Tag: Beervana

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Portland Brewery # 3 – Culmination Brewing

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For aspiring Portland breweries, the wait time isn’t usually all that long but in the case of Culmination Brewing it was a much longer (2 year) period before opening, which they finally did this year.

But the wait will be worth it, especially for those who love live music because that is a focus of this brewery with a dedicated space for their Concert in the Brewery Series.
Before I get to my picks for my initial taster tray, Culmination also has guest taps as well and have done many collaborations while in process of building their own space so you will probably find something to taste, if not more than one.

Reynard Belgium Style IPA – “Our Belgium Style IPA (made in collaboration with Brannon’s Brewery) is a hop-forward ale brewed with a Belgium yeast strain offering additional levels of complexities and a citrus nuance that plays well with the northwest hops.”

4 & 20 Imperial Black IPA – “Our signature 4 & 20 Imperial Black IPA (made in collaboration with Lucky Labrador) represents the smooth complexities of our upcoming line of fine beers. The name, 4 & 20, derives from our infusion of four hops and twenty plato.”

To round out my tasters I would add the Brett IPA, Saison II and their Black Saison.

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Year of Podcasts – Beervana

Beervana – The Podcast sprouted just this year and is the team up of an Economics professor from Oregon State University aka the Beeronomist, and Jeff Alworth of the Beervana blog that covers all things Portland beer and beer (and cider) author.

The first podcast covered the topic that nobody really talks about, partygyle brewing.  Covering English beers that we in L.A. don’t really talk or hear about.

# 2 covers an even more obscure topic, ferulic acid rest while # 3 is all about Italian beers.

From the two hosts to the topics, this is a different beast of a beer podcast.

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Portland in November & December

Flying the week after Thanksgiving is the way to go. Literally, no one was in the TSA line. I just walked right up and was through. That quickly, my trip to Portland had begun.

Each time that I head north, I make a list of places to go. Belmont Station is on it every time. Other points on the map come and go but for this trip, I wanted to make my first visits to two specific places and a long awaited return trip to an old favorite.

After buying way too much at Belmont Station, I headed along with my mom and wife to Upright Brewing. Near the Trailblazer’s Rose Garden. The brewing space is in the basement of a multi-use building. Little to no seating and no bar! The server was standing next to some taps and a chalkboard. You order and you try to find a spot to stand amongst the brewing equipment.

My sampler included Todo Modo, Pearwood Smoked lager, Bad Brains and Seven aged with Brett. Personally the lighter colors were the best. The two dark lagers were fine but could not compete with the flavors of the other two.

Next stop was Widmer. I haven’t visited the Gasthaus in forever. Checking their website before I left, I noticed they had a trio of New Zealand hop offerings. So I ordered that!

The Pacific Gem was the best of the group. But all really showcased the difference in hops from one part of the world. I got citrus, fruit punch and grape notes and pear too. All with a pleasant kick of bitterness.

My other new to me visit (though I have had a few of their beers was Gigantic Brewing. Tucked into (you guessed it) an industrial part of SE Portland is their very pretty space with Portland Timber and label artwork adorning the walls. No Axes of Evil. Though I wanted to try it. I started with Ume Umai…


…a red hued beer with a nice effervescence and a nice push of plum taste. A really great fruit accented beer. I finished with their winter tipple, Old Man Gower which was a pleasant strong ale.

The last stop was spontaneous and I will talk more about Base Camp Brewing in a later post but suffice it to say it was a beautiful tap room and their S’more Stout had a toasted marshmallow!

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July’s Other Beer blog

Being born and raised in Oregon means I like to hear about what is going on in Oregon beers from down south in LA. And one of the better stops to get my Portland Beer Info fix is Jeff Alworth’s Blog Beervana.

He has also in the process of writing a book plus he has a book of his best beer musings out too.

Check out the Beervana. It’s almost as good as going to the actual place.

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Beervana (the book)

There are certain beer bloggers who I follow more than others either due to topics covered, geographic location or humor.

One person who covers all those bases is based in my former burg, Portland. Jeff Alworth’s Beervana blog has been going strong since 2006 and he has posted about places or beers that I have then HAD to visit or WILL visit soon.

So what did I see the last time I visited? Well, he’s compiled a book. With blog posts and additional material that you can physically read.

Follow the LINK to purchase a copy today.

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Mt. Tabor Brewing

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OK, Portland! I get it. I need to re-visit. So many new places to try. It is obvious that the web snub of Asheville has pushed Beervana to new heights. Mt. Tabor Brewing is another place to go to.

Dragon Lounge Pale Ale – American Pale Ale with a Chinese twist. Custom Brewed for the Canton Grill. 5.6% ABV/41 IBUs.

Asylum Ave IPA – Bittered with Amarillo and finished with loads of Cascades, this beer will drive hop heads insane. 6.3% ABV/85 IBUs.

Qwest Porter – A hoppier version of the classic UK style. 6.0% ABV/25 IBUs.

Soapbox Blonde Ale – Pilsen malt with a dash of honey malt gives this beer a crisp but sweet taste. Finish that steep descent and this beer will reward you. 5.5%/28.2 IBUs.

Little Bull Stout – Dark, hoppy, and delicious, the only thing “Little” is the name. 7.0% ABV/130 IBUs.

Reinheitsgebot Alt – We pay homage to the German Beer Purity Law with this traditional “Old” German beer. Prost! 6.2% ABV/32 IBUs.