Beerfiet

Perfect timing for my trip to Belgium and Amsterdam...the Beer/Bar Bike (fiet). A beautiful Portland invention.

Great story on BikePortland:

http://bikeportland.org/2009/09/15/introducing-the-hopworksfiets-beer-pizza-music-and-true-portland-spirit-all-on-one-bike/

Brew Like a Monk

This blog popped up on Reader today...looks like a great resource for those that try to brew like the Belgians: http://www.brewlikeamonk.com/

Consecration by Russian River Brewing Company

I bought a bottle of Russian River's Consecration the last, first and only time I've been to John's Market Place. I love Pliny the Elder, and was really excited to try Consecration. So excited that I didn't read the label...it's a dark ale aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. I'm all for barrel aged beers, but the only barrel aged ones I've had have been imperials aged in whisky or bourbon barrels. This was, well, very tannic and tasted very much like Cab Sav. It very inside baseball to me--something the brewers' had spent much time deliberating before finding an occasion to execute. It's the most insular type of creation--made for those who are the most effete. To be honest, I generally try to be in that group, but this way outside of the strike zone...and it is ridiculously expensive at $24 per bottle. So, I've learned to stick with the more moderately priced expensive beer, and to read the label before you buy. Next on my review list--an Allagash Belgian.

Harvested Hops

Carley decreed that tonight was time to harvest the hops. We expect to get 4 oz of dried Willamette hops and .4 oz Centenial. The Centenial will have to be transplanted to the ground (instead of a wine barrel) next year.

Twitter flavored beer

Blogaboutbeer has a cool post about the homebrewers in the Twitter HQ. Pretty cool team building activity.

http://www.blogaboutbeer.com/2009/08/19/homebrew-in-random-places-the-twitter-offices/

Pliny Flys: Session Sails

Who knew there was good beer in a can?

The snap of can opening beats opening a glass bottle. It's definite. The sound is the prelude to refreshment, whether it's a coke or a beer. More and more that can opening can be a beer an interesting beer, better than a national macrobrew (same beer, different tap, right?).

I've been looking for an excuse to get a sixer of craft-brewed cans--a hike, short bike ride, movie at a theater that doesn't serve beer--but nothing has come up. Too hot lately for little adventures, and maybe trying a new beer shouldn't need an occasion. Or, maybe the occasion was working on (another) Sunday afternoon. Good as any other reason.

I had read about the Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, and had my hand on the cans before I noticed Caldera's Ashland Amber. Figured to keep it in the state since it's Oregon Craft Brewers month and I didn't/chose not to go to the Oregon Brewer's Fest (1. Forgot to ask for Friday afternoon off, which is when I usually go; 2. It's too hot; 3. I'm lame). What a great surprise--the beer is great. I can't remember drinking it before, but it's a nice amber with a crisp, fresh taste. This will be a good ski lift beer, but also good for kicking back and watching So You Think You Can Dance (die Evan die!). I think there is a negative stereotype for canned beers, but wonder if enough good beers go to cans if we'll use fewer bottles? I wonder if cans are cheaper?

Brave new world. Great beer from a can. Get yourself some goodness.