Beer & Drink

Golden. That’s how this earthy wild yeast beer looks. It’s also how it tastes—golden. Really, it’s a tremendous golden Belgian ale. The made-in-Bend Sahalie comes bottled in a handsome 750-milliliter corked package, which only adds to its allure. The sour taste, lovely carbonation and rich head—all of it just seemed so damn unique. Turns out […]

Central Oregon’s craft brewing scene has grabbed more than its share of
headlines, but the local homebrew scene has flown under the radar. That’s about to change this weekend when The Deschutes Brewery will host a first-come, first-served home brew competition at the Bend Fall Fest. The competition is open to any and all homebrewers who wish to enter a “fresh hop” beer.

When I heard that Rogue, out of Newport, had released a mash-up of its beer and the legendary bacon-topped maple bar from Portland’s Voodoo Doughnuts, I figured there was a good chance mankind had gone too far this time.
Still, when two iconic Oregon establishments are melded together with a never-been-done-before concept, you should not deny yourself.
Once home, with my bright pink 750ml bottle of beer, I grabbed a pint glass and popped the top. As I poured the smoky red ale into the glass, notes of sweet maple quickly wafted into my nose.

IPAs not to missHop Hash, 6%, 90 IBUsCaldera Brewing Company, Ashland Made with a non-traditional hopping technique that uses compacted hashlike chunks of hops in the brew.
Wookey Jack, 8.5%, 60 IBUsFirestone Walker, Paso Robles, CaliforniaBlack IPA made with dark and spicy malts and citrus-laden hops is unfiltered with a complex flavor profile. Country Boy IPA, 6.2%, 80 IBUsEverybody’s Brewing, White Salmon, WashingtonDry, clean, crisp with great citrus character from Centennial, Amarillo and Cascade hops.Cnote, 6.9%, 100 IBUsLompoc Brewing, PortlandHighly hopped orange-hued ale with pine and herbal aromas. Toffee and caramel notes followed by a citrus finish.

So, Crux Fermentation Project has had its own beer on for a little over a month now—we figured it was time to duck out on our weekly production day and throw back some pints. You know, fortify, for when we got back to the office and everyone was pissed.
And we gotta say, Crux, it was worth it. Your beers are out of the ordinary and we like that. We tried all five of the brewery’s selections on draft. Here’s what we think:
• Crux “Sugar Daddy” SPA, 7.1%, 50 IBU—It’s like sweet tea meets a citrusy Pale/IPA. Perfumy, but not sickening so. Definitely something different.
• Crux “On the Fence” NW Pale Ale, 8%, 50 IBU—This beer typifies the Crux line-up with its big, round, smooth malt profile. Very light citrus notes and with a dose of skunkiness.

If you’re looking for a summer beer that will push your palate beyond the safety blanket of the latest IPA, you could do worse than Double Mountain’s Kolsch, a German style beer that the Hood River brewery presents with just a bit of a Northwest spin, adding an extra dose of hops without foregoing the signature yeast-forward presentation that defines these complex beers. Best of all you won’t feel obligated to drink it with a lemon wedge on the rim.