and earthy notes of apple and citrus. Hops are immediately evident, building to a crescendo before a long and clean finish. Our tasters suggested the Isomer is a perfect companion for watching a local baseball game. Elk Horn Brewery: The Flying Hawaiian IPA, Eugene 6.2% ABV; 80 IBUs Brewer’s Description: The Flying Hawaiian IPA is golden in color with a hoppy, fruity aroma. There’s big hop flavor up front complemented with a medium body and full hoppy-ness mid-palate. It finishes with a characteristic IPA lingering bitterness. Consumer Comments: Offering a florally tropical nose, The Flying Hawaiian IPA tempts with its lively foam before hitting the taster upside the head with hop-happy enthusiasm. IPA aficionados will love this bright brew and may agree The Flying Hawaiian is built for summer celebrations on the patio. Long Brewing: American-Style IPA, Newberg 6.2% ABV; [Unavailable] IBUs Brewer’s Description: Six different whole hops and a complex malt base result in multiple layers of aroma and flavor that are well integrated and balanced in this beer. It’s dry hopped to bring out the freshest whole hop aromas and flavors. There are layers of citrusy, floral, perfume-like, resinous, piney, spicy and fruity character including grapefruit and passion fruit supported by the rich malt base. A long finish that is balanced with a firm, but restrained, bitterness. Consumer Comments: The copper-tinted American-Style IPA leads with unashamed hops and spice, the brew’s bitter character skillfully overlaid with pine and grapefruit. Panelists decided this spirited brew would pair perfectly with summer’s favorite big meat dishes like grilled burgers or steaks. For a good time, call Long’s American-Style IPA! Ordnance Brewing: FMJ IPA, Boardman 6.6% ABV; 53 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This fusion of New World hops and Old World malt create a Northwest/English IPA, and one of the highest caliber. We call it Full Metal Jacket. What does FMJ stand for to you? Consumer Comments: A mahogany color and notes of tea on the nose — think kombucha — offer the first clues that FMJ IPA isn’t your typical pint. A bit of caramel, malt and rye coupled with a pleasant sour character confirm that the FMJ marches to the beat of its own drummer. This complex brew offers a delightful contrast between the boldness of an IPA and mellowness of a mead. Roundly favored by our panel, several labeled the FMJ a “creme brulee of beer.” Rusty Truck Brewing Co.: Road Wrecker IPA, Lincoln City 7.0% ABV; 70 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Proceed with caution: Road Wrecker is a giant of an ale, with major bitter and aromatic hops, topping out in the vicinity of 7% ABV. A coppery malt body and plentiful hop character make for a classic Pacific Northwest-style IPA to satisfy the Hopmonger in all of us. Seatbelts recommended! Consumer Comments: A beautifully balanced brew, Road Wrecker IPA is hoppy enough to please IPA lovers but easygoing enough to lure newbies. The Road Wrecker’s light amber color hints at a freshly confident body that’s as full as it is smooth. Panelists declared this the perfect pint for summer picnic fare. Three Creeks Brewing: Crowdpleaser IPA, Sisters 7.3% ABV; 75 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Our New Wave IPA uses a simple malt bill in order to showcase the newest and trendiest hop varieties. This beer is golden hued and medium bodied with a huge pine and citrus aroma, courtesy of late kettle additions and a double dose of dry hops. Sometimes you just have to give the people what they want! Consumer Comments: An assertive and classic IPA, Crowdpleaser exhibits traits IPA-lovers crave: citrus, pine and hops. But for a hop-foundational brew, the Crowdpleaser manages to be both assertive and well-mannered. Nicely balanced and smooth, this pint’s medium body tapers to a long and pleasing IPA finish. Widmer Brothers Brewing: Upheaval IPA, Portland 7.0% ABV; 85 IBUs Brewer’s Description: With more than 2 pounds of hops per barrel, Upheaval IPA unleashes a huge hop flavor and aroma with serious bitterness and balanced finish. Brewed with wheat, the result is a hazy, bold IPA that’s unfiltered. Unexpected. Unapologetic. Uncompromised. Consumer Comments: Cheerful hops and a hint of apple blossoms say howdy when the Upheaval IPA is poured. This golden-hued brew offers up a frothy head, hinting at a full and lively hop-built body to follow. Panelists suggested pairing with pizza or pasta dishes, great for summer social gatherings. One taster described this brew as “A party in your mouth!” If you live in Oregon, you know the state is beautiful and quirky, its people laid-back and friendly. Fittingly, Oregon’s craft brew industry and its fans are perfectly suited to engage in spirited debate over the pros and cons of using the IBU scale — all over a friendly pint or two, of course. And while we may never arrive at an ideal solution, at least we’ll have a little fun, maybe make a few friends and enjoy some outstanding brews while we try!  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Having lived in two of the most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S., I am acutely aware of the stunning features found all around us. Multiple times I’ve returned from Southern California or Chicago to the gorgeous Oregon landscape, framed by picturesque mountains, lush forests, spring-fed lakes and a breathtaking ocean. Like any Oregonian, I realize all this beauty is hugely dependent on our famously unending rain. Still, after a particularly vengeful winter, I’m ready for a long and bright Oregon summer. Like the landscapes of Oregon, pale ales span a broad spectrum, exhibiting many personalities and characteristics. Our panel enthusiastically embraced this month’s brews and experienced difficulty selecting a single winner. While Elk Horn Brewery snagged the top spot, several others were close behind — and all this month’s entries were enjoyable. The best way to savor an Oregon summer might be with an Oregon pale ale in hand! WINNER Elk Horn Brewery Powder Horn Pale Ale, Eugene 6.9% ABV; 50 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Elk Horn’s Powder Horn Pale Ale uses a variety of caramel malts to impart a rich flavor and amber color, while liberal use of Cascade hops delivers a hoppy nose and assertive-but-balanced flavor from start to finish. Consumer Comments: Powder Horn earned our panel’s highest marks and just barely edged out several others. This amber-hued ale with its frothy head is a lively brew, almost champagne-like in its enthusiasm. Powder Horn exhibits a floral fruitiness led by moderate hops. Just in time for summer, this brew might be the perfect pint for longer evenings spent outside. One panelist described it as a perfect “lake beer,” best enjoyed at your favorite getaway spot. Hop Haus Brewing Dr. Bob’s Periodic Pale Ale, Gresham 5.8% ABV; 40 IBUs Brewer’s Description: A tribute beer to the late Dr. Bob, this American pale ale is true to the style, easy-drinking with a subtle malt backbone and smooth, balanced hop finish. It’s made with two-row, Crystal 40, aromatic and Victory malts as well as Chinook and Cascade hops. A perfect easy-drinking beer as we head into summer. Consumer Comments: With a nose and appearance evocative of apple cider, Dr. Bob’s Periodic Pale Ale might be a bit heavier than its companions in this month’s tasting. Sure to please IPA lovers, this brew’s initial apple character gives way to a malt-and-hops theme on the mid-palate. Panelists liked this brew’s tartness and cleanly bitter finish. One taster exclaimed that the pint tastes better with each sip! Mazama Brewing Tilikum Pale Ale, Corvallis 5.0% ABV; [Unavailable] IBUs Brewer’s Description: This pale ale is light amber in color and has a moderate and caramel malt character. It has a smooth, yet firm, hop bitterness with pine, citrus and earthy characters coming forward. Consumer Comments: Panelists loved the seductive floral nose of Tilikum. Along with its early floral theme, this bright amber brew offered hints of caramel and lemon on the palate before introducing hops. As the hops took the lead, Tilikum built to a quiet crescendo, like its IPA cousin, before subsiding. McMenamins Edgefield Ekuanot Single-Hop Pale Ale, Troutdale 5.93% ABV; 38 IBUs Brewer’s Description: We brewed this single hop pale ale to showcase Ekuanot hops in all their glory. A fairly new variety, you’ll notice hints of melon, orange, berry, pine and even fresh green pepper. We used most of these hops late in the boil and as dry hops in the fermenter, so while the aroma is all hops, hops and more hops, the flavor is only mildly bitter. Enjoy! Consumer Comments: Hops and a hint of pineapple say hello when Ekuanot Single-Hop Pale Ale is pulled. Herbal, earthy and a little smoky, this pint resembles a Hefeweizen, but it’s all ale in the glass. Our tasters noted pine and a little nuttiness on the palate, all shepherded by surprisingly gentle hops. Panelists like the Ekuanot’s frothy head and declared it a perfect match for steaks or burgers right off the barbecue. Ninkasi Brewing Company Pacific Rain Northwest Pale, Eugene 5.4% ABV; 50 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This flavorful Northwest pale ale starts with a balanced, malty sweetness that lays the groundwork for profiling some of the most alluring hops around. Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe and Nugget hop varieties offer a captivating experience with notes that are citrusy, tropical, floral and piney. A residual sweetness rounds out the hop, making each sip as smooth and refreshing as the last. Consumer Comments: Like a roller coaster ride, the crisp Pacific Rain Northwest Pale starts out easy and offers a smooth finish — but in the center, this brew will give you a little excitement. Roasted hops and a bit of coffee present on the nose, followed by moderate hops and a brisk carbonation. Panelists suggested pairing with pasta dishes. Ordnance Brewing RX Pale Ale, Boardman 5.6% ABV; 34 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Pouring a light straw color, this ale gets its spicy flavor from a healthy dose of rye malt. The rye spice combines nicely with a Citra and Mosaic aroma and presents a beer that is perfect for day’s end — be it after work or a long day of outdoor recreation. Consumer Comments: Brassy and a little sassy, RX Pale Ale earned high marks for its inviting golden hue and lively carbonation. Panelists described this brew as the love child of an IPA and a lager, remarking on its hemp-like nose and hoppy personality. With no lingering bitterness beyond a clean finish, this blond brew is a great summer sipper! pFriem Family Brewers Spring Pale Ale, Hood River 5.0% ABV; 40 IBUs Brewer’s Description: If you’ve got spring fever, here’s a perfect way to cool off. pFriem’s Spring Pale Ale is rife with aromas of powdered sugar-covered strawberries and flavors of fresh-cut citrus and melon, with a gentle, spicy body that finishes dry and crisp. Embrace the season and the beer that goes with it! Consumer Comments: Hoppy without being overbearing, Spring Pale Ale is — as its name implies — airy and refreshing. With a gentle citrus nose, this brew might be described as an IPA-lite. Using terms like easy-drinking and smooth, our tasters unanimously enjoyed this well-balanced brew. One panelist said the Spring Pale Ale tickled her tongue and all agreed this pint will pair well with almost any lighter summer fare. Stickmen Brewing Company Paddle Board Pale Ale, Lake Oswego 5.2% ABV; 46 IBUs Brewer’s Description: A pungent pale ale brewed with Cascade, Centennial and Mosaic hops. Big aromas of citrus and tropical fruit with a piney finish. Consumer Comments: A thick honey-tinged head and a hop-forward nose introduce Paddle Board. Panelists liked this brew’s bold nose, which gave way to surprisingly easy hops and spice on the palate. Our tasters suggested this pint will pair well with summer seafood like shrimp skewers or even sushi. Two-Shy Brewing Everything is Awesome, Roseburg 5.0% ABV; 22 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Everything is Awesome is an easy-drinking, well-balanced rye pale ale — slightly sweet with a hint of rye and hop flavor. Great for those new to craft beer, very refreshing. “Tastes like sunshine.” Our top-selling beer for 2016. Consumer Comments: With a gentle nose of hops, rye and oats, Everything is Awesome is a laid-back grain-themed brew with well-mannered hops along for the ride. Panelists noted suggestions of banana and nuts on the nose and early palate, but don’t worry — this is not a tropical beer. Our tasters enjoyed this brew’s gentle bitterness and easy finish. If you’re like me, you’re eager for summer to arrive after an unpleasant winter. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the state, it’s fitting that so many excellent pale ales are produced right here, ready to help us get the most out of the warmer months. Here’s to a great summer — and some great Oregon brews!  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler I’m old enough to be a little jaded, maybe, but I’m fortunate to have grown up in a time when women were being welcomed into careers previously held mostly by men. Going to doctors’ appointments as a kid, my first physician was a woman. I worked for a woman who held flag rank in the U.S. Navy — a woman who’d earned the distinction of a flag flying from buildings, ships or cars she occupied, denoting the admiral’s shoulder boards she wore. Heck, even the two most effective nightclub bouncers I ever met were both fearless women! In a nod to this edition’s female focus, we raised our glasses to the confident and successful women of Oregon! WINNER Ambacht Brewing: Golden Rose Farmhouse Ale, Hillsboro 6.5% ABV; 17 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Ambacht Golden Rose Farmhouse Ale is a fruit beer made with rose hips. The rose hips give the beer a unique tangy flavor that goes well with complex earthy dishes, such as barbecue or those made with beans. Consumer Comments: Tied for first place with Ordnance’s offering, Ambacht’s Golden Rose is beautifully balanced and inviting. With a bit of rose hips on the nose, this brew presents a good head, a little citrus on the mid-palate along with the barest hints of nutmeg and anise. Panelists enjoyed Golden Rose’s easy drinkability and floral themes. Two tasters even described this brew “like a pleasant walk through a rose garden.” WINNER Ordnance Brewing: Bloops Blueberry Wheat, Boardman 4.6% ABV; 21 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Brewed with blueberries from our local farms, Bloops is a balanced wheat beer with just enough blueberry aroma and flavor to provide something delicious without being sweet and overly fruity. Consumer Comments: Along with Ambacht’s entry, Ordnance’s Bloops earned our panel’s top honors this month. A heady brew, the Bloops tempts with — surprise! — hints of candied blueberry on the nose and immediate palate, introducing a bit of honey before a clean, mineral finish. Well-balanced and affable, panelists described this entry as an ideal all-occasion beer, perfect for summer sun. Hop Haus: Fruit Fly Triple Berry Wheat, Gresham 5.0% ABV; 28 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is an amber to red colored slightly malty wheat ale with a smooth and mildly sweet berry finish. The triple blend of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries is added at the end of the boil, which provides some pectin haze. Willamette hops are added to balance out and complement the wheat. Consumer Comments: Hops and berry announce Fruit Fly Triple Berry Wheat — and the hoppy character won’t overstay its welcome. A notable citrus element takes charge on the mid-palate and panelists agreed — we tried it! — this brew works well served with a small orange wedge. Our tasters thought this beer would be a perfect companion on a summer evening, relaxing by the pool. Mazama Brewing: Rasplendent, Corvallis 5.0% ABV; [Unavailable] IBUs Brewer’s Description: What could be more refreshing for a summer beer than crisp, juicy raspberries? Add hibiscus and it drinks like a glass of raspberry lemonade, but with a nice head of foam and a light touch of hops. Rasplendent has also racked up several awards, including Silver Medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival, Gold Medal at 2016 Best of Craft Beer Awards and Silver Medal at 2017 Best of Craft Beer Awards. Consumer Comments: With its color of rose wine and a lively carbonation, Rasplendent might be called a wine-lover’s brew. With notes of raspberry, cranberry and pie cherries, the beer’s bold fruit character is both inviting and refreshing. Panelists agreed this brew has surprising appeal for both beer lovers and those who might prefer wine. McMenamins: Never Surrender Cherry Chocolate Stout, Portland 6.4% ABV; 17 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Inspired by two Yorkshire institutions: Samuel Smith’s Brewery and heavy metal legends Saxon. Comprised of mostly British malts, this beer boasts dark, blissful flavors from 42 pounds of Oregon Fruit Products’ cherry puree and 10 pounds of cocoa nibs from Meridian Cacao. Consumer Comments: Probably my personal favorite of the fruit brews, Never Surrender Cherry Chocolate Stout features broad coffee appeal along with chocolate, cherry and maybe a shred of chicory. With tongue-in-cheek good humor, our panel labeled the Never Surrender a perfect “breakfast brew.” Ninkasi Brewing Company: Hop Cooler Citrus IPA, Eugene 7.2% ABV; 74 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Bright and tropical, this IPA brilliantly layers a citrusy blend of orange and tangerine with a robust hop profile. Crafted with real citrus and packed with as much flavor as a hop cooler, you won’t be able to stop at just one sip of this fresh and fruity beer. Consumer Comments: Presenting the inviting hue of honey, Hop Cooler offers a very fresh nose of hops — distinct without being overpowering. Pineapple gives way to citrus on the mid-palate before a satisfyingly long finish. Like its name suggests, the Hop Cooler is a perfect fruit IPA. Two Shy Brewing: Not-So Peache, Roseburg 6.2% ABV; 30 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This is a natural sour brewed with 100 pounds of local peaches and aged in barrels. Peach, complex Brett, sour, clean finish. Consumer Comments: A spritely effervescence introduces the sparkling peach saison/sour from Two Shy. With notes of apple and a hint of cinnamon, panelists described this brew as invitingly “sour, like a cider but bright, like a champagne.” Easy on the palate without sacrificing flavor, this upbeat brew is a great one to enjoy while celebrating! By sheer coincidence, this month’s panel consisted of twice the number of women than men. While I recognize the equality of palates, I will say the input I get from female panelists is far more expressive than that from male. So, here’s to you, beer-loving women! We couldn’t print Super Brews without you!  By Matthew Meador
For the Oregon Beer Growler The afternoon my newly purchased PC arrived at my home, I cracked open a beer in celebration. Before I was finished opening the box, I’m pretty sure I was on my second bottle. I was excited because my new PC is a high-performance machine with a massive hard drive, ridiculous RAM and the ability to operate four monitors at once. Now, I’m pretty literate — digitally speaking. And while I may have been easy going in my younger years, my grouchy outlook now demands things be like I want; I expect items I order to arrive precisely as I specified. So when I noticed the crooked screws on the back of the machine, I frowned and took a long pull off my brew. Oh well, I thought, the factory was in a hurry. Crooked screws are no big deal. I methodically attached the components and monitors and fired it up. Only two of the monitors worked. Another frown, probably a mild expletive and definitely a new bottle. OK, I thought, I’ve got a bad connection. Another quick swig and I was ready to figure it out. Two hours and five bottles later, I realized the third and fourth monitors wouldn’t work, no matter what I did, so I contacted support. This called for another bottle, just to get through hundreds of lines of text with a support person. By this time, my mood was far less celebratory than exasperated, so I’m pretty sure I opened yet another beer. At the end of the evening, I was grateful for the beer, at least. Like no other adult beverage, beer is amiable and forgiving — a good companion for moments of celebration or moments of frustration. This month, we bring you a selection of wheat beers to help you celebrate — or commiserate. WINNER GoodLife Brewing: Sweet As! Pacific Ale, Bend 6.0% ABV; 18 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Sweet As! is a bright beer in appearance as well as flavor. This beer, which is 50 percent wheat and 50 percent pale malt, has a golden color complemented by a bright white head. Pineapple, cream and other soft tropical aromas dominate, creating a perfect transition to the playful finish. Southern Hemisphere hops paired with white wheat make this a light and very drinkable wheat pale. Consumer Comments: The clear choice of tasting panelists, Good Life’s Sweet As! tempts with an upbeat nose of citrus and tropical fruits and presents a lively mouthfeel. Supremely mellow hops on the mid-palate yield to citrus on the homestretch before a very clean finish. A nuanced brew, Sweet As! is as friendly as it is complex and will disappear quickly at parties. One taster even described this beer as opulent. To that, I would add well-mannered and engaging. Burnside Brewing Company: Thundarr the Bavarian, Bavarian-Style Imperial Wheat Ale, Portland 7.4% ABV; 11.6 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Unfiltered imperial German wheat ale brewed with the classic Weihenstephan yeast strain. Expect signature banana and clove aromas and flavor. Consumer Comments: A frothy head says “guten Tag” when Thundarr the Bavarian emerges from his bottle. Defined by notes of citrus, pineapple and a little clove, this medium-bodied brew is affable and well-balanced. Panelists described Thundarr as tangy, complex and lively. Old Town Brewing: Orange Grove Wit, Portland 5.0% ABV; 12 IBUs Brewer’s Description: Exciting as the first sunny day of spring, this orange wit is met with anticipation. The familiar characteristics of orange and wheat are complemented by the undertones of the sweet coriander and peppery grains of paradise utilized in the beer. Consumer Comments: Orange Grove is characterized by a tart start followed by a medium body of roasted grains. Described as an easy-sipping brew, it’s built on wheat with notes of citrus and spice. If you’re having a casual Easter dinner, one panelist thought the Orange Grove would be great accompaniment to a baked ham! Rusty Truck Brewing Co.: Strawberry Wheat Tonic, Lincoln City 4.5% ABV; 15 IBUs Brewer’s Description: What says spring better than fresh strawberry shortcake? Made with white wheat and Northwest pale malt and aged on 168 pounds of Oregon strawberries, this brew is sure to put you in a springtime mood. Consumer Comments: The lively carbonation of the Strawberry Wheat Tonic will tickle your taste buds, enhancing its fruity and friendly character. With notes of pear and strawberry, this medium-bodied brew is tart without being rude, finishing very cleanly. Panelists liked the Strawberry Wheat Tonic’s smoothness but don’t expect a strawberry sundae — this one’s beer through and through. Three Mugs Brewing Company: Mein Schatz German-Style Hefeweizen, Hillsboro 6.0% ABV; 9 IBUs Brewer’s Description: This beer was crafted to represent the best of the hefs we enjoyed while living in Germany. It’s a light, slightly malty brew with a distinctive wheat backbone and characteristic banana and clove flavors and aromas from the yeast. Consumer Comments: The fresh-looking color of apple juice invites you to sample the Mein Schatz. Built on a mineral foundation with hints of grapefruit zest and roasted plantains, this brew thumps its chest with masculine potency. If you’re not careful, the Mein Schatz will have you hollering for bloodlust at a NASCAR race. Two-Shy Brewing: Treble Clef Hefeweizen, Roseburg 5.2% ABV; 29 IBUs Brewer’s Description: An American hefeweizen brewed with Wakatu hops lead to an exotic lemon flavor with a slight bite. Consumer Comments: With a delicate nose of vanilla and a little citrus, the Treble Clef Hefeweizen practically sings spring sunshine. Easy and approachable, panelists liked the honesty of this brew with its honey hue and lightly tart finish. Tasters suggested serving it with spaghetti or pizza, describing it as clean and easy-drinking. One of my favorite things about beer is its universal suitability for any circumstance. We pop the cap off a brew during times of celebration, after moments of stress or just to relax. In case you’re wondering, I fixed my new PC myself — completely voiding my warranty, which was worthless anyway. And I did so with the warm comfort of a cold bottle — or seven — in hand. |
Super BrewsOregon Beer Growler each month invites consumers to “blind” taste a different style or group of beers at various locations across the state. Archives
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