So I am taking a trip to Oregon from September 19th-25th. I would like to try and dedicate two days to beer related activities (Breweries, beer bars, bottle shops etc...) What are some of the top places to hit and bring beer back from. I am also heading to Corvalis on Saturday for an Oregon State game. Any places I should check out around there or on the way back to Portland on Sunday. Other than that, what are some other awesome activities to do while I'm in Oregon. I am taking my Girlfriend with me and would like to make it a fun trip for her as well. Thanks in advance for any help.
While in Corvallis definitely check out Block 15. Flat Tail is also a great option there. If your girlfriend likes cider 2-Towns is right outside of town.
start here for pdx: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-portland-summer-fall-2014-update.195202/
For corvallis I highly recommend Block 15. Sky high brewing is very good as well. For buying bottles, market of choice and corvallis brewing supply have an amazing selection.
While Flat Tail makes some good beers, I personally don't care for the vibe at the bar. It feels much more like a "college bar" than a beer bar - whereas Block 15 definitely swings the other way. For example, there rarely seem to be many special taps at Flat Tail ... and the bar tenders spend as much time (more?) making long island ice teas as they do pouring beers. YMMV. Sky High really surprised me though; nice vibe, big space, rooftop / outdoor areas, solid beers. When mentioning Block 15 we need to also shout out to Les Caves next door. Les Caves, for the OP, is adjoined to Block 15 but focuses on a more upscale menu and a tap list from a variety of brewers ... and they also have a great bottle selection (e.g. Morningstar by De Garde, Provisions 2012 by Block 15, etc). Check them out here: http://www.biercaves.com/
Make sure to try Sticky Hands at block 15 if it's still on tap. Best NW DIPA. 3-way IPA is another good choice if available.
Sorry you didn't like the vibe last time you were here Kurmaraja! The bar portion of our operation is certainly a sports bar theme, and we are in a college town, so there can definitely be some cocktail slingin' when the kids are in session. As far as special taps, we've been struggling to keep up with our flagship Kolsch and our other standards with the limited cooperage weve had this year. That said, I just received a new keg float and our rep for massive one off percentage will be coming back shortly. Ive got a hoppy peach wild ale due to be tapped right before the Peach Beer Fest, so you should be able to catch that late september, along with at least two 12-36 month old sour/wild ales I will finally have time to rack out of barrels mid september, a single hop pale, and our Imperial Red "Mustache Rye'd". We'll also have our two GABF medalist beers from last year, our Tailgater Kolsch and Little Green Dry Hopped Session Saison. Shoot me an email before you get into town and i'd be happy to show you around the brewery! Cheers, Dave
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I was definitely there at a bad time - right after graduation. Good for your business I imagine; bad for my relaxation! (I may look young but I'm a crotchety old man at heart.) Would love to try more or your wild offerings!
Yeah I definitely get that. And yes, grad weekend is literally our busiest weekend/most college kid packed. Our cocktail vs beer percetage goes from 5/85 to 60/40 that weekend! Only other weekend thats close is mom's weekend at OSU, where it seems theyll only drink things that are either pink or end with "irnoff". Its a love hate thing.....
