Hopworks Pilot Brew

File this under smart moves, Hopworks Urban Brewery. Already the organic beer leader in Portland, and the leader in beer and bikes is in the process of opening a “nano brewery” that they will open to home brewers. The 30 gallon capacity systesm will be available for home-brew clubs six times during the year and solo home brewers for all of the other free dates. Applicants will be encouraged to use all Organic base malts in their recipes and in exchange will be able to brew at Hopworks, make use of their mill and just be around and absorb the vibe and knowledge that Hopworks already has.

HUB Rise Up

hub-rise-up-red

Another new bottle from the organic brewers at HUB….almost sounds like the Trailblazer slogan from last year.
“This full bodied NW Red is mahogany smooth and hopped to the rafters with locally grown Cascade and Centennial hops. Raise your pints in the air, Rise Up, gather round, Organic Beer from the ground.”

Top Beers of 2009

Here are my best beers of the year list (in no particular order)…..

Magic Hat # 9
had this at Naja’s place after horrible traffic and getting lost. this beer made everything melt away.
Cali- Belgique aged in Oak (Handpump)
Orange cream with hops. A breakfast IPA?
Rubicon Goldfinger (Nitro)
thank you Blue Palms for the Nitro!!
HUB 7 Grain Survival Stout
a great, hearty and complex stout that still lingers in memory
Widmer Teaser
light and completely different. tea flavors in a beer.

HUB – new July release

I know I can’t stop pimpin’ Hopworks. It is a disease. They make great stuff like this…..

Evelyn’s Imperial Sunshine is a big and beautiful double IPA with intense resinous floral and grapefruit hop aroma. This bright, golden beer has subtle malt flavor with just enough sweetness to compliment a powerfully crisp, bitter finish. Brewed in celebration of the birth of Evelyn Sunshine Ettinger one year ago this July 1st, it’s a rambunctious and refreshing beer.

Beer Discovery Tasting – 2.0

Beer & Desserts! It’s true it works! My test subjects all agreed that it tasted great. Thanks to all who came over and tried out three brews that you should try for dessert.

1809
First off, was Briem 1809 Berliner Weisse either without or with raspberry syrup. Very acidic. Cloudy. Nice and tart. For a delicate beer it traveled well. With berry syrup not so good to my palate. I had hoped to get some woodruff syrup to try as well but I was denied. But the sour went really well with the buttery shortbread and I imagine would be awesome with a good cupcake or cheesecake.

ephemere
Second, Ephemere from Unibroue. Really nice apple taste and smell. Light and refreshing and oh so very easy to drink. Also poured a little hazy. Paired with gruyere and gouda cheese. Would be great with a fondue.

hub
Finally, what the crowds were most curious about, the beer float! Two options were made available. HUB Survival 7-Grain Stout or Maui Coconut Porter. Both were delicious but the crowd response for the coffee taste of the HUB was overwhelming. A great full bodied Stout with low alcohol but loads of taste. Smells like roasted coffee. Jet black color. The coconut porter worked well too and would probably taste better with chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.