Early OBF Thoughts

The masses on their way to 80+ taps of awesome.

The OBF is currently underway down at the waterfront and has another two days to go. I'm planning another run down at some point over the weekend, but wanted to give several "check this / avoid this" thoughts thus far. Ones to try?

Double Dry Hopped Glacier Pale Ale (Boundary Bay) - this was crisp, tasty, and perfect for the weather involved on Thursday. Nicely hoppy with a good bite on the end.

Daily Dose Summer Ale (Oakshire) - I ran into Matt Van Wyk in the middle of the parade and his description of the beer guaranteed that I would be sampling it. He wasn't sure if the lemon and grapefruit peel would pop in the beer the way he wanted, but I thought it was definitely in there. It's a great little Kölsch.

One to avoid?

Black & Red (Dogfish Head) - This had the longest line right from the start of the festival and nearly everyone I asked about it was disappointed. It's a wild collab of flavors, none of which really work together. I couldn't taste the raspberry, got a blast of mint, and then finished with a raisin/dates which . . . yeah, not what I was looking for or expecting by the description. Your money is better served elsewhere.

Looks like another two days of spectacular weather are in the cards, so if you have the means, get down there!

OBF '11

After defeating a nasty head-cold, the nexus of work duties, and various household tasks, I am set for this morning's trip to the Brewers' Brunch, followed by marching in the parade down to the waterfront for the 2011 Oregon Brewers Festival. The beer list is, as usual, a good mix of things I've seen before and things I have not.

A full blown report will be on the way. Weather is looking spectacular, so I advise a trip down if you have any aspect of free time.

It Begins

July is Craft Beer Month in Oregon. This would be the same Oregon that produces just shy of 10% of all the craft beer brewed in the US. That's quite a lot of celebration.

Yes, it's a party - everyone's invited. Here's a list of events from the Oregonian. A ton of good things to choose from.

I plan to kick things off on my post-work Friday with the Black Butte XXIII and see where things take me from there. Enjoy your 4th of July weekend and various beer-related activities you may get up to.