Friday, November 30, 2018
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Try This Week: Northbank Farmhouse Pale Ale
As part of North Bank Beer Week, brewers from southwest Washington collaborated on this beer. I had my first at Ghost Runners Brewery but you can find it in multiple locations.While I loved it, it's not for everyone. (My IPA-drinking friend didn't like it at all.) I'm new to farmhouse ales myself but am enjoying getting to know the style. If you're curious about it, too, this is a good place to start.
It's described on UnTappd as ". . . fermented on red wine barrel staves from Maryhill Winery. It's also dry hopped. You'll find it light and effervescent with notes of oak, grapes, tropical fruit and clove."
BrewDad described it as ". . . a crisp and fruity Farmhouse Pale Ale. This recipe used 100% Skagit Maltto keep to our Washington roots."
While both mention 6.8% ABV, one puts it at 43 IBU and the other puts it at 25. Whichever, it has a slight tartness balanced by fruit and spice while the oak gives it a pleasant smoothness.
Roughly 30 southwest Washington brewers came up with this brew and I think it's pretty darned good. Well done!
Monday, September 10, 2018
Cornholiest
As part of North Bank Beer Week (which celebrates breweries of southwest Washington), Trap Door Brewing hosted the Third Annual Brewers Invitational Cornhole Tournament, organized and moderated by Michael Perozzo of Zzoom Media. At stake was a guest tap at Trap Door for a year and the title of "cornholiest."
With the precision of a well-organized event, and without preamble, breweries began tossing bags promptly at 1 pm. The matchup for Round 1 was as follows:
Hubby was drafted as a team member for Ghost Runners but released before play began. Jordan, of Backwoods Brewing, seized the opportunity to draft Hubby as a free agent. This proved to be a good trade for Backwoods as they knocked out Ghost Runners in the second round. (Better luck next time, Jeff!)
Besides the prevalence of cornhole play at many of southwest Washington breweries, it was discovered that the most common name in the brewing community is Mike. If you don't know the name of someone involved in the brewing community, just go with Mike and you will have a 50/50 chance of being correct.
In the end it all came down to Ashtown, defending their title, and Trap Door, the host brewer, in the final round. The matchup was intense and only hardcore fans remained. As many predicted, Ashtown prevailed and retained the trophy for another year. In addition, they will remain as a guest tap at Trap Door for another year.
Many thanks to Zzoom Media for organizing North Bank Beer Week and to Trap Door Brewing for hosting the Third Annual Brewers Invitational Cornhole Tournament. It was a great event and there is no doubt it will continue to grow in subsequent years. People around here like their craft beer and appreciate the opportunity to show their support for their local brewers. Be it a brew fest or a beer week, beer fans will continue to be there.
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| And, we're off! |
Ashtown Brewing (defending champion) vs. Shoug Brewing
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| Backwoods strategy session |
Besides the prevalence of cornhole play at many of southwest Washington breweries, it was discovered that the most common name in the brewing community is Mike. If you don't know the name of someone involved in the brewing community, just go with Mike and you will have a 50/50 chance of being correct.
The players were uniformly fashioned in logo gear, truckers hats, and facial hair. (Did I mention this was a brewers tournament?) The exception was the Loowit team who was sponsored by Nike in neon green performance gear, not that it did any good. While they were highly visible, they were knocked out in the second round by Northwest Passage, a relative newcomer to the Vancouver brewing scene.
Ashtown Brewing, defending champ, had an unfair advantage in their secret weapon, Robby, a professional cornhole player sanctioned by the American Cornhole League who brought his own bags in a hard sided carrying case. However, tournament bags were provided and byo equipment was prohibited. Everyone was aware that Ashtown was the team to beat.
Play was competitive in the first round as players enjoyed what was on tap. Although a rule was instituted mid-tournament to require all players hold a beer in their non throwing hand during play, competition was not diminished in subsequent rounds although it became more convivial.
Media coverage did not include ESPN, however media was present and even that did not detract from the players fierce determination to win the coveted trophy. While this event is exclusively for brewers (and their draftees), there were rumors of a tournament next year for craft beer supporters which may include cash prizes for top finishers. This would be a welcome addition to the North Bank Beer Week event schedule.
Equipment failure threatened a delay of game in the second round matchup between Backwoods and Ghost Runners. However, the problem (mostly unnoticed by the crowd) was quickly resolved and play resumed with Backwoods edging out Ghost Runners.
Ashtown Brewing, defending champ, had an unfair advantage in their secret weapon, Robby, a professional cornhole player sanctioned by the American Cornhole League who brought his own bags in a hard sided carrying case. However, tournament bags were provided and byo equipment was prohibited. Everyone was aware that Ashtown was the team to beat.
 |
| Media attention with Michael Perozzo of ZzoomMedia and Bryan Shull of Trap Door |
Media coverage did not include ESPN, however media was present and even that did not detract from the players fierce determination to win the coveted trophy. While this event is exclusively for brewers (and their draftees), there were rumors of a tournament next year for craft beer supporters which may include cash prizes for top finishers. This would be a welcome addition to the North Bank Beer Week event schedule.
Equipment failure threatened a delay of game in the second round matchup between Backwoods and Ghost Runners. However, the problem (mostly unnoticed by the crowd) was quickly resolved and play resumed with Backwoods edging out Ghost Runners.In the end it all came down to Ashtown, defending their title, and Trap Door, the host brewer, in the final round. The matchup was intense and only hardcore fans remained. As many predicted, Ashtown prevailed and retained the trophy for another year. In addition, they will remain as a guest tap at Trap Door for another year.
Many thanks to Zzoom Media for organizing North Bank Beer Week and to Trap Door Brewing for hosting the Third Annual Brewers Invitational Cornhole Tournament. It was a great event and there is no doubt it will continue to grow in subsequent years. People around here like their craft beer and appreciate the opportunity to show their support for their local brewers. Be it a brew fest or a beer week, beer fans will continue to be there.
 |
| Coveted trophy (not actual size) |
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| L to R: Second Place Trap Door, First Place Ashtown, and a representative from Glacier Tank with prizes. |
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Don't worry, I haven't given up beer.
I've just been busy with life - work, mostly, but also working on my own personal estate planning. While I hope these documents won't be needed for a very long time, it's necessary to plan for what happens once I'm gone.
Speaking of which, what happens when you're gone? Succession planning in the beer industry is a big topic. Many breweries start in garages with friends or family and sometimes grow into larger businesses with formal business arrangements, often with those same friends or family members as business partners.
What happens when one partner wants out? What happens when relationships sour? What happens to the business when a solo brewer wants to retire?
Having formal arrangements for one's demise (whether personal or professional) is an integral part of life. No one likes to think about it, much less talk about it. It always seems like something that can be put off until later.
It's not fun but do it anyway. Get started and put it on paper. Get help, if you need it. If you don't know where to start, contact me. I'm no expert but I know a few people who can point you in the right direction. Believe me, not having a plan can ruin relationships as well as businesses. It's just one of those things required of mature adults as well as mature businesses.
Remember, mature people get to drink beer so don't just plan to get a beer. Get a beer and start planning!
Speaking of which, what happens when you're gone? Succession planning in the beer industry is a big topic. Many breweries start in garages with friends or family and sometimes grow into larger businesses with formal business arrangements, often with those same friends or family members as business partners.
What happens when one partner wants out? What happens when relationships sour? What happens to the business when a solo brewer wants to retire?
Having formal arrangements for one's demise (whether personal or professional) is an integral part of life. No one likes to think about it, much less talk about it. It always seems like something that can be put off until later.
It's not fun but do it anyway. Get started and put it on paper. Get help, if you need it. If you don't know where to start, contact me. I'm no expert but I know a few people who can point you in the right direction. Believe me, not having a plan can ruin relationships as well as businesses. It's just one of those things required of mature adults as well as mature businesses.
Remember, mature people get to drink beer so don't just plan to get a beer. Get a beer and start planning!
Malt
There was a great article in the Summer 2018 edition of Sip Northwest called Grain to Glass by Catie Joyce Bulay but since I can't find a link for it online, you'll just have to subscribe (here) or pick up a copy somewhere. (They can sometimes be found at breweries.) You can also receive a subscription when you join Washington Beer Lovers.
The article was about Pacific Northwest malts, their varieties, malting techniques, and their uses. In a region known mostly for its hops, it's interesting to know about regionally sourced malts and the flavors they impart in our brewed (and distilled) beverages.
Check it out if you get a chance.
The article was about Pacific Northwest malts, their varieties, malting techniques, and their uses. In a region known mostly for its hops, it's interesting to know about regionally sourced malts and the flavors they impart in our brewed (and distilled) beverages.
Check it out if you get a chance.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
15 to go!
[Originally published October 25, 2017 at Chocolate Chip Mint]
According to my brewery app, there are 17 breweries in the state of Hawaii: two on Kauai, two on Maui, four on the Big Island, and nine on the island of Oahu.
Kauai:
I have been to the three Maui locations but it looks like I have some work to do. Most of the bars on Maui feature both Maui breweries on tap as well as beers from Kona Brewing but the only time I've seen other Hawaiian beers is at a liquor store with a good beer selection which speaks to the high cost of distribution between islands.
Well, if the beers won't come to me, I'll just have to go to them. Beer tourism, anyone? If I plan the trip, will you come with me? It's time to do some inter-island beer hunting!
According to my brewery app, there are 17 breweries in the state of Hawaii: two on Kauai, two on Maui, four on the Big Island, and nine on the island of Oahu.
Kauai:
- Kauai Beer Company - a great looking food menu, closed Sundays and Mondays.
- Kauai Island Brewery & Grill - beer, food, pinball, and happy hour every day.
- Koholā Brewery - located in Maui Brewing's previous (non air-conditioned) brew facility, they received the Bronze Medal for their Lokahi Pilsner at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival. "Maui's best kept secret."
- Maui Brewing Company - the brewery and tasting room is located in Kihei with happy hour daily, and an awesome outdoor patio. They also have a brewpub located in Kahana (and Waikiki, Ohau). The brewpub has a food menu while a rotating array of food trucks currently serve the brewery although the brewery plans to add a restaurant.
- Big Island Brewhaus - beer, locally sourced food, and live music. Hawaii’s highest brewpub at 2,764 feet above the sea.
- Hawaii Nui Brewing - one of Hawaii's largest independent breweries, they brew all-natural beers.
- Kona Brewing Company - with distribution to all 50 United States and 26 countries, Kona Brewing is the top selling of Hawaii's breweries. With two brewpub locations (Big Island and Oahu), brewery facilities are located in Portland OR Woodinville WA, Memphis TN, and Portsmouth NH in addition to its main brewery facility in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- Mehana Brewing Company - owned by Hawaii Nui Brewing, their Tsunami IPA won a Gold Medal in the 2012 World Beer Championship held in Chicago. Their Hapa Brown, Volcano Red, and Southern Cross all won Silver Medals.
- Aloha Beer Company - located a stone’s throw from the historic Honolulu Brewing and Malting Company building in Kaka’ako, they feature food and cocktails in addition to their beer. Closed Sundays.
- Beer Lab HI - Closed Mondays, they are a BYOF (bring your own food) establishment located near the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Listed in Beer Advocate's Class of 2016: 34 of the Best New Breweries in the US.
- Gordon Biersch Brewery - claiming to be Honolulu's first brewpub, they are located in the Aloha Tower Marketplace on the Honolulu Harbor. Gordon Biersch operates 35 restaurants all over the United States as well as four restaurants in Taiwan. Offering food and beer daily.
- Home of the Brave Brewing Company - aims to remember, honor, and salute the US Military with commemorative beers such as Remember Pearl Harbor Mighty American Ale, D-Day India Pale Ale, and Zamperini Extra Special Bitter. They are host to the largest collection of WWII memorabilia in the Pacific in their museum, Home of the Brave Tour Company, and a Brewseum -"Kaka'ako's best kept secret."
- Honolulu BeerWorks - located in the heart of Kaka'ako, they produce 1500 barrels per year. Offering lunch and dinner menus, they are open Monday through Saturday.
- Lanikai Brewing Company - open Thursday through Sunday, they are located in Kailua. "Paradise in a bomber bottle, best shared with friends." Follow them on Facebook for more information about the brewery.
- Square Barrels - craft burgers and beers in downtown Honolulu, they also feature a happy hour menu. Closed Sundays.
- Stewbum & Stonewall brewing Company - currently closed for expansion, they are due to reopen in 2018. Beers to look forward to include Low Elf Esteem Spiced Winter Ale, and The Days of Our Wives Bitter Ale.
- Waikiki Brewing Company - Waikiki's first brewery with a second location in Kaka'ako, they are supporters of the largest crowdfunding campaign to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev. [Video here.]
I have been to the three Maui locations but it looks like I have some work to do. Most of the bars on Maui feature both Maui breweries on tap as well as beers from Kona Brewing but the only time I've seen other Hawaiian beers is at a liquor store with a good beer selection which speaks to the high cost of distribution between islands.
Well, if the beers won't come to me, I'll just have to go to them. Beer tourism, anyone? If I plan the trip, will you come with me? It's time to do some inter-island beer hunting!
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Not Too Shabby
On our most recent road trip to Seattle to watch the Blue Angels over Lake Washington for Seafair Weekend, we managed to squeeze in visits to nine breweries:
We tasted a lot of good beer. My favorite new discovery on this trip, though, was Flying Lion Beer. It's in Columbia City, a funky, historic, up-and-coming Seattle neighborhood. Getting out of our Uber, we wondered what we were getting ourselves into but upon entering the small brewery, we were instantly at ease. The cozy taphouse is dog friendly, has (indoor and) outdoor seating, a very nice bathroom (always a plus!), and features a bicycle-powered grain mill!
Though understated on their website, their beers are award winning. The medals hanging on the brewery wall represent Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards at various events for their Rye Stout, Call It A Day Pale, and a third one that I believe was not on tap, a Hefeweizen. (Sorry if I got that wrong!)
Speaking of "at ease," Forward Operating Base (FOB) Brewing was also a good discovery. It's large space in Dupont was friendly and inviting, also had outdoor space, as well as a tattoo artist and a barber! Also, good beer! They frequently host private events so check their Current Operations page before visiting, especially if you're making a long drive.
We're making another road trip this weekend and, no doubt, a beer adventure is on tap. We'll let you know where we've been but I can tell you we don't always know where we're going!
Cheers!
- Dick's Brewing Company (NW Sausage & Deli location) - Danger Ale and Grapefruit IPA
- Forward Operating Base Brewing Company - a new, veteran owned, brewery in Dupont
- Rail Hop'n Brewing Company - just out of the garage and into their new downtown location
- Odin Brewing - Freya's Gold Helles Lager and Thor's Equinox Belgian Dark Strong
- Flying Lion Beer - Rye Stout
- NW Peaks Brewery (Hillman City) - Ingalls Ginger Ale (summer seasonal)
- Lowercase Brewing - Rye IPA
- Machine House Brewery - Best Bitter and Simcoe Session
- Well 80 Artesian Brewing - Original Lager Year '64 and Muffin Man's Thai Farm Saison
We tasted a lot of good beer. My favorite new discovery on this trip, though, was Flying Lion Beer. It's in Columbia City, a funky, historic, up-and-coming Seattle neighborhood. Getting out of our Uber, we wondered what we were getting ourselves into but upon entering the small brewery, we were instantly at ease. The cozy taphouse is dog friendly, has (indoor and) outdoor seating, a very nice bathroom (always a plus!), and features a bicycle-powered grain mill!Though understated on their website, their beers are award winning. The medals hanging on the brewery wall represent Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards at various events for their Rye Stout, Call It A Day Pale, and a third one that I believe was not on tap, a Hefeweizen. (Sorry if I got that wrong!)
Speaking of "at ease," Forward Operating Base (FOB) Brewing was also a good discovery. It's large space in Dupont was friendly and inviting, also had outdoor space, as well as a tattoo artist and a barber! Also, good beer! They frequently host private events so check their Current Operations page before visiting, especially if you're making a long drive.We're making another road trip this weekend and, no doubt, a beer adventure is on tap. We'll let you know where we've been but I can tell you we don't always know where we're going!
Cheers!
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