Apart from the fact that BIG BEER abbreviations are getting more baroque, it is interesting to hear that Anheuser has tumbling profits according to the Wall Street Journal. You would think that the cheap beers would be flying out of stores. But because they buy in bulk and hedge its raw materials purchases means it is locked in to old, high hop prices while the small brewers are making less but better beer at cheaper prices. I say it too much but your local small brewer always seem to do more with less.
Hitachino Espresso Stout – reviewed
As promised, I uncapped the Espresso the other day. Very dark pour. Great foam. Very picturesque. Since I have Portland roots, I have had a few coffee porters and this one is just as good. Rich and malty without an alcohol bite. Perfect for a cold night or a nice cut of steak. It is expensive but it will not dissapoint.
Beer in Portland – Part 2
Not to far away from Belmont Station (heck, Portland is a small big town, everything is close), is the enviromentally friendly Hopworks Urban Brewery or HUB. Really cool space. The bank vault from the building before is now a little snug table. They have a plethora of regular beers and even more specials. I had the Abominable Winter Ale and the Belgian Apple. Both very good.
Where to go in Portland – Part 1
Belmont Station. What can I say. Great selection of beer. Just great. Saw Heater-Allen for the first time, ever. Every time I go in, I see something new. Plus, they have a beer bar next door with amazing taps. If you are anywhere in Oregon, find Belmont Station.
Hitachino Nest Coffee beer
I have got my hands on a bottle of this beer and will tell you later what it tastes like.
Double Mountain Brewing
They are relatively new to the Hood River, Oregon scene but they do some excellent brews. Many seasonals that I wish I could get my hands on. They do a Killer Green IPA each year that hope to taste from the tap. They do an excellent IRA – India Red Ale and they do a coffee beer with local coffee roaster Ten Speed.
Great Beer Guide – East Coast
When you find yourself traveling through the East Coast then Lew Bryson is your man. He has guides for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and even Michigan. His website and blog are also filled with information you can use.
Great Beer Guide – West Coast
This is a great guide to who is making and who is pouring in Southern California and Nevada. A quality resource for the beer traveler.
What I am Drinking now
Pricewise, this is a good deal for a mild Belgian / bock style. Sweet and a bit malty. Not overpowering. Could use a little more malt to boost the flavor profile up. What I would call a borderline good beer.
Favorite Beer – Gose
Bayerischer Bahnhof Original Leipziger Gose
A Traditional Ale brewed by
Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayerischer Bahnhof
Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
Leipziger Gose is a top-fermenting wheat beer {60% wheat, 40% barley malt} with coriander, salt, and lactic acid bacteria added in the boil. As the name implies, the Gose originates from the city of Goslar. It is a 4.6% alc/vol eclectic beer whose name evokes a close relationship to the renowned Lambic/Geuze breweries in Belgium. Only the short supplies in the German Democratic Republic put an end to the exotic beer. Surprisingly the Gose had its renaissance before the German reunification and has been brewed at the train station in Leipzig since 2000. I had this beer on tap in 2006 and it was spectacular. Bottles in the states are easier to come by but have not been as good. It is too delicate a beer to travel.