Taking in the Aroma ... Month in Review, again.
This week marks the official beginning of Fall and in the past few weeks leading up to it has featured several brewer's nights (two from WA and one from OR), multiple festivals, and a beer dinner. Last Saturday in between the adjusting my ear plugs and answering for the ump-teen-th time which is lighter and darker, I sampled some great beers at the WABC Oktoberfest, held this year in the Pyramid Alehouse back parking lot. Some of the strong candidates for oddest were a Sauerkraut blend from Big Horn Brewing (aka The Ram Restaurant), Iron Horse Black IPA (an insanely hopped brown ale), Laughing Buddha Purple Yam Porter, and finally a fresh hop Harvest Ale from Snipe's Mountain (Sunnyside). The first night appeared to be a success judging by the number of people out and about the grounds and the lack of empty tables.
The following weekend offered the Fremont Oktoberfest held in you guessed it the 'Fremont' neighborhood in Seattle. Some of the offerings were scheduled to include chainsaw pumpkin carving, zucchini car racing, & root beer stations for the kids. Based on the weather this weekend (9/21) I am curious to see how many people attended. Coming in the next few weeks will be the Phinney Neighborhood Association Winter Beer Fest (details to come) November 8th among other unannounced events.
During this month while visiting Beveridge Place Pub on Thursdays, I was present during a rare Elysian Brewer's Night,hosted by the ever welcoming Gary Sink. Featured on draft was the familiar Zephyrus (Pilsner), Immortal (IPA), Perseus (Porter), the seasonal Night Owl (Pumpkin Ale), and a cask of Dragon's Tooth (Stout). As with most brewer's nights at Beveridge Place, there was give 'aways' in the form of shirts, glassware, & free beer. Dick Cantwell and David "Dave" Buhler offered up rare t-shirts, empty recently released growlers, as well as a couple of beer filled versions of the previously aforementioned bottle-ware. One of the highlights offered was a growler of Elysian collaborated with former Seattle brewer (see Pike's Brewery, Big Time) Fal Allen. Although I didn't win anything I had a blast making a couple of slight of mouth jokes about Dave's pet black haired dog, along with a nice conversation with Dick about the ever changing cost of hops and his recent relationship with New Belgium Brewing.
Last Wednesday, I popped into Uber Tavern along the Aurora through-fare near the 'Greenlake' neighborhood, to see the guys from Eugene, more commonly known as Ninkasi Brewing. On draft was their Tricerahops (Double IPA) and Total Domination (IPA) and in available bottles was the Believer (Double Red Ale). The format was more social and less meet and greet (walking up to a booth or table), and in a way was much better since it gave the guys a chance to hang out rather than being put on the spot waiting. After a couple of 12 ouncers, a couple of friends of mine shared a 'Believer topped with some Pepperoni Pizza. Not much is on the calendar for Uber Tavern but feel free to check their site out from time to time.
Finally, last Thursday I was back at BPP (see above non abbreviated name below or above) for Everett's Lazy Boy Brewing and Shawn Loring. On draft was his India Pale Ale, Hefeweizen, Double Trouble (IPA), and a rare Chili (Pilsner). Giveaways included many women and men's shirts and a chance to have a conversation with Shawn about his past time spent in Soccer, as well as his side recreation of coaching kids soccer. The introduction of the Chili Pilsner I think would be a great addition as his 'Harvest' beer. Otherwise a fun time just hanging out, talking to Shawn and Gary (manager of Beveridge Place Pub) about soccer, beer, and the then upcoming Fremont Oktoberfest. Upcoming events at the Pub include Oktoberfest, Fish Tale Brewer's night, Hoptoberfest, and finally Full Sail Brewer's night with Assistant Brewer John Harris.
More to follow as I get around to it and hear things ...
Cheers,
