Firkin Fest 2009

This past Saturday was the Oregon Brewers Guild's 2009 Firkin Fest (pictures below) held at the Green Dragon in SE Portland. There were 14 breweries there tasting 15 different beers. Lucas and Greg joined in on the adventure. For a small fee you got a very nice glass as well as eight drink tickets good for a 6oz. taste. There's not much to say about it except there was great beer, a good atmosphere, and good friends. We did get a chance to talk with Ted Sobel, Publican and Brewer for Brewers Union Local 180 down in Oakridge. It's no secret to those around us that Lucas and I have kicked around ideas for marketing our creations and it was good to talk to Ted about his experience. As the brewery idea ferments (pun intended) we'll definitely hit him up for advice, etc.

Below are the beers I tasted and their breweries. I thought about rating them on a 5-point scale, but they were all quality and beer preferences are generally personal. If you were there feel free to leave comments about the beers you tried.

1: Super Dog (IPA) - Lucky Lab Brewing Co... ok I said I wouldn't rate these, but this is a personal favorite and gets full marks in any system.
2: North Fork (Ordinary Bitter - cask) - Brewers Union Local 180
3: Broken Paddle IBA (India Black Ale) - Full Sail Brewing
4: HUB 150 (IPA) - Hopworks Urban Brewery
5: The Hammer Throw (Irish Red Ale) - Eugene City Brewery
6: Workhorse IPA (IPA) - Laurelwood Brewing Co.
7: Spring Rein (Pale Ale) - Ninkasi Brewing Co.
8: Oak Barrel C-Note (Imperial Pale) - Lompoc Brewing Co.
9: Super Dog (IPA) - thanks to Lucas for the bonus ticket

Missed out on beers from: BridgePort, Deschutes, Pelican Pub & Brewery, Roots Organic Brewing Co., Rock Bottom Brewery, and Rogue Ales.