Oregon Beer News (2023)

I don't know Oregon's laws, but it might be illegal to donate the beer. Here in WA, even at a fest for a good cause (like April Brews day here in Bham) the charity has to write a check for the beer. Then, what commonly, but not not always, happens is that the breweries write a check for a "donation" to the cause in the exact amount of the cost of the beer. Maybe OR allows straight up donations, or maybe the check exchange is happening, or maybe it's somewhere in the middle with the breweries donating some and selling some to the event organizers (DeGarde in this case). And, IIRC, DeGarde sells some of these other breweries beers at their place right? So maybe there's some kind of discount happening.

Also, I don't know how big DeGardes staff is, but almost certainly there will be some level of paid staffing. Especially if they have to hire a security company to appease the LCB. I can assure you that security folks do NOT volunteer .

 

I know something about some things, but this is out of my wheelhouse. SMASH Fest kegs were purchased, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for breweries to donate them. I can’t think of any local breweries who have had guest taps or a situation similar to dG’s; maybe AA would have been in this position before? I’ll try to find out.

 

A few things re: the de Garde anniversary:

1. I seriously doubt the kegs are donated. And you guys should know how much a lot those beers cost.
2. How often do you see a beer line up like that in one place? Almost never.
3. de Garde has always been nothing but fair with their pricing. I highly doubt they decided they were going to change to a money grab pricing model now.
4. If you don't like the price, don't fucking go.

 

Looks like tix went on sale today, but I guess that’s just for valued members with a code. Anyone here a valued member and want to share that?

I know I paid $35 to get into the winter ale fest the last couple of times so $55 does not seem outrageous to me. de Garde has always been fair and it doesn’t look like the biggest venue so I doubt they’re making much of a profit on this. That lineup is pretty amazing. Some I’ve never tried so I’m hoping to go. Good excuse to head to the coast.

 

A de Garde festival is just the flimsy excuse needed to visit my in-laws, so I'll likely see some of you there in May.

I refreshed the event precisely at 11 and only saw GA tickets listed. After I finished my order and went back to re-check the tickets available, VIP *was* listed at that point, but sold out. Given that, I'm guessing that either the entire VIP allotment went to their members or you had to be lucky as to the exact moment you clicked on the event listing.

 

Never tried this. Is it worth heading out for?

https://newschoolbeer.com/home/2023/2/henhouse-brewing-big-chicken-week

 

I thought it was very tasty last year. Better than Younger in my opinion. I would say it's worth it if you're not too far away from one of the locations.

 

I had it last night at Wildwood Cedar Mill. I was a little disappointed this year. It's very sweet and malty tasting. The hop aroma and taste were pretty light. It is pretty smooth for a 10%. On to the next IIIPA.

 

Medford's Common Block Brewing is taking over the Klamath Basin space in Klamath Falls. Sounds like they might have some packaging plans - anyone ever try them?

 

Curious what you will think of it. Some Untappd reviewers mentioned it was very hoppy with a bitter finish. That's sure not what I tasted.

 

I was there too! I actually was relieved to find a bitter pungent IPA, though it was a hair boozy for me.

 

Interesting. I didn't get much hop aroma at all and very little bitterness. It was more a sweet malt bomb to me. I had pizza before it so maybe that messed up my palate.