Great Notion

As Sharpski pointed out earlier, the scene in Portland (and PNW in general) is mature relative to most other US cities, hence why dumb shit like waiting in line for hours for IPA typically doesn't occur. I hope their culture and prices stay the same for as long as possible as I like to visit the PNW as a respite from all the beer silliness that happens in California (and the rest of the country).

 

I enjoyed both as well. I actually liked the Midnight Fluff much more than I thought I would. I find their other stouts (Double Stack; Stacks of Coconut) to be a little too much when it comes to flavor ... a little too sweet maybe (This is why I don't review beers by the way)? I liked Vanilla Limousine as well, but Midnight Fluff hit a good middle ground for me between a little sweetness and a nice smokiness or roasty flavor.

I really enjoyed the Strawberry Cream as well ... just about as much as I hoped I would. I think I still prefer the Orange Cream though. I feel like Orange flavor profile just fits better with an IPA than Strawberry.

On another note, I noticed more than one person comment that Midnight Fluff would be better after a few weeks in the crowler (as you said above, some do find it a bit boozy at the moment). Do folks regularly intentionally age crowlers? I'm wondering how much of a change you're really going to notice in the taste of the beer before it starts to oxidize. I've always just tried to drink any crowlers that I get as soon as I can get to them.

 

Yeah, probably part of the reason I have this opinion of Double Stack and Stacks of Coconut is because I'll get a crowler to bring back to Salem and then try to drink the whole thing like an amateur. Would not recommend.

Interesting. Both the Pure Guava and the Midnight Fluff releases were super laid back. Really only ever 1 or 2 folks in line at the bar for crowlers. Likely due to the fact that it was midday on a Friday. I can imagine that Sunday would draw a little bit more of a crowd. What does surprise me is that, according to their Facebook, they ran out (or almost ran out) last night. Their last few releases have typically lasted much longer than a day if I recall. I'm not sure if less of the Strawberry Cream was made, or what. Maybe it was your high praise of the Orange Cream on here that drew the 'crowds' .

 

Does anyone have an idea personally or from the source how long the crowlers keep? I'm looking to save a Double Stack for next month, but I don't want to do it to the detriment of the beer.

 

unless Double Stack is different from other beers, I wouldnt worry about a months time. from what I hear, crowlers can keep beer in good condition for 6+ months

 

Hi,

I'll be working in Portland this coming weekend (3/17-3/19) and wanted to make sure that I make a pit-stop at Great Notion. I noticed they are releasing crowlers of Super Ripe on Wednesday. Any chance these will last until Friday when I arrive or do these typically sell out right away?

Thanks in advance!

 

Thanks for the fast response! That's kind of what I figured. Oh well, maybe I'll get lucky.

I also posted in the Northwest In-Person trading forum that I can bring some Chicago area beers to trade for some Great Notion crowlers if anyone is interested.

 

anyone heard when juice box or juice jr. will be back on the wall? been a couple weeks.

 

Jr. will be back on later today. JB is about a week out, it just started dry hoppping today. Btw, I just want to say that GNB truly appreciates all the support you guys have given us... as well as your passionate discussions lol. Nice to hear some of you enjoyed Orange Creamsicle. I've always made that beer a keg at a time... ridiculous I know! We're planning on making a 7 bbl batch in the next coming weeks. Cheers, James

 

Looks like you're going to be lucky today!

 

Yes, it was my lucky day. I walked away with crowlers of Super Ripe and Juice Jr.

 

What's the best way to get to Great Notion from downtown? Won't have a car. Thanks.

 

My wife and I use this a lot. When we visit portland, we like to park the car and leave it untouched until it is time to go home.

http://ride.trimet.org/?tool=routes#/

Click on trip planner

 

Portland has really good public transit. You can catch the 8 bus from various locations downtown, including Pioneer Courthouse Square. It is about a 20-minute ride from Downtown to 15th/Alberta, and then you'll have a quarter-mile walk from there to Great Notion.

You could also stay on the bus for another 10 minutes, get off at NE Dekum/Durham, and walk across the street to Breakside's Dekum Pub. And you should.

The 8 bus is a Frequent Service bus, which means they run every 15 minutes between 9 am and 6 pm.

 

Thanks for the travel suggestions. Took the bus and it worked out great.

Tried Juice Jr. and Super Ripe- great beers, everything I'd heard and more.

Also had a 5 oz pour of Double Stack, which I didn't care for. Over the top maple syrup, completely obliterating the base stout or anything else. Just not my thing.

 

anybody tried the collaboration with modern times? also looks like they are going to do a collaboration with Aslin out in VA.

 

No shit, the Aslin in VA, not the Aslan in Washington? That's awesome. I'd like to know how that came about. Aslin brews some decent beer.