by Spence on April 27, 2009
For those not in the know, Mirror Mirror is about to see a re-release. Mirror Mirror is a barley wine that kicked off Deschutes’ Reserve series (see Abyss, Dissident, Black Butte XX) back in 2006. It is a personal favorite that has seen rare reappearances at the Deschutes pubs and at special tasting events. I’m really excited that I’m going to have an opportunity to stock up on another release of it and do a vertical with one of my few remaining bottles. Mirror Mirror wax dipping It’s been a long while since I’ve cracked one, so it should be interesting
by Spence on April 6, 2009
Thankfully Deschutes Brewery has finally said that Red Chair IPA will be bottled as a Bond Street release. This has been a huge local’s favorite through its development and testing here at the Bend pub. I have been hearing for a while that it was going to be bottled, but I couldn’t get anyone [...]
by Spence on January 2, 2009
People who know me know how much of a fan I am of the Mikkeller beers. Despite being in Denmark, they are one of my favorites in the world for representing the innovative spirit and flavor profiles that drove the craft beer big bang that’s still being felt to this day. A couple of their [...]
by Spence on October 19, 2008
Just got an email from Red, White and Brew author Brian Yaeger. He let me know that he’s currently in NY on a book tour and plans on heading up to Portland to read at Wordstock (November 8-9). Also, he’s apparently a fan of Rogue’s Chocolate Stout, but then again … who in their right [...]
by Spence on October 18, 2008
Wednesday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending an interesting marketing event for the San Francisco-based 21st Amendment Brewery who has announced their intention of growing their distribution. They are one of the leading pack of brewers embracing a shift that’s ever-so-slowly creeping into the craft-beer-buying consciousness. CANS!
Cans people! Cans. In my opinion, cans are [...]
by Spence on March 7, 2008
Two beers have popped up on my radar lately, and they can only be found on the East Sieeeeeeed!
Wild Oats is carrying Caldera IPA. Now it’s a steep $9.00 six pack, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t one of the tastiest IPA’s I’ve had in a long time. Don’t be one of the uninformed [...]
by Spence on January 15, 2008
After the much-anticipated (by this guy at least) release date came and went, we finally have the nectar called The Abyss! I ended up down at the pub along with everyone else who had been waiting for the first offerings for a toast to the second bottling of this excellent example of American craft beer.
The Abyss is [...]
by Spence on December 8, 2007
I know it’s been a while since I’ve written, and it’s too long of a story about why. In short- work, holidays, brewing, side-projects, etc. I haven’t written off the blog, but other things have been eating away at my time. One of those side projects is about to be complete, and I [...]
by Spence on October 13, 2007
The Great American Beer Festival is going on in Colorado this weekend. I didn’t get to go, but I’ve been waiting to hear who the winners are this year to see how many Oregon brews made the list (gotta root for the home team). For those who don’t know … this competition is [...]
by Spence on September 26, 2007
Today was an epic day for those fortunate enough to live near Bend, OR. Today was the release day of 3 hop-centered beers including the classic Jubelale and new annual, Hop Trip. Below you’ll find the descriptions from their beer menu. Get thine ass down to the pub for a pint or [...]