Absinthe is illegal. It’s made with opium. You’ll see the “green fairy,” because it makes you hallucinate. All of the above statements are falseโbut those misconceptions permeate our culture. Absinthe never had opium in it. It’s a high-proof spirit made with the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), anise, fennel and other herbs. The […]
alcohol
Unofficial, Definitive Bend Brewfest Preview
Brewfest veterans know the drill, but for those attending Bend Brewfest this weekend for the first time, I’ve created the definitive, unofficial preview of the 2019 Bend Brewfest. Every August, 70 breweries and cideries from all over the West Coast bring two different beers to pour on the banks of the Deschutes River over […]
Do Post-Race Beers Slow Us Down?
Bend is home to people who love outdoorsy endurance sports as much as they do beer. It’s not uncommon to see competitive runners or cyclists, for example, celebrating hard races or workouts with beers. Some drinking athletes believe you can burn off whatever crap you throw in the furnace, so long as it burns hot […]

