As the biggest beer event of the summer, Bend Brewfest should be a can’t-miss for local beer fans and tourists. Unlike most beer events, Brewfest has multiple personalities—and just a little local knowledge combined with common sense should guarantee a fantastic—and productive—time at the event. Probably most important is choosing the best time to attend. […]
Thom Pastor
Posted inFood & Drink
Tough Times at 10 Barrel
Exploding bottles and a weak collaboration bring out summertime blues
Normally a reliable brewery, 10 Barrel’s summer seasonals are creating a headache. The recent recall of Swill was actually a welcome surprise for consumers. Though the bottle of Swill reviewed for this column was very good, a subsequent sixpack purchased in June was far too carbonated. It seemed each bottle was shaken before opening. No […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Be Still
Inspiration, tribute, and mystery in a bottle
When an artist loses a loved one, feelings are expressed through the art. Poems and books written; drawings and paintings created; music made. This cycle-of-life inspired art and craft can be as grand as the pyramids of Egypt or as humble as a child’s drawing of a lost pet. Be Still from Ale Apothecary is […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Cherries and Beer
How much more “Northwest” can it get?
Some say Bing and others claim Rainier, but 10 Barrel added a third option to cherry season: Beer No. 1. As the first of a new series, Beer No. 1 is a sour brown ale aged with cherries, and it’s a winner. No style-based theme has been announced, but if Beer No. 2 and beyond […]
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Cascade Lakes Roundup
How is Bend’s second oldest brewery stacking up?
Named after the collective bodies of stunning and cold water in our mountains, Cascade Lakes Brewery is celebrating 20 years. With few things as beautiful as a mountain lake and few drinks as enjoyable as fantastic beer, how good is the Cascade Lakes lineup after two decades of business? Currently, Cascade Lakes is brewing about […]
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When Life Gives You Lemons
Mash them into a beer
Here’s a statistic that may not sit well: Of the next eight women you see, chances are one of them either has or will get breast cancer. Of the first seven men, one of them either has or will get prostate cancer. But why talk about cancer in a beer column? If the beer you’re […]
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‘Merican Beer-B-Q
How to choose the best beer for your 4th of July cookout
Beer’s favorite holiday is upon us. Nothing says “America” like grilled meat and pyrotechnics, especially when accompanied by good ol’ American craft beer. Rather than buying 18-packs of cheap beer, find more pleasure with the purchase of 6-packs or singles of great local brew (just like Benjamin Franklin would do). The difference between cheap and […]
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Sharing is Caring
How to taste amazing and expensive beers, without breaking the bank
Last Saturday Ale Apothecary Club Members from all over the state met in a beautiful home at the base of Aubrey Butte for the 2nd annual members-only party. Chef Katrina Spatrisano of Deschutes Brewery provided a spread of appetizers with salami, cheeses, and desserts. Ale Apothecary’s founder and brewer, Paul Arney, and his wife mingled […]
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Local “Bud”
A light-bodied beer for beer fans only
The most common misconception among non-beer drinkers is that lighter beers taste less “like beer.” This is good for Bud Light, but not for the people drinking it. Often, these folk only have beer socially and try to minimize the impact of drinking something they don’t like. The problem with this approach is that beer […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Three India Pale Ales, Please…
Hold the Imperial.
Settle down, Hop Heads. Sometimes a simple beer is just what hits the spot. Sometimes it feels like brewers are constantly chasing trends. And, too often pale ales are ignored in this hyper-experimental climate. Wacky new recipes are fun and important, but so are the classics. Moreover, pale ales are great because they are about […]