Visiting Portland (Fall 2015 update)

Definitely Growler Guys over Blitz, it is not even close, but I have a bias towards better beer selection, atmosphere and the ability to bring in non-Blitz food

 

I'm completely overwhelmed now! This thread helps (and thanks to the Coffee Advocate mentions that snuck in this thread) as I'm looking forward to spending a few days with caffeine and craft beers.

 

Out of the newcomers list, who is pumping out the best hoppy and/or wild offerings?

 

Out the listed options on page 1, Fat Heads is the obvious choice for hoppy stuff. None of them have much of a wild program (yet), but Great Notion plans on focusing on them. At this point, you're probably better off sticking to the established players like Cascade, Upright, Commons, de Garde, etc for your wild/sour fix.

 

Probably Culmination.

 

Has anyone noticed an overall increase in quality of IPAs around Portland lately? Everything hoppy I've had from Boneyard over the past month or so has been absolute fire. Same goes for Breakside. Maybe something to do with the 2015 hop harvest, or maybe I'm just lucky with super fresh kegs?

 

Testify, brother. Earlier this year, I was out someplace with the wife, and we ordered regular Breakside IPA because they didn't have anything else we wanted/hadn't already tried. It was effing spectacular. I immediately felt like a complete idiot because I hadn't had one in so long. Since then, it's become our go-to. Easy to get and too damn delicious.

 

Right!? Glad to hear its not just me. I'm pretty sure its just that certain breweries are getting better, which is pretty cool!

 

All of Breakside's "old" stuff looks/is amazing, right now...I can't recommend Ansatz (BBA smoked bock) enough! I'm fighting a flu but planning a BA flight & a growler of Wanderlust, soon!

 

Hop Venom is making an appearance at a lot of places around Portland. I have always liked this beer, but I had one the other day that was one of the best glasses of IPA that I have had.

Saw it again at GGs in Portland and tried it again just to make sure it wasnt a fluke. Nope! it was outstanding again! talked to the bartender and he said the same thing. maybe this was just a good batch, but he agreed it was better than ever. not sure what to attribute this to.....

 

Being an East Coaster, I have limited experience with Boneyard, have had it a handful of times. Was in Portland for first time last week, Notorious was amazing as usual, but the RPM was fantastic too. In the span of a couple of days I was able to drink Boneyard, Cascade and Vietnamese Speedway, great stuff in a small sliver of Portland.

 

Question: any events going on mid December? My cousin and I will be flying out there December 11 - 14th.

 

Ahhh man, you are just going to miss the Holiday Ale festival from Dec. 2nd-6th

There will be other stuff going on though, and even if there isnt, Portland is basically a 365 day a year brew fest where you can drink good beer 24/7

 

I mentioned it in that dumb thread I started, but Hollywood Liquor had it on growler fills for $10.99 as of a week or so ago. $9.99 if you have their growler. That's a total steal. At least it was until I popped it on Sunday and realized by the third glass that my palette was completely shot and I couldn't finish it. I think it's just easy to forget HOW good it really is if you only get it every few months, at best.

Someone that is much smarter about beer should call me out for talking completely out of my ass, but coming out of fresh hop season might help. The ridiculously early spring has meant a lot of sun, which tends to mean happy plants so long as they're being watered. I've read a few articles hinting that this could also be a banner year for Oregon wine.

 

One more question (non beer but food related): what kind of food is Portland known for? What are the musts for restaurants over there? Can't wait to come by and visit the northwest!

 

Except for salmon, there really isn't a NW regional food. Nothing that lets you know that you're in a place. Our restaurants tend to make adjustments to existing dishes, and call the results "XXX with a NW twist". But yeah, salmon everywhere.

 

http://pdx.eater.com/maps/portlands-25-most-iconic-dishes

 

Not really "food" but Coffee and Beer are definitely up there.

also, Brunch. people love themselves some brunch out here and will wait in line for something they could probably make at home in 1/2 the time for 1/2 the cost.

I would agree with "salmon" and also expand that to seafood in general. You can find some pretty damn good seafood out here. Other than that, there really isnt a regional cuisine. You can find everything from traditional Vietnamese to Spanish tapas to American burger spots. And the cool part is that most restaurants have at least B+ level taplists!