Ecliptic Brewing Releasing Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout For The First Time

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec 29, 2015)– Ecliptic Brewing, a craft brewery and restaurant in Portland, Oregon will be releasing their Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout for the first time on January 16^th.  This beer is part of Ecliptic’s reserve series lineup and has been sleeping in bourbon barrels for fifteen months.  Alongside this beer, Oort Imperial Stout will be released for a second year.

  

What:  Oort Imperial Stout/Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout tapping and bottle release

When:  Saturday January 16^th, 12:00pm

Where:   Ecliptic Brewing, 825 N. Cook St. Portland, OR 97227

Details:  Tapping and limited amount of bottles available for purchase

Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co

About Oort Imperial Stout

Oort Imperial Stout is named after the mysterious region of our solar system that breeds comets.  Massive amounts of roasted barley and Chocolate malts were combined with three types of Caramel malts for a rich, full mouthfeel.  Chinook, Cascade, and Sterling hops lend a balanced bitterness and subtle hop flavor to this brew that’s as black as the vacuum of space. 

   

IBU: 77

ABV: 8.5%

GRAVITY: 21°P

Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co

About Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout

This barrel aged version of the Oort Imperial Stout slumbered for fifteen months in 12-year-old bourbon barrels, imparting flavors of bitter chocolate, vanilla, and oak.  It drinks especially chocolatey, with some heat from the barrel.

IBU: 77

ABV: 12.1%

GRAVITY: 21°P

A small amount of these beers will be made available after January 16^th in the territories where Ecliptic Brewing is currently offered.

Ecliptic beers are available at the brewery (825 North Cook St), in bottle and on-tap throughout the area, and distributed by: Maletis Beverage (Portland, Salem, Vancouver WA), Bigfoot Beverage (Eugene, Bend, Coast), Fort George Distributing (Northern Oregon Coast), Summit Distribution (Southern Oregon), Click Distributing (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Northern Idaho), Dickerson Distributing (Bellingham), Crooked Stave Artisans (Colorado), and Freedom Distributors (North Carolina).

About Ecliptic Brewing

Ecliptic Brewing is a venture from John Harris, an Oregon beer icon whose background is steeped in the state’s rich craft brewing history. The name Ecliptic unites Harris’ two passions: brewing and astronomy, and as such, the brewery celebrates the Earth’s yearly journey around the sun through both its beer and restaurant menus. Executive chef Michael Molitor rotates his seasonally inspired menu every six weeks in accordance with the old world calendar. Harris’ signature beers include Spica Pilsner, Orbiter IPA, Phobos Single Hop Red Ale, and Capella Porter. For more information, visit: www.eclipticbrewing.com.

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Releases Discreet Wheat Ale

Courtesy of Speakeasy Ales & Lagers

San Francisco, CA - (December 23, 2015) 

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers is preparing to release Discreet Wheat Ale, it’s first new beer of 2016. Discreet Wheat Ale will arrive during SF Beer Week, taking place January 22-31. The beer joins a cast of suspicious characters that have conspired to resurrect the Perfect Crime Series, featuring ingenious, small batch, and experimental beers that have been carefully executed by Speakeasy brewers.    

Discreet Wheat Ale may appear reserved, but don’t be deceived. Straw in color with a hazy appearance, this American-style Wheat beer is armed with a special weapon. Calypso, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops have been combined with lemongrass herb to deliver doses of grapefruit, lemon, pine, grass, and mango. Discreet Wheat Ale is moderately bitter at 42 IBUs, has a dry finish, and is 5.7% alcohol by volume.

Discreet Wheat Ale was created by Speakeasy brewer Brandon Nash and his girlfriend Pilar Odom, winners of Speakeasy’s 2nd Annual Employee Homebrewing Competition. A panel of judges, including Speakeasy Founder Forest Gray and Director of Brewing Kushal Hall, selected the team’s beer for limited release. Nash and Odom combined their individual expertise and knowledge to create Discreet Wheat Ale.

According to Nash, “I designed the recipe to be simple and chose high quality ingredients, letting different flavors speak for themselves. I also wanted to include a unique ingredient. My girlfriend Pilar, who is very knowledgeable about herbs, suggested adding lemongrass to give the brew an extra kick of citrus and grassy flavors.”

Discreet Wheat Ale will be a very limited draft only release. The beer will be served for the first time during the Discreet Wheat Release Party, January 24th, at Speakeasy’s Tap Room in conjunction with SF Beer Week. It will then be distributed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The Perfect Crime Series will continue with more special small batch releases during 2016

About the Perfect Crime Series

The Perfect Crime Series features ingenious, small batch, and experimental beers that are carefully contrived and executed by Speakeasy brewers. Each release is limited to draft only, and may appear just once, so the perpetrator can’t be brought to justice.  

Quick Facts

Name: Discreet Wheat Ale
URL: http://www.goodbeer.com/perfect-crime-series/
ABV: 5.7%
IBUs: 42
Style: American Wheat Ale
Format: Draft Only
Availability: Jan. - Feb. 2016

Courtesy of Speakeasy Ales & Lagers

About Speakeasy Ales & Lagers

In 1997 a wily band of bootleggers led by homebrewer Forest Gray were inspired to bring their exceptional brews from the underground to the masses, defiantly producing small batches of beer in a secret warehouse in San Francisco. Starting with a single, iconic beer, Prohibition Ale, Speakeasy now brews a wide array of acclaimed beers including Big Daddy IPA, Payback Porter, Double Daddy, Scarface Imperial Stout and many more, which are distributed across the entire West Coast and other major U.S. markets.

Victory Brewing Announces The Launch Of Its Blackboard Series

Courtesy of Victory Brewing

Victory Brewing Company Introduces a Year of Inspired Craft Beer:

2016 Series Brings Culinary Concepts from Blackboard to Bottle & Tap

Downingtown, PA,December 22, 2015- Victory Brewing Company (Victory) announces the launch of its Blackboard Series, four adventurous and deliciously distinctive beers brewed with fresh ingredients that are a creative craft riff on restaurant blackboard specials. The annual series includes a new creation every three months alternating between bottle and draft only releases. Much like restaurant blackboard specials are used to entice loyal patrons to veer off menu and try something interesting and new with market-fresh produce so does the Victory Blackboard Series.

Courtesy of Victory Brewing caption

 The first special in the series, Agave IPA with Grapefruit, will be released on January 1, 2016 and is brewed with four variations of American hops that juxtapose strong and bitter aromas against agave and grapefruit additions to create a light, citric bite. The ale is fresh, crisp and bracing, reminiscent of a ripe, ruby red grapefruit. The sweet agave syrup provides a perfect foil to the tartness of the grapefruit resulting in a juicy winter fruit beer. Agave IPA with Grapefruit is available from January through March and can be purchased throughout Victory’s 37-state distribution footprint for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a 4-pack of 12 oz. bottles. Pricing will vary slightly based upon location. Use Victory’s Beerfinder to discover a nearby location, or download the free Victory Mobile app for Android or iPhone.

As part of the series launch, all three Victory Brewpubs - Downingtown, Kennett Square and Parkesburg are fully ‘embracing the blackboard’ with culinary creations perfectly suited to, or using the ingredients found in, Agave IPA with Grapefruit to celebrate the launch of this series. While Victory will always serve their popular, hop-forward brands and equally delicious fare, it anticipates the alternating bottle and draft “beers du jour” will please and excite the palates of craft beer and brewpub fans alike.

Courtesy of Victory Brewing

The second beer of the series is certain to excite the funky and wild ambitions side of many craft beer fans. The Dry-Hopped Brett Pils will be available on draft from April to June 2016. The third offering, a Berliner Weisse with Elderflower, will be sold in 12 oz. bottles. The final introduction of the series is an Oatmeal Porter with Hazelnut in a draft format.

“We developed the idea for this series while witnessing the popularity of the daily menu additions in our brewpubs. Using super fresh, seasonal ingredients as the driving force of our Blackboard Series we welcome January and it's bounty of enticing grapefruits,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “The goal of the Blackboard Series is to be flexible, adaptable and diverse while maintaining our high standard for quality. Much like our talented chefs make menu changes, we followed suit to bring ‘specials’ to our fans from the blackboard to the bottle or tap.”

About Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, PA. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. Victory’s second state of the art brewery opened in February of 2014 in Parkesburg, PA to serve fans of fully flavored beers in 37 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. In addition to the original Downingtown brewpub, Victory’s second brewpub is in Kennett Square, while Parkesburg recently launched self-guided tours and the third brewpub. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company visit www.victorybeer.com.

Sabertooth “Psychedelicstonermicrofest”

SABERTOOTH “PSYCHEDELICSTONERROCKMICROFEST” OFFERS

MIND-ALTERING MUSIC AND BEER

– McMenamins’ Sophomore MicroFest Celebrates Crystal Ballroom’s Past –

WHAT:           McMenamins presents the second annual Sabertooth MicroFest, a psychedelic and stoner music packed weekend, taking place Feb. 5-7, 2016 in downtown Portland. Drawing on the counterculture history of the Crystal Ballroom, Sabertooth celebrates the mind-altering experiences that started in mid-'60s folk, rock and blues. From the Peace Rites of Allen Ginsburg and historic performances by the Grateful Dead through the Flaming Lips Boom Box Experiment, the Crystal has always been the place to experience psychedelic music in all its forms. The bands featured this year, including Super Furry Animals, Red Fang and Built to Spill, represent a wide range of psychedelic music styles and interpretations of the art form. 

Courtesy McMenamins

In addition to a full music line-up, MicroFest goers and craft brew aficionados can enjoy the Blasphemous Brew Fest – a showcase of seven wild and weird small batch beer styles custom made for the MicroFest by McMenamins and other local breweries. Beers are available for purchase in Lola’s Room on Saturday and Sunday for ages 21 and over. Sabertooth ticket holders can bring beers from the brew fest up to the Crystal Ballroom to watch the show.

In the spirit of the event, Al’s Den (at Crystal Hotel) features its own psychedelic stylings all weekend from 7-10 p.m. by two of Portland’s homegrown artists: World’s Finest on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-6 and Quick and Easy Boys on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Sabertooth music line-up at Crystal Ballroom

Friday:

·         World’s Finest, 7 p.m. (Al’s Den)

·         King Black Acid, 8 p.m.

·         Earth, 9 p.m.

·         Super Furry Animals, 10:15 p.m.

Saturday:

·         Blasphemous Beer Fest, 5 p.m. (Lola’s Room)

·         Eternal Tapestry, 6:30 p.m.

·         World’s Finest, 7 p.m. (Al’s Den)

·         Witch Mountain, 7:20 p.m.

·         YOB, 8:25 p.m.

·         Red Fang, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday:

·         Blasphemous Beer Fest, 5 p.m. (Lola’s Room)

·         Brett Netson & Snakes, 6:30 p.m.

·         Quick and Easy Boys, 7 p.m. (Al’s Den)

·         The Fresh & Onlys, 7:20 p.m.

·         Mikal Cronin, 8:25 p.m.

·         Built to Spill, 9:30 p.m.

* Showtimes subject to change, check the website for updates

Blasphemous Brews at Sabertooth provided by:

·         Ale Apothecary

·         Breakside Brewery

·         Cascade Brewing

·         McMenamins Crystal Brewery

·         McMenamins Edgefield Brewery

·         McMenamins Thompson Brewery

·         Upright Brewing

WHEN:           February 5-7, 2016

                        Friday: Doors at 6 p.m., Music at 7 p.m.

Saturday: Doors and Brew Fest at 5 p.m., Music at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday: Doors and Brew Fest at 5 p.m., Music at 6:30 p.m.

COST:            3-day pass: $85 advance, $90 day of show

VIP Viewing Area* (21 and Over) - $140 advance, $145 day of show

Individual day passes: $30 advance, $35 day of show

VIP Viewing Area* (21 and Over) - $50 advance, $55 day of show

* Limited amount of VIP tickets available

WHERE:         McMenamins Crystal Ballroom and Lola’s Room

                        1332 W. Burnside

Portland, OR 97209

Al’s Den at Crystal Hotel

303 S.W. 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97209

SPONSORS: Presenting sponsors are McMenamins, Portland Mercury and XRAY.FM. Additional support from Jackpot Records, Sizzle Pie and Voodoo Doughnuts.

WEBSITE:      http://www.sabertoothpdx.com/

About Crystal Ballroom

McMenamins Crystal Ballroom is a historic dance hall that has been a part of downtown Portland, Ore. for 102 years. The hall has seen countless first loves unfold, police raids, visits by silent screen idols and Beat poets, psychedelic light shows, narrow escapes from fire, demolition, and neglect, and a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Today the music palace hosts everything from rock ’n’ roll and country, to hip-hop and big band swing and is well-known for its original floating dance floor.

About McMenamins

McMenamins operates 54 distinctive pubs, restaurants and historic hotels in the Pacific Northwest. Founded by brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin with a single Portland neighborhood pub in 1983, McMenamins today includes eight Washington locations and 45 Oregon properties, 18 on the National Register of Historic Places. McMenamins handcrafts its own beer, wine, spirits, cider and coffee and offers an eclectic mix of pubs, hotels, movie theaters, concert venues, spas and events for guests to enjoy.

Great Notion Brewing Opening January 1st

Courtesy of Great Notion Brewing Co

Limited beer tastes available until Grand Beer Release on March 5

Portland, Oregon, December 28, 2015 – Great Notion Brewing, located at 2204 NE Alberta #101, will officially open its doors on January 1, 2016. Formerly Mash Tun Brewpub, Great Notion is new ownership and a refresh that boasts an updated space and elevated bar menu, which Chef Ryan O’Connor describes as ‘approachable Americana’. To celebrate its opening, the brewery is welcoming families during the month of January when kids eat for just $1 every Wednesday.

Although founders Paul Reiter, James Dugan and Andy Miller took over the space earlier this year, they have been operating as Mash Tun while awaiting their TTB brewer’s license. That license came on December 9, 2015. Now brewers Miller and Dugan are hard at work, brewing barrel-aged sours and juicy IPAs, along with some experimental beers, such as their Double Stack, a breakfast stout brewed with coffee and maple syrup.

“We will slowly be adding Great Notion beers to our tap list, most likely starting with our flagship IPA,” said Reiter. “We can’t wait to share our new space and new menu with all of Portland.”

That menu comes from Chef Ryan O’Connor, formerly at local spots such as Vita Café and Helser’s on Alberta. His menu will focus on artfully crafted Americana food with influences spanning the Western Hemisphere. Patrons can order eclectic menu items such as Succotash Tacos and Philly Empanadas, or enjoy comfort food such as the Mac and Cheese with sharp English cheddar, smoked Gouda, Muenster, Roquefort, broiled plum tomatoes, and chives.

While a full lineup of Great Notion’s beers won’t be available for purchase until the Grand Beer Release on March 5 (RSVP here), the brewery is offering limited samples throughout January and February. The brewery is also inviting its neighbors, partners, and friends to a soft opening on Thursday January 21st. "We recognize the amazing community we are a part of, and we want to share our passion with those who have supported us throughout this process,” said Reiter.

Great Notion Brewing is a family-friendly establishment and operates daily. Guests can call the brewery directly to book events, parties, and more. To learn more about Great Notion, visit www.greatnotionpdx.com, or follow the brewery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Ninkasi Brewing Debutes 2016 Flagship Series

Courtesy of Ninkasi Brewing Co

Helles Belles and Easy Way IPA Join Ninkasi’s Year-Round Lineup

EUGENE, Ore.—Dec. 17, 2015—Oregon’s own Ninkasi Brewing Company announces its year-round Flagship Series offerings for 2016. Starting January, Helles Belles, a Helles Lager, and Easy Way IPA, a drinkable India Pale Ale, join Ninkasi’s lineup of steadfast favorites available year-round in bottles and on-draft.

Known for its highly-hopped offerings like Total Domination India Pale Ale, Tricerahops Double India Pale Ale, and Dawn of the Red India Red Ale, Ninkasi has grown to become the 36th largest craft brewery in the United States and prides itself on making well-balanced, high-quality craft beers for a wide range of palates. Founded in 2006 by Nikos Ridge and Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi first debuted with Total Domination IPA. Since then, the brewery has developed its Flagship Series to include seven diverse beer styles all available year-round.

 

Courtesy of  Ninkasi Brewing Co

In 2016, craft beer drinkers can find new additions to Ninkasi’s year-round lineup including Helles Belles, a Helles Lager. After the brewery first released Lux, a German-Style Helles Lager, to its Flagship Series in 2015, it decided to revisit the recipe and brand. “We love Lux, which is why we gave it an upgrade,” explains Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi co-founder and founding brewer. “Helles Belles has a slightly higher ABV and IBU, offering a beer that is a little more expressive and playful for a German-Style Lager.” New branding also demonstrates the brewery’s more playful side, capturing its affinity for rock-‘n’-roll.

 

Courtesy of Ninkasi Brewing Co

Also making its way to Ninkasi’s Flagship Series is Easy Way IPA, a drinkable India Pale Ale. At 4.7% ABV, Easy Way IPA supplements Ninkasi’s year-round IPA lineup by offering a beer that is as aromatic and hoppy as expected with a sessionable character. “This beer still has all that you would expect out of an IPA,” says Floyd. “A big hop aroma and a big hop flavor make it reminiscent of a traditional IPA but with less alcohol; it’s unexpectedly drinkable.”

Helles Belles, Helles Lager

Helles Belles is a headliner for the masses. Light and flavorful, this drinkable Lager strikes a chord between satisfyingly crisp and deliciously crafted. With a sweet, toasted malt flavor, a refreshing finish and just a hint of Noble hops, this beer defines drinkability. Allowed to ferment for a minimum of six weeks, Helles Belles is earnestly crafted to offer a beer that is as enjoyable as it is balanced.
Enjoyed Since: 2016 | OG: 1050 | IBUs: 28 | ABV: 5.3%

Watch Jamie Floyd’s Video Tasting Notes:

Easy Way IPA, India Pale Ale (Available in select markets January 2016. Available everywhere else February 2016.)

Crafted for those who enjoy the aromatic and hoppy nature of IPAs but are pining for a lower ABV, Ninkasi introduces Easy Way IPA. A dynamic medley of hops and a crisp, satisfying finish define this unexpectedly sessionable IPA. The big, fruity hop nose and toasted malt flavor are anything but ordinary, offering a beer that is both aromatic and drinkable. With an ABV of 4.7%, this beer is for those ready to break the routine and go the Easy Way.

Enjoyed Since: 2016 | OG: 1045 | IBUs: 44 | ABV: 4.7%

Watch Jamie Floyd’s Video Tasting Notes:

Total Domination, India Pale Ale
In 2006, founders Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge spent 18-hours brewing the very first batch of Ninkasi beer. The result? Total Domination IPA – a citrusy, floral IPA and a testament to Jamie’s love for Amarillo and Crystal hops. With a great malt backbone and fresh, citrus hop flavor, this beer finishes with a desire to return to this favored IPA again and again.

Enjoyed Since: 2006 | OG: 1067 | IBUs: 65 | ABV: 6.7%

Tricerahops, Double India Pale Ale

Offering a double-dose of everything loved in an IPA, Tricerahops has acquired a cult-like following since it was first brewed in 2007. Offering a big, earthy, floral hop hit, this beer is balanced by a generous amount of malt, making for a drinkable double IPA.
Enjoyed Since: 2007 | OG: 1080 | IBUs: 100 | ABV: 8.0%

Dawn of the Red, India Red Ale

Developed out of a desire to craft an IRA using new hop varieties, Dawn of the Red possesses an intoxicating level of tropical notes. Brewed with El Dorado and Mosaic hops, this beer bursts with notes of mango, papaya and pineapple, and is sustained by a subtle malt flavor. Since its first R&D release, Dawn of the Red immediately became a favored Ninkasi offering and joined the Ninkasi Flagship Series in 2015.

Enjoyed Since: 2014 | OG: 1072 | IBUs: 75 | ABV: 7.0%

Oatis, Oatmeal Stout

Brewed in 2007 as the second winter seasonal produced by Ninkasi, a love for Oatis developed right away. Named after a brewer’s dog, the popularity of Oatis promoted its move from a seasonal brew to a year-round offering in 2008. This stout has a dry finish with a significant amount of roasted flavor upfront. Its smooth mouthfeel comes from the use of rolled oats paired with a caramel complexity and coffee flavors.

Enjoyed Since: 2007 | OG: 1072 | IBUs: 50 | ABV: 7.0%

Vanilla Oatis, Oatmeal Stout with Vanilla

A more decadent take on Oatis, Vanilla Oatis features the addition of whole Madagascar vanilla beans. During the brewing process of Oatis, a portion of the beer is set aside in the brite tanks where hand-cut vanilla beans are added – the same process used to dry-hop a beer. This addition of pure vanilla acts as a natural sweetener, adding a more roasted flavor upfront followed by a vanilla finish.

Enjoyed Since: 2009 | OG: 1072 | IBUs: 50 | ABV: 7.0%

For more information about Ninkasi’s full lineup of beers, visit: http://www.ninkasibrewing.com/delicious/beers/.

About Ninkasi Brewing Company
Founded in 2006 by Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge, Ninkasi Brewing Company continues to grow from its first batch of Total Domination IPA, to two brewhouses, a 55-barrel and a 90-barrel brewhouse, located in Eugene, Ore.  Ninkasi’s Flagship beers—Total Domination IPA, Tricerahops Double IPA, Dawn of the Red IRA, Lux Helles Lager, Oatis Oatmeal Stout, and Vanilla Oatis Oatmeal Stout—are sold throughout Alaska; Alberta; Arizona; California; D.C.; Colorado; Idaho; Maryland; Nevada; New York; Oregon; Texas; Utah; Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia. The brewery remains privately-owned and is committed to community support and giving. Ninkasi’s Beer Is Love program offers in-kind donations and support for organizations throughout its footprint.

For more information, call 541.344.2739 or visit www.NinkasiBrewing.com. 

Holiday Ale Festival donates $20,000 to Children’s Cancer Association

Winter beer lovers help Holiday Ale Festival

donate $20,000 to Children’s Cancer Association

 

Attendees raise a glass to winter beers, ciders, braggot and mead at the 20th annual event

 

 PORTLAND, Ore. – More than 14,000 beer fans packed into Pioneer Courthouse Square Dec. 2 through Dec. 6 to take part in the 20th annual Holiday Ale Festival. Collectively, they helped raise $20,000 for the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) MusicRx program, which delivers the healing power of music to children battling cancer and their families.

All the proceeds brought in from the on-site coat/bag check, the Crater Lake Root Beer Garden, a raffle, and sales of the festival’s classic pin up girl posters were earmarked for the non-profit. Organizers rounded up the proceeds to the nearest $1,000 and then quadrupled the amount; the $20,000 check was presented to the CCA earlier this week.

The Northwest's only outdoor winter beer festival featured 50 beers, ciders, mead and braggot in the main lineup, all of which were made or blended specifically for the event or were vintage offerings not commonly served in the region. The event is billed as an opportunity for brewers to connect with their fans, and this year’s lineup did not disappoint.

While all the products were well received, a few rose to the top in terms of popularity and buzz, including Reverend Nat’s Winter Abbey Spiced Cider (served warm); Deschutes Brewery’s Pacific Wunderland (Munich IPA); Feckin Irish Brewing’s Top' O The Feckin Mornin (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Espresso Milk Porter); 54° 40’ Brewing’s Snowball Headed for Hell (White IPA); Eel River Brewing’s Gargantua III (Imperial Barrel Aged Strong Ale); Bear Republic Brewing’s Cuvee du Santa (Sour Brown Ale); and Fort George Brewery’s Deck the Helles (Barrel Aged Helles Lager).

The festival also featured 46 special tappings spaced out all five days of the event, including a four-year vertical of The Abyss by Deschutes Brewing. Fans were able to stay informed of the tappings and beer locations via a mobile app that was updated live at the event. Meet the Brewer events with Bear Republic’s Peter Krueger, Firestone Walker’s Keenan Delaney and Stone Brewing’s Dr Bill Sysak were standing room only affairs with the brewers surfing a sea of questions and fan appreciation.

The festival replaced its traditional opaque mugs with Govino tasting glasses made from a flexible BPA-free polymer that properly showcased the beverages. The shatterproof, recyclable and reusable Govino glasses were a huge hit with the attendees.

Event highlight included the onsite Oregon Lottery iClick Photo Booth, which provided instant festival memories with free hard copy photos; a table featuring rotating local beer writers peddling their wares, which offered excellent holiday gift opportunities; and the 12th annual Sunday Beer Brunch, a sold out affair with more than a third of the attendees coming from outside the Northwest to taste vintage beers and special large format bottles paired with a European style buffet. Food selections ranged from fresh roasted nuts and cheese to tasty creations from Urban German Grill and Bunk Sandwiches.

Advance tickets were more popular than ever, with holders experiencing expedited entry all five days. Those who took advantage of the VIP ticket option were pleased with the extra perks which included designated beer lines with little to no waiting, exclusive VIP-only vintage beers, and aged cheese to pair with the beers.

The Holiday Ale Festival is a five-day event that annually starts the Wednesday following Thanksgiving. Dates for 2016 are Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. For more information, visit www.holidayale.com.

Portland Brewings New Limited-Edition Scotch-style Ale Joins Benefit Beer Lineup

Courtesy of Portland Brewing Co

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 18, 2015) — Stand up to the cold with Portland Brewing’s new neighborhood-inspired benefit beer, Wee Lad Scotch-style Ale. Brewed to get Oregonians through these chilly winter months, the draft-only seasonal beer exists for just a limited time. This hearty brew celebrates Ladd’s Addition, the uniquely beautiful and historic inner Southeast Portland stomping ground. Wee Lad also supports the Oregon Food Bank and its statewide mission to end hunger.

The traditional strong ales of Scotland inspired head brewer, Ryan Pappe, to brew this one a wee bit heavy to stand up to the rain and cold of an Oregon winter. “I love a good Scotch Ale, so we set out to brew our own take on this classic style,” says Pappe. “I lived for years near Ladd’s Addition, enjoying the unique layout of the streets and the rose gardens spread throughout. I consider Wee Lad to be like those gardens during the depths of winter: the rich and sweet malt goodness nourishes the soul like the fertile soil of the gardens nourishes the roses once the sunshine returns.” Brewed using Magnum and East Kent Golding hops, along with malts 2-Row Pale Barley, C-40 and Black Malt, Wee Lad’s full body features sweet notes of caramel with a hint of roast. Pappe believes, “you can count on this beer to revive you on a cold night.”  ABV: 8% | IBU: 35 | SRM: 17 | OG: 19

The Wee Lad Scotch-style Ale is the fifth and final installment in the 2015 Guild’s Lake Series of neighborhood-focused beers, joining Rico Sauvie Pumpkin Ale with Spices, Night Market Special Lager, ‘Round the Block and Pier Park Piney Pale. The Series derives its name from Guild’s Lake, a former wetlands in Northwest Portland where Portland Brewing is now located. A portion of the proceeds from each pint benefits the Oregon Food Bank and its holistic approach to ending hunger by bringing our community together to provide food, education and hope to our neighbors in need.  Wee Lad is now on draft at Portland Brewing’s Taproom, for a limited time, and will soon be available at other Portland-area bars and restaurants.  Courtesy of Portland Brewing Co

About Portland Brewing Company Founded in 1986, Portland Brewing Company was one of the first craft breweries established in the city. Offering year-round, seasonal, and now the Guild’s Lake Series, Portland Brewing is committed to giving the public what they want: great beer. Portland Brewing is located at 2730 NW 31st Ave., Portland, OR 97210.  For more information about Portland Brewing Company, head to their website, Facebook and Twitter. About Oregon Food Bank Originally known as the Oregon Food Share, the Oregon Food Bank is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to eliminate hunger and its root causes. The Oregon Food Bank works with a network of statewide partners to distribute an emergency food supply to families in need.  For more information, or to donate directly, please visit www.oregonfoodbank.org About Ladd’s Addition Nestled in Southeast Portland between Hawthorne Blvd. and Division St., Ladd’s Addition is the city’s oldest planned residential development. The historic neighborhood named after mid-19th-century Portland mayor, William S. Ladd, is known for its unique diagonal street layout, series of roundabout rose gardens and classic family home architecture. Representative of Portland’s aesthetic and culture, Ladd’s Addition typifies the essence of Rose City.