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.
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.
Great Beer Article you will use over and over
Imbibe is a cool magazine about all types of drinks. From tea to whisky. This article has given me all sorts of ideas for beer trips.
Best Lawnmower Beer – Saison Dupont
This beer has so many different aspects. It is light, wheaty, cidery and delicious. It is the first Belgian beer that really knocked my socks off. Very refreshing.
Best Beer for a cold day
This is a big Belgian beer from the always good Green Flash Brewery. Very good when your bones are chilled and the rain is coming down.
My Top 10 Beers
In no particular order….
Gose bier from Bayerischer Banhof in Leipzig
Ruby Ale from McMenamin’s
Haymaker from Bridgeport Brewing
Brrr! from Widmer
Our Special Ale from Anchor Steam
Blind Pig from Russian River
IPA from Green Flash Brewing
Hefeweizen from Landskron Brewing
Pommes Lambic from Lindemans
and sadly no longer made
Weizenberry from Thomas Kemper
Best beer for a Super Bowl
Full Sail’s Session. Comes in a case of 12 stubby bottles. Light and refreshing. An excellent choice for a large group of people. Low alcohol without sacrificing taste. And look at the bottom of the cap! Rock – Paper – Scissors!!!