A couple of weeks ago it was the annual Oregon Garden Brewfest in Silverton, Oregon. We attended last year and enjoyed the event fairly well. We were also hoping to get some photos of the garden as well, but the cold spring had everything blooming several weeks behind schedule. So, alas, no flowers.
Now, I’m not what you would call a beer drinker. Why on earth would I go to a brewfest you ask? Well, my husband likes beer and I like to taste. I also have a strange fascination with the art of brewing. It’s a very interesting science. So, there you are.
Out of the eight brews that we sampled, here’s how they all stacked up in my skewed opinion.
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Best
Great White Beer (Lost Coast)– This one is light but full-bodied and has a yummy herbal flavor. I may consider having a full glass of this one day.
PranQster Style Golden Ale (North Coast Brewing Company ) – This has a nice flavor and texture. However, not as good as the Great White in my opinion, but still tasty.
Believer Double Red Ale (Ninkasi Brewing) – Fairly thick in texture for a red, this one has an excellent flavor (lots of hops?), but I’m not a fan of the bitterness which was fairly prevalent.
Skinny Dip (New Belgium) – It tastes very much like the Paulner Salvator. It has a nice roasted flavor of a dopplebock with some bitterness.
Average
Brother Thelonius (North Coast Brewing Company)
Pale Bock-Geist Bock (Golden Valley Brewery) – Smelled bad, but tasted OK.
Downtown Brown Ale (Lost Coast)
Yuck
Chili Beer (Calapooia Brewing Co) – Holy. Crap. Who’s idea was it to flavor beer with chili peppers? Such a very VERY wrong combination. And, if the flavor wasn’t enough, this was quite spicy hot. However, if you like the idea of drinking Anaheim/Serrano/Jalapeño chili pepper juice, this is the beverage for you. Apparently someone likes this flavor because it wasn’t the only chili flavored beer there (the other was made by Rogue). Ick.
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For the beer geeks out there, you can find more detailed information about these brews at the Oregon Garden Brewfest page (while it is still up). Or, visit the breweries website. Or, you can go pick up a bottle or two.
Hi Natalie. Thanks for the feedback on our Calapooia Chili Beer. It’s definitely unique and not for every palate. It is one of our best selling products and it’s soon to be available in bottles. Chili Beer also won the People’s Choice Award at the 2008 Oregon Garden Brewfest (Chili’s third such award in 2 years). We also make about 20 other varieties of beer, so there’s a little something for everyone. I invite you to stop by our brewpub in Albany to have a pint on me, and while you are there I’ll give you tour of our brewery.
Cheers.
Mark Martin
Owner/Brewer
Calapooia Brewing Co.
It shouldn’t surprise you to find that I enjoyed this post. ;)
The only one you mention that I’ve tried is the Brother Thelonius, which I thought was solid but not epic. The others haven’t quite migrated out to Maryland in any specific degree.
I’d be interested in trying the Chili Beer at some point, but I agree with Mark’s response - such a concoction isn’t for everyone’s palate. I’m not a spicy food aficionado, but I enjoyed Rogue’s Chipotle Ale, because of it’s relative subtlety. I’ll keep my eye out for Calapoola’s, and let you know what I think. (Although I expect it will take a trip closer to your neck of the woods to find it.)
Mark - It is definitely a unique beer. I’m glad that you did not take offense in my opinion as that was not my intent. I could see how it might go well with some nachos or meat (pulled pork?) for that matter. Actually I think my brother-in-law would probably really enjoy it as he likes chilies and spicy things. I’m sure there are other brews that Calapooia makes that I would like. I may have to take you up on that offer. Thanks. :)
Cmaaarrr!!! - I looked to see if Liquid Solutions carried the chili beer so that you may order some… but alas, they did not (yet). It is definitely a flavor worth trying at least once. However, I do believe they carry everything else. Might not hurt to give it a look. Of course you are always welcome to swing by my neighborhood for a brew or two. Rumor has it we have a few out in these parts. ;)
Coffee… beer… and mead?!? Chili beer or no, methinks I’ll keep this site bookmarked. And, trust me - I shal keep that offer in mind, should I ever find myself in your neck of the woods. :)