The Brew-Ha! 2009 brochure is here!

Each year the Oregon Brewers Guild helps produce and distribute the annual Brew-Ha! brochure, a comprehensive listing of breweries and brewpubs across the state. The latest version will feature ten new locations, bringing the total directory to 138 locations. The brochure also features an expanded listing of events, highlighting 45 events taking place throughout the year.

The Brew-Ha! brochure is normally distributed at the beginning of March, but Oregon beer enthusiasts can get their copy on Feb. 14th at any OBG member participating in Zwickelmania. A total of 75,000 Brew-Ha! brochures were printed for 2009.

ZwickelmaniA Hits Oregon Breweries

Oregon Brewers Guild Announces First Annual Brewery Open House

This President’s Day weekend, dozens of Oregon breweries and brewpubs will open their doors to visitors for the state’s first annual Zwickelmania, a one day event similar to the open houses held by Oregon wineries over Memorial Day and Thanksgiving weekends. Zwickelmania, hosted by the Oregon Brewers Guild (OBG), is a free statewide event that offers visitors a chance to tour Oregon breweries, meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers – all during Oregon’s Sesquicentennial weekend.

“This is a once a year chance for consumers to go into breweries that might not usually open to the public,” says Oregon Brewers Guild Executive Director Brian Butenschoen. “Since 1852 Oregon breweries have been a part of the cultural fabric of Oregon – we’re proud to be open to the public during Oregon’s Sesquicentennial.”

Zwickelmania, takes its name from the zwickel, or sample port which is mounted on the outside of the fermentation or conditioning tanks and allows brewers to take samples for quality assurance and control. Similarly, Zwickelmania offers a unique opportunity to taste beers where they were produced and interact with the brewers who created them.

Zwickelmania will take place at breweries and brewpubs across the state on February 14th, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00p.m., some breweries will open additional hours and visitors are encouraged to contact individual locations for exact hours. Admission to all Zwickelmania events is free, with some breweries offering complimentary sample tastings. Close-toed shoes will be required for any visitors entering brewing facilities.

For a complete list of Oregon breweries participating in Zwicklemania please visit http://oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania/

You can go to the fact sheet page here or read below.

Oregon Brewers Guild Fact Sheet

• Oregon Breweries directly employ more than 5,200 people, many at family wage jobs. 1

• Total economic impact from the beer industry on Oregon’s economy is $2.25 billion. 3

• Over the last 5 years Oregon Breweries created 2300 jobs. 1

• Over the last 5 years Oregon Brewed beer consumed in Oregon rose from 9.9% to 12%.1

• Over the last 5 years for every 1,000 barrels Oregon Brewed beer consumed in Oregon, more than 30 jobs were created. 1

• Over the last 5 years per capita consumption of beer is down in Oregon.1

• Oregon is the second largest producer of craft beer in the US. 1

• Oregon is the second largest craft beer market in the US. 1

• The Oregon market is the largest market for every craft brewer in Oregon. 1

• 37% Percent of all draft beer consumed in Oregon is brewed in Oregon. 1

• Oregon has the 4th highest percentage of beer draft sales in the US. 1

• Oregonians consumed 2.72 million barrels of beer in 2008, of that more than 327,000 barrels were made in Oregon or about 12 percent of the total beer consumed in Oregon – the highest percentage of local craft beer consumption in the country.1,3

• Oregon is the No. 2 hop growing state in the country with a 2008 crop value of $38,000,000 which ranks 18th in Oregon’s five billion dollar agricultural economy. 4

• There are currently 73 brewing companies, operating 96 brewing facilities in Oregon.1

• There are 30 breweries operating in Portland, more than any other city in the world. 1

• The Portland metro area has 38 breweries, more than any other metro area in the US. 1

• The Portland metro area is the largest craft brewing market in the United States(U.S.).2

• The national average for total craft beer consumption by volume is 4.0 percent. 2

Sources 1. Oregon Brewers Guild; 2 Brewers Association, 3 John Dunham and Associates, 2005; 4 Oregon Hop Commission; 5. U.S. Census Bureau 6.Brewers Almanac

Wynkoop Brewing in Denver has announced the finalists for 2009 Beerdrinker of the Year. Included are two Supporters of Native Oregon Beer:

J Mark Angelus, SNOB #146.
From Nehalem, Oregon semi-retired prosecutor, avid beer drinker and 2008 Beerdrinker of the Year finalist. In 2008 Angelus sampled 1,029 beers, visited 93 breweries (in four States and three nations) and sampled 244 Oregon beers at eleven beer festivals in his home state.
His philosophy about beer:
“While I never take myself seriously, I take my beer seriously. I have found no greater beer experience than to drink great beer at the place where it is rooted with the people who are an integral part of that beer’s culture.”

Phil Farrell-SNOB #1475
A Cummings, Georgia commercial pilot, homebrewer, beer judge and 2007 finalist. He has tasted beer in every country in Europe, 1000 of the world’s pubs and 400 brewpubs. His basement beer pub features six taps, two refrigerators, and a 15-gallon brewing system.

His philosophy about beer:
“Beer is first and foremost a social drink. It is the most flexible and universally affordable fine beverage there is. Every social gathering and every food item is enhanced with beer. Beer is the greatest gift ever given to the human race and meant to be shared with others.”

The finalists will be grilled on Feb. 21 by a panel of previous Beerdrinker of the Year winners and national beer experts. The winners receives free beer for life at the Wynkoop Brewing, $250 worth of beer at their local brewpub or beer bar, and clothing proclaiming them the 2009 Beerdrinker of the Year.

02/13 & 02/14
Valentine’s Day Four Course
Dinner with Beer Pairing
MacTarnahan Tap Room
2730 NW 31st Ave
Portland
503-228-5269
Website
5pm

February 13th and 14th
Start your meal with mouth watering Crab Cakes or Hand Rolled Egg Rolls.
Next you have your choice of Crab Bisque or Grapefruit Avocado Salad.
Choose from Filet Mignon and Tempura Shrimp, Pan Seared Fillet of Sole or Grilled Pork Chops for your main course.
Finish off the meal with Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee or decadent Chocolate Mousse.
Each course paired with a Pyramid/MacTarnahans Beer
Reservations Recommend: 503.228.5269

04/15
Fort George Brewery + Public House
1483 Duane Street
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 325-PINT
Website

The Fort George Brewery + Public House will celebrate and honor the art of homebrewing at a special beer-pairing dinner on Wednesday, April 15th. Homebrewing provides the passion, creativity and innovation that resurrected and sustains the craft brewing movement. Homage will be paid to these pioneers by featuring a five-course dinner designed to compliment each beer.

Homebrewers interested in featuring their beer should submit a two-bottle sample to the Fort George Brewery by 5pm, Friday March 27th for consideration.

Beers will be selected based on quality, variety, creativity and compatibility with food. Only one beer per homebrewer will be chosen, though brewers may submit as many varieties as they wish. The homebrewer must be able to provide tasting samples for a dinner of 35 guests (approximately 3.3 gallons or 35 12oz. bottles) on April 15th and will have a seat of honor at the dinner. No homebrew will be bought or sold.

Selected homebrewers will be notified by April 1st and the full menu will be released at this time.

Last year’s Homebrewer’s Dinner was arguably one of the most exciting Fort George beer dinners to date. The brewing talent on display challenged the kitchen to create an exceptionally innovative menu and the atmosphere was jubilant, as each brewer described his beer and passion for homebrewing.

Call (503) 325-PINT for submission information, reservations to the dinner, or other inquiries. Log onto www.fortgeorgebrewery.com for all the latest Fort George information.

ZwickelmaniA Hits Oregon Breweries

Oregon Brewers Guild Announces First Annual Brewery Open House

This President’s Day weekend, dozens of Oregon breweries and brewpubs will open their doors to visitors for the state’s first annual Zwickelmania, a one day event similar to the open houses held by Oregon wineries over Memorial Day and Thanksgiving weekends. Zwickelmania, hosted by the Oregon Brewers Guild (OBG), is a free statewide event that offers visitors a chance to tour Oregon breweries, meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers – all during Oregon’s Sesquicentennial weekend.

“This is a once a year chance for consumers to go into breweries that might not usually open to the public,” says Oregon Brewers Guild Executive Director Brian Butenschoen. “Since 1852 Oregon breweries have been a part of the cultural fabric of Oregon – we’re proud to be open to the public during Oregon’s Sesquicentennial.”

Zwickelmania, takes its name from the zwickel, or sample port which is mounted on the outside of the fermentation or conditioning tanks and allows brewers to take samples for quality assurance and control. Similarly, Zwickelmania offers a unique opportunity to taste beers where they were produced and interact with the brewers who created them.

Zwickelmania will take place at breweries and brewpubs across the state on February 14th, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00p.m., some breweries will open additional hours and visitors are encouraged to contact individual locations for exact hours. Admission to all Zwickelmania events is free, with some breweries offering complimentary sample tastings. Close-toed shoes will be required for any visitors entering brewing facilities.

For a complete list of Oregon breweries participating in Zwicklemania please visit http://oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania/

02/18/2008
Beer Dinners at Fort George
Seasonal Food & Beer Pairing Events
Fort George Brewery + Public House
1483 Duane Street
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 325-PINT
Website
6-9pm
$65
Limited to 30 people
Reservations are required

Stout and Oysters Dinner
Intro
A Trio of Oysters on the half shell: Willipa Bay petite, Goose point and Kumamoto oysters served with malt vinegar mignonette.
Ninkasi Brewing Co. – Oatis Oatmeal stout:

Salad
Smoked oysters on a bed of arugula with roasted red potatoes and balsamic vinaigrette.
North Coast Brewing Co. – Old Rasputin:

Soup
Mushroom and Oyster Bisque with garlic anchovy croutons.
Walking Man Brewing Co. – Walking Stick Stout:

MAIN COURSE
Poached oysters served with artichoke hearts, creamed spinach and croquette potatoes.
Deschutes Brewery – Abyss Imperial Stout:

DESSERT
Mexican Chocolate Truffles.
Fort George Brewery – Coffee Girl Imperial Stout:

02/19/2009
BridgePort Brewing Releases
Fallen Friar Belgian Style Tripel
BridgePort brewpub & bakery
1313 NW Marshall
503-241-3612
5-8pm
Free

BridgePort Brewery is releasing its next 22-ounce Big Brew, cask aged Fallen Friar Belgian style Tripel Ale. BridgePort brewers combined the spicy-fruit flavors of Belgian yeast with the mellowness of oak into a uniquely refreshing craft brew.

BridgePort will host a Fallen Friar release party Thursday, February 19 from 5-8 p.m. at the BridgePort brewpub + bakery in the Pearl at 1313 NW Marshall St.

Free and open to the public, attendees can be among the first to try free samples of the new brew while supplies last, purchase the limited-edition 22-ounce bottles of Fallen Friar and enjoy food from the evening’s Belgian inspired menu. Guests can get their portrait taken as the almighty Fallen Friar.

About BridgePort’s Fallen Friar Abbey Style Ale
The Fallen Friar 22-ounce Big Brew combines German pilsner malt and Pacific Northwest wheat malt with German Hallertau and Czech Saaz hops. However, the secret that lies behind this brew is in the cloves, banana and spice from fermentation with a selected strain of Belgian yeast, and with slight oak overtones from French oak wine barrels. BridgePort’s Fallen Friar Tripel Style Ale will be on tap at BridgePort brewpub + bakery, BridgePort Ale House and at select bar and restaurant locations around Oregon. With 700 cases produced, this limited edition brew will also be sold at retail grocery stores throughout Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho while supplies last.

BridgePort’s Fallen Friar Stats:
IBU’s:20 ABV:8.2% Color: Golden

Ingredients: A combination of German pilsner malt, Pacific Northwest wheat malt, German Hallertau hops and Czech Saaz hops.

Description: Tripel style Ale packing a punch of spicy Belgian yeast flavors. Brewed in the same barrels used for pinot noir, this ale combines refreshing flavors of clove, banana and spice with mellow oak overtones.

RENOWNED LOST ABBEY BREWER TOMME ARTHUR TO GUEST-BREW AT BEND BREWING CO.

Award-winning Bend Brewing Co. Head Brewer Tonya Cornett will team with award-winning Lost Abbey Head Brewer Tomme Arthur to brew a traditional stein lager at Bend Brewing Co. on February 5 and 6, 2009.

Cornett traveled earlier this year to the San Marcos, California, brewery, the Lost Abbey, to collaborate with Arthur to make the first batch of this unique beer. On March 5 and 6, Arthur will travel to Bend so that he and Cornett can make the same beer at Bend Brewing Co.
Collaboration is one way that these two award-winning brewers can expand their creativity and more broadly share their talent with beer aficionados.

Tomme Arthur has been brewing professionally for 13 years and is widely respected within the industry. He has won multiple awards for his beers and was named Great American Brew Festival Small Brewpub Brewer of the year for 2003 and 2004. Tonya Cornett has also garnered several gold, bronze and silver medals for her beer and was honored as the first woman to win the title of World Beer Cup Brewmaster of the Year in 2008. Arthur noticed Cornett’s up-and-coming-talent while teaching a Hop Union professional seminar that she attended, and asked her to team up with him.

The two brewers chose a stein lager for its traditional nature and audience appeal. Stein lagers have been around for hundreds of years. Historically, rocks would be heated and added to a wooden kettle to set the wort (the liquid extracted from the mashing process during the brewing of beer) to boil. Arthur and Cornett have modernized this traditional process. “We heat granite to red hot and drop it into the wort, which caramelizes the sugars, offering caramel-like toffee notes in the final beer,” explains Cornett.

Arthur will be in Bend for the two-day brewing process on February 5 and 6. The lager will be available on tap at Bend Brewing Co. towards the end of April.

Bend Brewing Co. overlooks Mirror Pond in the heart of downtown Bend and specializes in fresh beers brewed to match the spirit, beauty and charm of Bend itself. Open 11:30 – close seven days a week and offering Happy Hour from 4 – 6 p.m. daily, Bend Brewing Co. is located at 1019 NW Brooks St. For more information call 541-383-1599.
For more information, see www.bendbrewingco.com, www.lostabbey.com, or contact Bend Brewing Co. at 541-385-3137.