Oregon Beer News, Week of 05/05/2014

Oregon BeerHappy Drinko Cinco de Mayo! Here’s the news in Oregon beer for the week of May 5. I will be periodically updating this post throughout the week with news as I find it, so if you have news to share please contact me and I can get that posted.

Wild Ride Brewing (Redmond): Redmond’s newest brewery is all set to officially open this Saturday! “We’re opening our doors at the Tap Room at Wild Ride Brewing in downtown Redmond on Saturday, May 10th at 11am! Spread the word, and come enjoy the wild ride!” They will have 10 or more beers on tap (not sure if they will be all their own, or guest taps too) plus food carts on hand for the hungry. They will officially be #26 in the list of Central Oregon breweries!

Widmer Brothers (Portland): The next three beers in their anniversary 30 Beers for 30 Years series are available now: Festbier (from 1987), Mäerzen (1988), and Bockbier (1989). “Collectively, the first six releases showcase Widmer Brothers’ heritage, the German influence that inspired their unique brewing style, and an early tagline for the brewery, “unique interpretations of traditional German beers.” In Portland in the late-eighties, German style lagers and ales were uncommon, especially those brewed by American craft brewers. Kurt and Rob Widmer’s German roots, and Kurt’s time in Germany, inspired the Brothers to brew their interpretations of these classic Bavarian styles. Widmer Brothers became one of the first breweries in the country to focus nearly exclusively on German-inspired beers. The first six beers in the 30 Beers for 30 Years Series were among the first and most memorable beers brewed by the brewery in its early years.” Look for the 22-ounce bombers of these.

Tuesday, 5/6

Cascade Brewing (Portland): Their Tap It Tuesday event at the Barrel House at 6pm is featuring “Live” Supracot: “This NW style sour wheat ale was barrel aged four months before aging on 150 pounds of fresh apricots for an additional five months. Aromas of dusty apricot skins and blossoms are present to start. Huge rich, tart apricots cover your palate and lead to a dry fruit finish with a cotton candy note. Close your eyes, it’s like drinking a fresh apricot. 8% | $8 Glass | $3 Taster”

The Platypus Pub and Deschutes Brewery (both in Bend) are teaming up to put on an amazing night of vertical tastings, starting at 5:30pm, and featuring: The Abyss 2011, 2012, and 2013; Black Butte XXIV and XXV; the latest Mirror Mirror; and Fresh Squeezed IPA which will be on tap. You can get a taster tray of the 6 big beers for $15, and I believe they will be available by the glass as well. And: “Chef Robert is creating two special menu items to pair with these beers. Black Butte Pork Wings with 24th Anniversary Mole Sauce and Raspberry Cheesecake Bites with 2013 Abyss Chocolate Sauce.” Don’t miss this one!

Thursday, 5/8

The Bier Stein (Eugene) is hosting beer importer Merchant du Vin for a special Ayinger event starting at 5pm: “It’s been 10 years since Ayinger brewed its Maibock, a strong, pale lager commemorating the new season. They sent a very limited quantity to our part of the world, and The Stein is happy to be able to offer this beer, along with Brau Weisse, Altbayrisch Dunkel, Celebrator Doppelbock, and Jarhundert Bier! Our Merchant du Vin import rep Tom Bowers will be here with swag and all the knowledge about the brewery. Come on in, taste these classic beers!”

McMenamins Edgefield (Troutdale): They have a limited-edition beer tasting kicking off at 5pm and lasting until the beer is gone: Pasteur’s Promise Pilsner. “Named for the father of lager yeast and godfather of those bright, clean, crisp Pilsners we love so dearly, this is our Edgefield Pilsner aged in a Hogshead Whiskey barrel. Smooth, oaky, and with just a hint of Hogshead whiskey, this is a pleasant treat for a warm day. We also dry hopped this batch with a blend of three landrace hop strains.

Friday, 5/9

The Bier Stein is hosting Corvallis’ 2  Towns Ciderhouse for the release of 2 Towns’ Made Marion marionberry cider: “Come on down for the release of 2Towns’ marionberry cider, a great purple drink for the new warm sunny days. Pairs well with lilac bushes and hyacinth blossoms.”

Gigantic Brewing (Portland) is celebrating its 2nd anniversary! From 3 to 9pm at their brewery and taproom: “We’ll be tapping our World Beer Cup medal winning Pipewrench : Ransom Old Tom Gin Barrel Aged IPA, as well as a special cask firkin and another special beer. Brewer DJs: Bling INTL, DJ Love and Herr Monsieur Guckel will be laying the soundtrack for the evening. Also – look to our website for the release of all our beer recipes.” Congrats on 2 great years!

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