Happy Beer Day: Heater Allen

A beer gaining notoriety in the Pacific Northwest is Heater Allen which is brewed in McMinnville, Oregon.  The "beer guy" at the local New Seasons suggested I try their Pils when he saw my cart full of Bavarian and Czech lagers.  He was so very right, since then I have loaded up on their Pils, Coastal, Dunkel, and Bobtoberfest. 

The latter named after the brother of the founder, who sparked his interest in brewing.  While I typically prefer a lighter lager, I have thoroughly enjoyed  everything I have tried.  This includes the Dunkel which is a wonderful malty caramelish beer that is far cleaner than it's hue would imply. 

If you would like give Heater Allen a try for yourself you can find it at New Seasons, Whole Foods, Market of Choice, and Belmont Station.  If you truly lucky you may even stumble upon HR at a local restaurant such as Nostrana, Gruner, or Firehouse.

~Cheers.

Happy BeerDay!

When browsing the beer aisle of the local New Seasons my eye caught a bottle of Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse, that is Hefeweizen to you and I.  This comes from Germany's oldest brewery which has to be worth something, right?  While I am not a fan of the 'weizen I thought I would give it a try.  How could I not, the label shows a a fellow dressed like some cross between The Pope and Ben Kenobi enjoying a huge stein of the stuff.

Once I cracked the pint bottle I could tell this was not your average 'weizen.  Thick without being soupy you can smell tones of orange, clove, and all spice as you pour it into a glass.  The flavor is full without being overbearing, I would not drink a half dozen or anything but this makes a great beer to enjoy with an appetizer or a salad.  I think there is just too much going on here to drink over a main course.

Imported by Spaten, you should be able to find this Weizen at any fine food store.

~Prost!

Friday is Beerday!

I just had a lovely conversation with a gentleman who recently opened a beer and wine shop in a nearby dodgy part of town.  I frequent this area often going from my home to any worthwhile eating establishment in Portland.  As we drove by my wife caught the sign on the outside of his store, it read "99 beers."

He had me at 99.

We walked in and browsed the local micro-brews and whatever else he had lying around.  I am a bit of a beer geek so there was not much to get excited about.  We got to talking with the owner and my wife and I realized he really did not know much about beer.  He pulled out his order sheet and we started making recommendations and circling beers that we would like to see there.  We purchased a few, and promised to come back to purchase what we encouraged him to order.

This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Which brings me to one of my favorite beers.  What is lacks in complexity it more than makes up in obscurity.  Karlovacko, Croatia's version of Miller Genuine Draft.  A smooth lager with a little bite, a great beer to enjoy with a variety of foods as it is so darn agreeable.  Those of you on the west coast can find this fine Pivo at your local Bevmo.  You Oregonian's can now find Karlo at Belmont Station and perhaps at my new BFF's beer store.

Stay tuned on that, and  Zivjeli!