Now in its 33rdyear, we break down the Oregon Brewers Festival’s return this weekend.
image courtesy Oregon Brewers Festival
Assuming you’re over the age of 21, you’ve probably heard of the Oregon Brewers Festival. Whether you live in or around Portland, you’ve probably visited the Oregon Brewers Festival (except for the past two years), in one of its various forms.
Started in 1989, under the leadership of Art Larrance, the Oregon Brewers Festival was conceived after Larrence, while supplying the Papa Aldo’s Blues Festival (1987) with beer, conceived of the Oregon Brewers Festival. As Larrence says it,
We thought we’d sell 16 to 20 kegs that day. We sold 76 kegs. I’d load ten empty kegs in my truck; we’d run up to the brewery, fill them up and run them back. By the time I arrived, the ten I’d previously brought were already gone. The beer sold $3 for a 12-ounce glass, and the brewery’s supply sold out that day.”
After this, coupled with a series of unfortunate connections, Art would later end up with a permit at Waterfront Park (later Tom McCall). Reflecting on the popularity of Papa Aldo's Blues Festival, Larrence exercised his permit and invited 30 breweries to sling beer to about 5,000 goers, in 1988. Turns out when everything was said and done, there were over 15,000 who attended their first Oregon Brewers Festival. Today, the festival boasts nearly around 50,000 (source, Oregon Brewers Festival). But of course, like so many events, the Oregon Brewers Festival was forced to postpone their annual return these past two years.
image courtesy Oregon Brewers Festival
Which is probably why, if you’re someone who’s been a regular goer, you might scratch your head when reading the words 33 when really the number should be 34.
But that’s all in the past, figuratively and literally. What matters is the festival is back, albeit shortened and with some changes (some of which are due to supply chain issues).
Dates and times.
Shortened from their five-day tour, to three days, the festival returns in 2002 on Thursday July 28th thru Saturday July 30th. With most days starting at 12 pm and concluding around 9 pm (with last call), guests should plan their day/evening accordingly.
Drinks
Like previous years, the festival has invited many local breweries and cideries to bring something special. All told, the Oregon Brewers Festival will showcase 21 breweries, 2 cideries, from 16 cities and towns across the great state of Oregon.
But unfortunately, your first round includes 10 tickets (not tokens) and a souvenir glass, all for $30. Naturally, you’re welcome to purchase the glass separately, but you’ll still need tickets to purchase beer, which will be $2 per ticket. For those not familiar with the format at the OBF (short for Oregon Brewers Festival), 10 tickets might sound like plenty, the reality is this only applies to beer which require one or two tickets. That’s right, you use these tickets to purchase beer and the costs range from 1 to many. Also, should you find a beer you like, the mug you hold only supports 12-ounces.
Food
Look for multiple food vendors to be onsite. But keep in mind, the park is open to the public. So bringing outside food is equally aloud.
So now that this is clear, what do you do? Well, we have a few thoughts.
image courtesy Alesong Brewing & Blending
Alesong Brewing and Blending
Raindrops on Rose City
What the brewery says
A deep, rose-colored wine/beer hybrid crafted with pinot noir grapes from our neighbors at King Estate. Aged in French oak barrels and bursting with cherry and rose flavors, dry and effervescent.
What we say.
As one of the few true, barrel-aged, wild or spontaneous beers Alesong Brewing and Blending’s Raindrops on Rose City is definitely worth a try, if you’re looking for something unique at the festival. Although, a word of caution because this one weighs in at 9.4%. Drink responsibly.
image sourced from Foreland Beer
ForeLand Beer
Horizontal Reflection Pilsner
What the brewery says
Made to reflect the masterful creations of the traditional Bohemian brewers, this beer features malted Czech barley and Czech Saaz hops. Delicate, yet powerful. Nuanced, yet expressive.
What we say.
As one of the preeminent Lager breweries in the state, Foreland’s beer remains some of the most enjoyable and if the temps are any sign, one that will refresh your spirit and body, at 5%. Brewed to be a Czech-style Pilsner (e.g. Bohemian), look for sharp notes complimented with a malted balance.
image courtesy pFriem Family Brewers
pFriem Family Brewers
American Lager
What the brewery said
American-style lager influenced by classic German brewing and lagering techniques. Made with high-quality pilsner malt and a heavy hand of corn grits from Bob’s Red Mill, this beautiful golden lager is complex but easy-drinking.
What we say.
In the other category of lagers, the German-style, pFriem Family is pleased to share their interpretive take on the German Lager. For us, we can’t argue with a 5% lager, that will be clean, refreshing, and above all not abrasive on the palate.
image sourced from Upright Brewing
Upright Brewing
Country Time Weisse
What the brewery said.
This Berliner weisse is the perfect summer quencher, with high acidity, fresh wheat flavor, and a modest ABV. Foeder aged with brettanomyces for extra complexity, with oak depth and layered notes of citrus.
What we said.
A wonderful story of a former bottle slinger at nearby Belmont Station, turned brewery owner, Uptight’s beer we feel remain overlooked by many. Which is why we are excited about getting our mitts on another of Alex and his staff’s beers. Give this one a go, if anything because no hops are in this beer. Oh and, like many on our list, this is another one that leaves room in your sobriety budget, at 3.7%.
image courtesy Gigantic Brewing
Gigantic Brewing
The Royale Saison
What the brewery said.
A beer fit for sophisticates and flaneurs, The Royale is a golden, hoppy concoction of fruity and citrusy flavors meant for whiling away one’s time in brasseries, cafes and pubs, or anywhere friends can be found.
What we say.
Something different for sure, when compared to pilsners, berlinerweisse, or wild/spontaneous beers, but who wouldn’t enjoy a 6.3% Saison, created for the laborers in the fields of Belgium but available for those whose hands aren’t as calloused. We guarantee, if you like funky cheeses, aged meats, and dehydrated fruit, you’ll love this beer.
Finally
Reverend Nat's Hard Cider
Raspberry Saint Citron
What the cidery said.
A crisp and moderately dry cider with four citrus fruits (grapefruit, kumquat, lemon and black lime), a hint of ginger and a whisper of sea salt. For the festival, a shot of raspberry juice adds beautiful color and complexity. The result is hydrating and incredibly thirst-quenching.
What we say.
That’s right! You thought we’d go for an IPA or Pale Ale? Nope! We’re concluding our first round with a cider. So why not support one of the more kinetic ciders in Reverend Nat’s? Frankly, the combination of fruits grapefruit, kumquat, lemon and black lime is ambitious. But it looks like they are balancing things out with some ginger and sea salt, before adding the namesake raspberry (juice). At 5.2% this is another safe bet.
And that’s it!
If you end up with spare tickets, because you went with all, some, or none of our suggestions, we encourage you to seek a brewery by city, by name, or simply because you like their beer!
But above all, relax, have a beer, and be safe, as you celebrate the return of the in-person edition of the Oregon Brewers Festival!
For more information on the Oregon Brewers Festival, including updates, and other helpful tips, visit https://oregonbrewfest.com/.
