Zwickelmania 2014 (Oregon Brewers Guild)

Go early and don't go to the "popular" places. It's one of those events that brings out all the amateurs.

Oh, and try to use public transit or have a DD.

 

ALL THE AMATEURS.

Could be fun for an out of towner looking to visit a bunch of spots, as a local I avoid it like the plague.

 

Our event - it's not called that here - nothing so clever. Washington Open House or something like that - has been a lot of fun even at the "popular" places. Maybe there are more amateurs in Portland than up North.

 

Went out of town up to Hood River for it last year. Very cool to hang out at Logsdon and try all their stuff, they had oysters on the half shell and Belgian chocolate pairings with the beer. What a cool place that is!! Also hit Pfriem and Double mountain.

 

C'mon man, you know you'd rather be in Bend for Zwickelmania. RPM fresh from the tank? Wort samples to compare against the finished beers at Deschutes? Kuurna-stands at Ale Apothecary?

 

Whats the deal with Zwicklemania? I have never been and am curious about what to expect.

Will there be long lines everywhere?
Will Hood River be absolutely crazy or low key?
Is everything free?
Some breweries are having food (Logdson is doing oysters and charcuterie); Is this free?

Just trying to figure out how much I'm paying for myself, and how much i can mooch off of the zwickle teat.

 

I'll more than likely be helping out at Crux on Saturday. Come say hi.

 

The Oregon Brewers Guild has a growing list on their site of what's happening at each brewery.

 

I accidently ended up at Cascade Last year (just met some friends there and it happend to be zwickelmania day) and it was busy but not outrageous. Samples from the barrels were nice and of course they had a good lineup of sours on tap for purchase.

 

I did head to the Oregon Brewers Guild website earlier, but it doesn't say much about cost.

Can anyone speak to the price of events at breweries (especially the food).

I am pretty sure I am going to avoid the portland breweries and head out to Logdson, Pfriem, and double mountain

 

Doing the same! Have no idea what to expect, sorry.

I enjoyed the event last year (my first time). My advice for Portland = wherever you want to go, get there early. We went to Cascade & HotD as our first 2 stops starting right at 11:00A, and were both relatively dead. We walked downtown and hit up a few spots, then walked back to the car and drove to Gigantic. When we were walking back to the car (around 2:00ish), it was already noticeable that there were large groups of, um, 'non-enthusiasts' everywhere and some were getting pretty damn sloppy.

 

Of the places I visited last year, some breweries had snacks out on a table, but brewpubs did not undercut their own food sales and just did beer samples and tours. Some had more elaborate events and some were just the brewer milling around the equipment. Depending on where you go, you might be able to get full on the free food, but I wouldn't count on it. Washington calls their event an Open House, and while our name is better, theirs probably gives you a better idea what to expect. Small free stuff, but real food and full pours at regular prices.

 

Those planning on heading to Hood River from Portland should be aware that I-84 eastbound will be closed all weekend due to the recent rock slide.

 

Fun fun. Didn't hear about this, thought they fixed those pesky rocks from falling