Barley Brown's So Good But So Far Away

www.barleybrownsbeer.com

 A couple weeks ago Emily and I and our daughter traveled to a gymnastics meet in Boise, Idaho. Instead of flying there, we decided to make the seven hour drive.  As soon as I heard we would be going to a meet in Boise I knew that (if we drove) this would be my first chance to stop in at the famous Barley Brown's in Baker City, a small town of about 10,000.

After a long 5 hour drive from Camas, we pulled off into Baker City around 2:30pm. Finding Barley Brown's is pretty easy - just look for the signs that lead you to Historic Downtown Baker City and look for the brown building with the Barley Brown's Beer sign.

After parking right out front, I jumped out ready to drink some of the excellent Barley Brown's beer. Walking into the production brewery's taproom I was stunned that it was just me and the server at the bar....on a Friday afternoon! Now I know Baker City is tiny and I assume that many adults in Baker City might not be as persuaded to drink craft beer and all, but this is Barley Brown's, 2013 GABF Small Brewery of the year, with numerous awards for their catalog of beers . As I walked up to the bar I had to laugh just a bit....if Barley Brown's transplanted themselves up to the Portland area they would be slammed at all hours of the day. The tasting room is nice and open with a long bar with plenty of seating, with other tables around. The tasting room has a nice warm feeling to it with lots of wood and high ceilings. You can see the 20bbl brew system from a window

Comfy bar....I could see myself getting very comfortable at one of those seats

Bad picture of the 20bbl brewery. Original 4bbl pub system is still in use across the street

After inquiring with the server about kids entering I was bummed to find out that no one under 21 is allowed in. That was disappointing because I really wanted to sit down with Emily and have sampler tray of as many beers as I could drink and then a freshpint of any one of the 21 beers that were on tap and of course allow our daughter to get out and stretch her legs and get something kid friendly to drink.

But no worries,  I grabbed my trusty Hydroflask growler to get a fill to take on our way. Note that Barley Brown's original brewpub location is across the street and is family-friendly but it didn't open until 4pm, and we didn't have that much time to wait until it opened. So with growler in hand I was back to the bar trying to make a decision on beer fill...which is hard when you have 22 taps of Barley Brown's beer to choose from, even when you've had quite a few of them previously. In the end I chose my current favorite IPA, Pallet Jack, to take on the road. I just couldn't pass up getting some fresh IPA. I also grabbed a couple bottles of Chaos which is an Imperial CDA and also happens to be the first beer bottled by Barley Brown's.

22 beers on tap..getting my growler filled

After I paid I snapped a couple more pics and we were off down the road to Boise, Idaho. I hope to make the long but beautiful drive out to Baker City again so I can experience some samplers and a freshpint of one or two of their fine beers and just enjoy the warm feeling of the tap room. If you find yourself out in the far Eastern Oregon area of Baker City, make sure you stop in at either Barley Brown's BrewPub or Tasting room and enjoy some of the best beer being made in the United States - you won't regret it.

Here is a great older review of the original location from our friend John Abernathy/The Brewsite and the future production brewery/taproom.

Brewpub Address: 2190 Main St. Baker City, OR 97814
Production Brewery/Taphouse (21 and up only): 2200 Main St. Baker City, OR 97814

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Chaos bottles for the road

Top Rung Brewing Releases “Comet the Hop” Pale as part of Pale Series

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Press Release:

Lacey, Wa - (February 18th,2015) - On February 21^st we will release the first beer in our Pale series.  “Comet the Hop” Pale will be the first of four Pale Ale’s released throughout 2015.  In each Pale release we will highlight and celebrate a different hop.  Comet is a great hop with a pungent aroma with citrus flavors that was released by the USDA in 1974 to provide a higher alpha acid hop.  The “Comet the Hop” Pale release will coincide with the WA Brewery Open House on February 21^st that is being sponsored by the WA Beer Commission.  Top Rung will be participating in the event and will be providing tours throughout the events hours of 12-5.

Top Rung Brewing is a 10 barrel production brewery with tasting room at the brewery. Top Rung Brewing is a destination for craft beer drinkers to enjoy their beverage and view a production brewery facility.  Our tasting room is family friendly and while we will only offer snacks, we partner with local food vendors and food trucks as well as allow patrons to bring in their own food of their choice or have it delivered.  Top Rung Brewing: bringing quality craft beer to Lacey.

              Comet the Hop Pale Ale Statistics:  ABV: 6.2%, IBU: 40, SRM: 10

              

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Laurelwood Brewing Co. Begins Pouring Into More of Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Laurelwood Brewing Co

Press Release:

Portland, OR - (February 17, 2015) – Laurelwood Brewing Co. has begun amplifying its presence in the Pennsylvania beer market. The Oregon brewery, which has been distributing in Philadelphia for the about three years now, is exploring beyond the city limits. Working with Gretz Beer Company, Laurelwood’s flagship brews – Workhorse IPA and Free Range Red – are now available by draft and bottles to the greater Philly area.

"Laurelwood’s dedication to quality made them a perfect fit for our ‘Greatest Beers of the World’ portfolio," says Mike Gretz, owner of Gretz Beer Company. "The family owned brewery creates world class beers, worthy of their several prestigious awards including the best IPA in America! We’re proud to be partnering with one of the finest brewers in the country to bring their beers to the area."

The expansion kicked off earlier this month, with Workhorse IPA and Free Range Red on tap at

Drake Tavern in Jenkintown, PA. Laurelwood plans to increase their offerings and add their well-known seasonal beers in both draft and bottle form by the end of the year.

"We see Pennsylvania as a great starting point for Laurelwood’s introduction to the East," explains Mike De Kalb, Laurelwood Brewing Co.’s co-founder. "We’re thrilled to take this next step in making our lineup available to more of the country’s craft beer lovers!"

The area can look forward to seeing the Laurelwood name more regularly, both in local restaurants and watering holes, while the brewery looks forward to new fans in the East.

About Laurelwood Brewing Co.:Laurelwood is a family owned brewery that creates one of the most recognized regional craft beers. Owners, Mike De Kalb and Cathy Woo-De Kalb, are dedicated to sustainable and organic practices, and first began producing certified organic beer in 2001. Laurelwood’s product line is known for its creativity and quality therefore winning many national and international beer awards. Laurelwood’s handcrafted beers can be found on draft and in bottles throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Pennsylvania. 

To learn more about Laurelwood Brewing Co., visit www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com.

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