Portland, Oregon – Day #12 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Hector

We were booked on Train 14 from Albany to Portland at `13.22. Anytime Taxi took us to the station in time for the check-in of luggage. Having met drivers Ben, Brett and Brock, it was a lady driver this morning. We must have completed the set.

Due to a collapsed tunnel some hundred kilometres south of Albany, our train was cancelled. A bus was running instead, and it was leaving before the allotted train departure time. With road being faster than rail we would arrive in Portland before our scheduled 15.32. More – VDT!

With more than an hour to kill, we had lunch at the Depot across the way from the station. The Prawn dish seemed like a good idea. Had it been Prawns and Dressing I may have managed it, however there was a gritty cereal-like filler and not enough moisture. This was also my first exposure to table service Coke with free refills. Doris had to keep them coming at speed until I persuaded her to stop filling the glass with ice and actually give me Cola.

I had been looking forward to another train journey, we still have Portland to Seattle in two days time. On the outskirts of Portland, away to my right, I spotted a familiar sight: a massive conical snow-capped peak. It was way bigger in real life than I could ever have imagined. This was Mt. Hood, one of the Cascade Range of volcanoes of which Mt. St. Helens is the most famous, i.e. until Mt. Hood does its business. My first glimpse was the best one, no photos, and the volcano ain’t visible from the city centre.

Arriving at Union Station we knew the lie of the land. After checking in to Eastside Lodge on East Burnside St., we would be walking thereafter, so no TriMet day ticket was purchased, just a single.

Check-in was efficient, Dr. Stan and Hector are sharing again. After nipping out to a local grocery to get some liquid for the fridge, it was time to get the day underway proper.

Burnside Brewing Co. was only a couple of blocks from the accommodation, if we didn’t check it out now we probably would never get back to it in time.

Burnside IPA at 6.5% with a most inviting 85 IBU is orange, hazy, and had a distinctive German taste to it, but was clearly still and IPA. I wondered if some Hallertau hops had been added.

The premises are quite substantial, the large bar and food serving area took up most of the front. I went, camera in hand, to survey the rest. A pity the photo of the board was too fuzzy to post, and this was us starting out.

The Tropic of Capricorn looks identical to the Burnside IPA. This time the abv was only 6.2% and a mere 62 IBU. This Bier tasted more mainstream, but as I write this I know that the New World hops present here would have the people at home going crazy over this.

The walk to our next brewery – Hair of the Dog – was fifteen minutes in a south-westerly direction, back towards the Willamette River. We crossed the railway line that we should have trundled along earlier. Off the beaten track may describe the locus of Hair of the Dog.

Hair of the Dog  becomes the first Brewery on this trip where I  cannot enthuse about their Bier. However, I shall always remember it for the food which was as Spicy as the Hector seeks and had oodles of flavour.

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Bier matters first, Lila at 5.5% is described on the Hair of the Dog website as a Vienna Lager. Keller Beer is how the menu had it. Also, Our Mother’s Day Beer? Indeed. This unfiltered lager has a sweet grainy flavour, I could taste the sweetness and the alcohol.

Having been quite a few hours since I had eaten, bunkers were required. The Chuck Norris Duck Wings ($9.00) were accompanied by strips of Capsicum, not a problem when Hector is not having Curry. A solid punch, and a kick, these were – Spicy.

Three Duck Wings, Capsicums and Onion were sat on what looked like a Soya based sauce. The kick hit instantly, the Capsicums were well marinaded and had lost their belch power. I love Duck, when I order food from that other Asian but not Indian source, it’s usually Kung Po Duck, meat and mixed vegetables in a spicy sauce.

Spicy? This took Hector to his limit, and only then did Sweet & Sour come across. This was magnificent.

To which corner do I crawl off and die? – I asked the barman when I had finished.

On enquiring about the ingredients of the sauce I was told it was not Soya but a Duck stock with Habanero and herbs. Habanero, my new friend. I should have ordered the Bread and Butter ($3.50) to mop up the sauce.

Bier #2 was Blue Dot, a Double IPA at 7.0%. Similar on colour to the Lila, this hazy DIPA was at an acceptable abv, but still I could the taste the alcohol. Not the best by any means, but standards in Oregon are high. Below average here still ain’t too shabby.

Still, a bit of a downer, maybe twelve consecutive days of Bier drinking is taking its toll? In Europe, ten days is usually the maximum for a trip. Five is the preferred, beyond that Hector looks forward to not drinking alcohol. The palate had to be resurrected. Cider is a great alternative to Bier, we passed Schilling Cider House between Hair of the Dog and Cascade Brewing Barrel House as we walked the few blocks east.

Dr. Stan was never going to visit a Cider House, and Hector’s duty was to look after – The Good Doctor.

Cascade Brewing Barrel House was just what we needed, – The House of Sour – is their self proclaimed appellation. If one does not appreciate Sour Bier, then this is not for you.

The staff were keen, very keen, very proud. The prices here reflected the effort gone into the Bier, this was Craft Beer plus.

When I tasted the Kriek 2016 I was gobsmacked. Even in Belgium there are so many Krieks that are so sweet they are avoided. Kriek 2016 at 7.4% had the full on cinnamon that Hector associates with his very favourites. I dare to write Hanssens (Belgium), this Kriek was worthy of being included at that level of Lambic. The given description remains puzzling – Red ales aged in oak wins barrels with Bing and sour pie cherries. If I looked up – Bing – it would spoil the mystery.

I have referred to the music played at a few venues, tonight it was Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin). We have yet to be exposed to the horrors of disco, rap or American – Schlager music.

More Kriek would have gone done down very well, that is not our way, on this trip anyway. Mulled Apple Sour at 7.1% was described as – A blend of blond and red ales with fresh apple cider, honey, vanilla and spices. Hector summarises this as – Apfel Glühwein, with body, served cold, thankfully.

I have studied the t-shirts in every Brewpub visited to date. None have been worth the money, the designs have been poor, iron on transfers too common, no polo shirts. Finally, here was a range that I could not resist. The tie-dye t-shirts proved to be irresistible.

We crossed the road to Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery, what a massive venue. The place was virtually empty, a Tuesday night, the quietest one of the week even in the USA. It was getting late, our last Brewery of the day. Needless to say we were in a good place when we entered and took prime seats at the bar.

The choice was plentiful, a Cask version of a Younger’s (Scotland) ale was dismissed, I didn’t come here to drink a Scottish Bier.

However, where else would I find such Bier in Cask? The palate was ready for more hops.

Outta Line at 6.5% was probably appreciated more than it would have been had we not stopped off at Cascade. This West Coast IPA had in face hops, tremendous.

We had settled in sufficiently that the serving Doris was happy to pose with Dr. Stan, then take our photo. This is something Dr. Stan is finally coming to terms with. No photos, no records, no memories.

Hector the Squirrel had to finish on a nutty note.

Hazelnut Brown Nectar at 5.6% was disappointingly thin after the previous indulgences, but the flavour of nuts was there. All was forgiven, though I could have murdered an equivalent to Komes Baltic Porter.

We weren’t last out but were late enough to see the taps being cleaned and put to bed. I led Dr. Stan up the hill to our accommodation. Where are the Kebab shops when you need one?

The Brewpubs visited today:

Burnside Brewing Co. – 701 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214 – Closed

Hair of the Dog Brewing Company – 61 SE Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97214

Cascade Brewing Barrel House – 939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery – 928 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Posted in Albany, Portland | Comments Off on Portland, Oregon – Day #12 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Corvallis, Oregon – Day #11 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Hector

Dr. Stan likes his breakfast, Hector tends not to bother, even when it’s inclusive as it is a Super 8 Albany. Having said that, I am well aware of how simple the fayre tends to be in such cases. Hector eschewed the opperchancity to swim in the decent looking pool, too cold. Else, the weight of the late night Burrito was still hanging heavy.

Anytime Taxi was called, today we met Ben who drove us the half hour drive from Albany to Corvallis. I had looked at buses, however, they appeared to be timed to suit schools opening and closing, there was not much else and a change was necessary. Taxi, simples. Plus, we knew we had to get back later.

Ben was aware of Evergreen Indian Cuisine in downtown Corvallis, but had never heard of Nirvana Indian Restaurant at Timberhill Shopping Centre in the north of the city. Evergreen was dismissed because we had been to the Eugene branch, Hector was far from impressed. Nirvana is also a Punjabi House, expectations were therefore high. Now Ben knows, he promised he will try it. Hector assisted with the navigation, when the LG is working it is good, when…

Once again, Dr. Stan, the Buffet King had a better meal than Hector. There was something definitely – not quite right – about Hector’s Keema Mattar. The most memorable thing about today’s Curry is that Mein Host had worked at Tandoori (Tel Aviv, Israel) in the years immediately before it was reviewed in Curry-Heute.

There was a forty five minute walk, downhill, to downtown Corvallis. A brighter day than yesterday, Corvallis looked good in the sunshine, a much prettier town than nearby Albany. One would surmise that the quality of life in Corvallis is favourable. We had a quick look at the Riverfront Commemorative Park.

With the number of Brewpubs and Craft Beer Houses in the city centre, Corvallis could be Bier Heaven. Many of the people we had chatted to in the last week had recommended Corvallis, Block 15 Brewing Co. in particular. We would leave them to the end.

After our brief reconnaissance, we climbed up the stairs into Sky High Brewing. Our first Bier was available in Cask and Keg, We both had the Freewheel IPA at 7.0% and 77 IBU, with Dr. Stan going for the Cask. He lost out a bit with the huge head. Where was his CAMRA foam gauge?

This dark gold Bier has a slight haze, good body, and full on Hops. The Cask version was decidedly cloudier and more chewy. Dr. Stan had spotted the  cask cooling in a fridge, if only a certain award winning bar in Glasgow (Scotland) could take cooling their ale so seriously.

Being early on a Monday afternoon, Sky High was quiet. Given that many venues do not stay open late, one wonders when they make their money. The serving Doris was quiet, courteous and busied herself with the gantry.

Bier #2 was High and Outside IPA at 6.8%, with a whopping 82 IBU, a very pale yellow and a slight haze. It looked a bit thin but was far from it, a decent body therefore. The given hops are Magnum, El Dorado, and Marynka.

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We walked the three blocks to Oregon Trail Brewery, missing out Flat Tail Brewing which opened later. Oregon Trail Brewery is a microbrewery housed at the rear of the Old World Deli. The view of the building from the car park to the rear surpasses that from the main street.

With a choice from five, the only Bier for us was the IPA which proved to be quite substantial. Oregon Trail IPA at 6.5% and a strange 66.9 IBU was full on with big flavours from the Nugget and Centennial hops.

Dr. Stan paid $8.00 cash, including the tip, this may well be the cheapest Bier we shall have on this trip. I assume Dr. Stan gave a tip, the barman was a bit off, serving food was by far his greater priority.

It was seconds back to Flat Tail Brewing, even allowing for taking the more scenic route parallel to the Willamette River. Hanging baskets, one can never have too many hanging baskets.

The bar area seemed small and belies the larger seated area we walked through on entry. We had to take seats to the left side of the bar as we entered, the ones facing being taken. With multiple taps in view, we had a choice from twelve on the Bier menu, including three IPAs.

There was no interaction with the bar staff on placing the order, I was given a chit. We have become used to running a tab, and paying on a pad on departure, interim paper was novel.

The N.E.W. IPA at 5.0% has Citra and Mosaic hops. Yellow, hazy, cool, the given notes told of blueberry. I noted citrus to the fore, lemon juice. Inspired by a Belgian Wit complete with Coriander, Hoegarden even, the flavours in this Bier were very familiar. This Bier had less body than I have drunk in recent venues, one could just knock this back.

On ordering a second Bier, the serving chap came to life. On seeing me take my notes on the LG, he offered me a charger. When I produced my own backup he was well impressed. And so we came to make ourselves known and hence appreciate our visit to Flat Tail. Our second Bier was well dangerous.

Pulp Action IPA at 7.8%, a Juicy IPA featuring the same hops – Citra and Mosaic. This was possibly the most tangy IPA I have encountered on this trip, yet thin for this abv. As with the N.E.W. IPA, one could quaff this, which would not be a good idea.

We would have been happy to stay longer but had to keep to the plan, the fourth brewery, the big one, Block 15, the brewery many have mentioned as being the must visit.

Corvallis was living up to what we had been promised. There are other venues we could not get round today, bars too which may be ranked as highly as No Rails Ale House (Albany). I checked the prices for accommodation here tonight, same as in Albany, If we ever come back this way, an afternoon at Calapooia (Albany) then a couple of nights in Corvallis would do very well. The Greyhound Bus would then hopefully take us to wherever, thereafter.

Block 15 Brewing Co. was around the corner and one block away on the parallel street. Not the largest of premises, some were sat al fresco. On entry I spotted a mezzanine but would never venture up there. A Doris was taking names, there was a twenty minute wait for a table. Asking for seats at the bar enabled immediate entry.

Two chaps sat at the far end with spare seats either side of them. Dr. Stan and I took the available stools, Hector had the central pillar blocking his view. The two chaps were self aware, Dr. Stan and Hector were soon reunited, eleven days, and we’re still talking.

When do you close? – I asked the barman.

11.00.

We’ll still be here.

It was 19.30 and I had identified five IPAs of great interest. Having truncated our session at – Oregon Trail – might pay dividends. First up was Fluffhead IPA at 6.5%. Another miky creation, one is getting to really love these. The Mosaic, Chinook, and Azacca hops were full on. This Bier was beautifully smooth. Some may well have settled for this, excellent, but at Block 15 we had the best array of IPA yet.

Take me home, country roads – Hector was on the verge of a very good night.

Phresh Pressed at 7.0% is a so called Tart IPA. Juicy IPA, acidity and citrus flavour – are claimed on the given description. It was sour, but nothing like as sour as a Lambic, say Cantillon Geuze (Brussel, Belgium), but sour enough. Still, my reason for choosing this was to clean the palate before the next hop overdose.

Stan, call me a taxi…

We’re on first name terms this evening. No response.

Stan you’re meant to call me a taxi.

Stan was too busy ordering food. Did he not have enough at breakfast and lunch? Americans amuse with their stretched out naming of – Paaaah-staaa. Spaghetti ain’t good enough for them, it has to be Linguine. Linguine with Cheese and Toast ($13.00), one must have a gallon of Cheese, this is – Amayreekaaa.

Note to self, at no point on this trip have I been able to challenge a citizen of the USA to show me the place/country – America – on the map.

Too much information alert:

Curry does not generally have the nasty effect on me that universally people associate with its eating. However, doggy food does. After my late night Burrito at Taco Bell (Albany) and today’s Curry at Nirvana I have not been straying not too far from the facilities. I decided that eating more was not a good idea. Liquid Bread – bring it on!

Alpha, an IPA at 6.5%. This is an amber/orange hazy delight. With the taste-buds restored, there was an instant hop hit. This was a dry as Bier can taste.

Just how many more could I have? The barman was well onside with us.

The place was emptying, it is a school night. With only a few punters left on the premises I managed to capture some decent photos. The photo of Dr. Stan and Hector is much appreciated.

I decided to skip Fresh Flow IPA.

Finally, my fourth, and fifth, IPA – Alesong 2nd Canniversary at 7.0%. What is a – Canniversary? This Bier was yet another standout, gold and hazy, ah, the hops.

Had it been the weekend, 01.00 is the closing time. It had gone 11.00. I had already called Anytime Taxi, Ben was primed this morning that we would be coming back as late as we could get away with. It was Brent who came to take us back to Albany. We recognised the car, not the driver of course. Ben, Brett, Brock, wot, no Bert?

It was fitting that Hector was last out of Block 15.

There was no late night Burrito, and no late night swim. Hector is embarrassed that there was no time for a swim in the last couple of days, there is always tomorrow morning.

The Brewpubs and restaurant visited today:

Sky High Brewing – 160 NW Jackson Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330

Oregon Trail Brewery – 341 SW 2nd St #A, Corvallis, OR 97333

Flat Tail Brewing –  202 SW 1st St, Corvallis, OR 97333

Block 15 Brewing Company –  300 SW Jefferson Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333

Nirvana Indian Restaurant – Timberhill Shopping Center 2309 NW Kings Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330

Posted in Albany, Corvalis | Comments Off on Corvallis, Oregon – Day #11 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Albany, Oregon – Day #10 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Hector

Herr Schneider – has become my morning greeting from Dr. Stan, and up to thrice as – good night. So it goes. The Good Doctor had us booked on train 5518 at 11.55 from Eugene to Albany. The journey time was fifty minutes, our shortest journey of the trip, and today’s train was scheduled to be a bus. We still had to check in early as is the Amtrak way, and had to manhandle our own bags to the bus, disgraceful.

It would still be another two hours before we could check in to the Super 8 Albany motel which is located on the edge of town, near the airport. Initially I thought the airport would be walkable from our hotel and so getting from there to downtown would not be an issue. Alas, not the case. I noted the number for Anytime Taxi posted on the outside of the window of the closed ticket hall,  a smart move.

There are three brewpubs in downtown Albany, 3 Sheets does not open on a Sunday, indeed, it would not re-open until 16.00 on Thursday. The nearest open venue to the station was No Rails Ale House, not a brewpub, but well regarded judging by other sources. The fifty taps offered multiple examples of the classic Bier styles.  We could easily have spent days in here.

In the UK one would expect to find quite a crowd developing by 13.00, No Rails Ale House was empty. Mein Host was about to pour his first pints of the day. The ColdFire (Eugene, Oregon) Brewpub was visited two days previously, their Bier impressed, time to try another. Citra Enlightenment at 5.3% and 45 IBU did not disappoint. Gold, with a chill haze only, this was sharp tasting, yet a gentle start to the day in terms of abv. The hops were full on, of course.

A few more customers drifted in, but not before the Hector had time to photograph the bar.

The next Bier up was another from Rogue Ales (Portland, Oregon). Hazelutely Choctabulous at 5.7% and 51 IBU looked as if it had been named to seduce the Hector. Nut and Chocolate flavours? A definite – Wow! – was noted. This Bier was exactly as described.

The barman was impressed by the purpose of our visit, bona fide Bier Travellers. He confirmed that 3 Sheets would remain closed during our stay, and suggested, as quite a few have, that we must visit Corvallis.

A taxi was ordered to take us out to the motel, as we prepared ourselves for departure, so Mein Host presented us with bottle opener / key rings labelled – No Rails Ale House. I wonder how many thousands of kilometres these will subsequently travel.  This was a wonderful bar, worth getting off the train in Albany just to visit this alone.

Brent took us to Super 8 Albany motel on the outskirts of the city. Knowing that we would require a lift back to town in a few minutes, we asked him to wait. He did, but told us that it was in our best interest to phone him again for a separate booking. Super 8 is part of cluster of hotels and drive through food outlets in the proximity of the airport. A free breakfast and heated swimming pool were advertised. On check in, nobody mentioned anything about the pool being heated. After yesterdays icy plunge in Eugene, maybes aye, maybes no. Room 223, to myself, luxury.

We were hungry, so perhaps we should have taken advantage of the nearby venues, but we were soon on our way back to downtown Albany. We only had two venues to visit: Calapooia Brewing Company and DeLuxe Brewing Co., both on the same street and minutes apart. Brent was sure that Calapooia would be serving food. He parked up outside the brewery and insisted on phoning them to make sure.

Calapooia was busy, so this is where the good people of Albany spend their Sunday afternoons. There was very much a pub atmosphere. A band were about to start in the far right hand corner, yee ha. Calapooia were reportedly open until 21.00, DeLuxe would close at 18.00. The plan was to eat here, get along the road, and maximise our time in both venues. It looked like  an early night.

We took a table mid-room to the left. Buffalo Wings fitted in with Hector’s strict self imposed diet. These were washed down with Riparian IPA at 6.5%. Amber, dry, the hops were not – in the face. I was hoping we would do better, later.

The band were playing both types of music: country and western. Dr. Stan was not giving much away, when does he ever? Hector was happy to move along the country road.

Thurston, who is called Thurston? Hector saw Thurston Moore twice last year, and even posted video footage of the man performing with Malcolm Mooney (CAN) at the Barbican on a certain medium.

If that wasn’t exciting enough, when I spotted a classic – box bridge – the heart skipped a beat. Why these fascinate, who knows? I once built a balsa wood bridge with a design out of my head, this is similar to what I created, some fifty years ago.

DeLuxe Brewing was easy to spot, if only we could find the entrance.

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Spartan does not begin to describe this place. With the brew plant, a parked vehicle, games tables and a bar, no wonder we found a few families ensconced when we walked in. A solitary  Doris was manning the show. With ten taps to choose from, the first Bier chose itself. Diabolic IPA at 6.3% with 60 IBU is dark gold, hazy, and looks chewy. The Bier was a bit hard on the palate, I suspected Simcoe hops, and as has been the way on this trip, the Bier had no astringency. Dr. Stan reliably informed me the hops are: Nougat, Cascade, and Chinook. Why did I guess?

One could not help but notice the sign for Howard’s Hopped Gin. Why is Howard haunting us? $34+ a bottle, aye right. A free sample was available. People are increasingly drinking Gin, a new fad to replace Alcopops? Hector has never tasted Gin before. It was sweet and one could taste the spirit, as for the hops…still waiting. Sorry, Howard, you would prefer a pint of GD.

The choice of Bier was not overwhelming, well we had seen a board with fifty earlier. It was time to give the palate a rest from the hop. Dark Danger at 7.8% with 100 IBU had to be tried. My first ever “CDA” – Cascadian Dark Ale, it was a muddy brown / cloudy amber, and dry as…

Why did McEwan’s Export (Scotland) come to mind? It was probably the malt coming though.

DeLuxe was emptying as closing time approached, eventually it was just us and Doris. She did us the honour permitting herself to be immortalised here.

I doubt if Hector has ever been last out of a pub this early.

We walked back along the freight railway to Calapooia, it was all happening here. The band had grown, two horn players I had not been aware of earlier. The music had changed, blues and jazz, the other two types of band music. Last night at Sam Bond’s Brewing (Eugene) I was impressed by the sight and sound of the five string electric Bass. Behold – Brian – and his custom six string Bass.

We took stools at a high table, Hector with his back to the band, Dr. Stan opposite. Bier was sorted. The “Pine Bender” Dry Hop Pale at 6.4% had the hop hit I was looking for. Another dry, amber ale, with a chill haze. As we were obviously staying on I will admit to having no idea how many of these were consumed until I gave the taste-buds a rinse in preparation for tomorrow, and turned to Cider. The Bright Cider (Two Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis)  at 6.7% did the job.The female vocalist had finished her set, the music evolved. The band were now – playing – this was approaching electronic Prog Rock, Hector was both in his element and heading towards – the zone.

For inexplicable reasons, the drummer reminded me of Rod Stewart. Derek Zane, the guitarist was excellent however, it was Bill on harmonica who was leading us into the realm of what Hector seeks in – Musik. He was plugged in, but to what? Where were these wonderful sounds coming from?

In the meantime there was a charming couple sitting adjacent to us at our table.

I like your camera – was the ice breaker. Indeed, Hector always carries a proper compact camera, but musicians do have a habit of moving hence the blurring. The lady was German in origin, from Trier. Dr. Stan and Hector know Trier and its hinterland well having made many a trip to Traben-Trarbach. How long will it take for a Trier page to appear in Bier-Traveller? There comes a point when Hector’s Deutsch starts to flow, and so it was. Hector speaking Deutsch, at length, ganz normal.

Bis nächste Mal an der Porta Negre – was my parting shot. But that was much later. As the band put their gear away, so we honoured by being joined by some members. The main man was keen to know who these strangers were in town.

Saw you guys come up on a cab earlier, you’ve been here all day – was his address to Dr. Stan. I invited – Bill the harmonica – to join us, we chatted for ages. An oscillator is how his magical sounds were created. The conversation developed into a history of the USA, I recall him bringing – disease – into the conversation, whilst in keeping with my first Bier, I introduced – riparian. With specific reference to the Colorado, Hector taught the – law of the river – for many years. The trombone player also sat with us.

A chap from Richmond who said he was homeless spent time with us. Finally, Mein Host joined us, the (Irish) Gaelic brass stud on the bar was mentioned.

What an afternoon-evening. Is it like this every week?

It was after closing time, Hector was up for a late lock-in, nae chance. Brent was summoned, Brent arrived in good time and took us home. For Hector the night was not quite over.

Taco Bell was across from the Super 8. The front door was locked but there was still a line of drive through cars at the rear. Having attracted someone inside I asked the question of the moment:

How do I order without a car?

I’ll talk the manager.

Hector was served at the counter.

Meat & Spicy – was my request.

The serving chap spoke a complicated language involving many meats, – Burrito – I recognised. Beef XXL GSB ($4.79, no sales tax) – is what I left with, the music was still playing – KT Tunstall.

Back at Super 8, I managed to translate my order as – XXL Grill Stufft Burrito.

A pound of Mince, a gallon of Cheese, who could eat all this? It was truly disgusting. Do they not have Donner Kebab here?

The bar and brewpubs open today:

No Rails Ale House  –  117 SE 1st Ave #105, Albany, OR 97321

Calapooia Brewing Company – 140 NE Hill St, Albany, OR 97321

DeLuxe Brewing Company  –  JWQ2+MM Albany, OR 97321

Posted in Albany, Eugene | Comments Off on Albany, Oregon – Day #10 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Eugene, Oregon – Day #9 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 9, 2018 by Hector

With a room to myself for the first time on this trip, there were no middle of the night disturbances as a room-mate gets up for the necessaries. Hector awoke at sensible o’clock and took the plunge. Being used to swimming a kilometre, six days a week, one gets withdrawal symptoms. The Travelodge here in Eugene is one of two opperchancities in this trip.

I put a toe in the Pacific Ocean back in 2000, so I was expecting the worst. OK, the pool water has not come from the cold California Current, but may as well have. Once you’re in it’s fine. Aye right. My normal forty minutes was truncated. The pool was too small anyway to get into one’s stride and work up a sweat. It also rained on me, but how could I become any wetter? Dr. Stan emerged from his room to observe/inspect/marvel/despair. The head was shaken in the manner in which only Dr. Stan can manage – Ah, Herr Schneider.

With no nearby diner for Dr. Stan to have his grand breakfast, he joined me at Evergreen Indian Cuisine which was a twenty minute walk west from t’Travelodge. From there, Blair Boulevard would take us on a direct diagonal route to our first Brewery of the day – Ninkasi Brewing.

Dr. Stan fared better with the Buffet at Evergreen. Hector was not impressed by the a la carte offering. My fifth Curry of the trip and unfortunately I am reaching the conclusion that the bar has not been set high. Surely if Hector can source authentic Bier, then Desi Cuisine must be available somewhere?

Ninkasi Brewing occupies an extensive site. Having walked past a series of Brewery-type buildings we entered a surprisingly small Taproom with a seating area outside. At $4.50 for a 16oz glass, the Bier was the cheapest of the trip, so far. Initially we had to take a place at a standing table, soon we were in our preferred spot – at the bar.

Prismatic at 5.9% is a Juicy IPA, this is what we want. Full of flavour, dry and hoppy with a tangy finish. The featured hops: El Dorado, Simcoe, Centennial, and Citra. It was time to up the abv and the IBU, and this was only Bier #2 of the day. Total Domination at 6.7% and 81 IBU was again totally – in the style. This time the hops were: Summit, Amarillo, and Crystal.

As we worked our way through this, so stickers for the above were presented along with Maiden The Shade, a very respectable sample of which duly followed.

Maiden The Shade at 6.8% and 72 IBU has a magnificent range of hops: Summit, Centennial, Simcoe, Columbus, Crystal, Palisade, Amarillo, and Magnum. There was a slight sweetness in aftertaste, however, the hops were once again – in the face.

Shall we just cancel our tickets home? – I put to Dr. Stan. Eugene was simply getting better and better. Whose idea was it to come here?

Whose idea was it to leave Ninkasi?

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Hop Valley Brewing Co. was around the corner and across the railway tracks. We never heard the bell that always rings at level crossings. The five minute walk was well timed, we avoided a soaking.

The brewing plant was again substantial, we entered the taproom and took a high table at the far wall. With twenty taps to choose from, there was no difficulty in finding Bier in our preferred style and with seriously high – International Bitterness Units. My two choices were adjacent on the board.

Citrus Mistress IPA at 6.5% and 80 IBU features Munich malt, 4 unnamed hops.  Gold, clear, – dances on the tongue – was my unusual note. The body was impressive, and this Bier must count as one of the driest ever.

There was a lot going on here today and none of it was to do with the fact that my Williams Bros. (Alloa, Scotland) t-shirt blended in so well with the brewery logo. A very screechy guitar was being played over the sound system. When it gave way to a very familiar – dong! – I recognised the guitarist – Michael Karoli – of CAN, Hector’s favourite band of all time. Krautrock, here!

In the venues where music has been played it has tended to be British classic rock, not – Sweet Home Alabama / Hotel California – played endlessly as feared. Mother Sky (CAN – Soundtracks), what a treat.

The TVs were showing a female college athletics event in Eugene – NCAA. The changeover in the final leg of the 100m relay caught the eye. Krystal Ellis (?) was in fourth at the final handover but still won. Wow! More Bier.

Alphadelic, a Northwest IPA at 6.7% and an even more impressive 90 IBU, has the required dryness but not the flavour of Citrus Mistress. Still, there was nought wrong with this Bier.

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Another five minute walk around the corner, and this time in pouring rain lies Oakshire Brewing Public House. The actual brewery lies a few blocks to the north. Once again the seats at the bar were occupied and so I chose at table to the rear of the room. With a choice from five IPAs, Citrafonix lost out.

Watershed IPA, and American IPA at 6.7% with 70 IBU is as gold and clear as lager, but with a hop hit. Sharp tasting, but no astringency – was noted. I keep waiting for the back of the throat to be attacked, it has not been a feature of the Bier enjoyed on this trip.

Whilst Dr. Stan was up at the bar getting our second Bier, so Hector engaged the young lady sitting at the end of our table in conversation. This was Elizabeth, a herb graduate working at – The Rogue Farm – in Buena Vista. As we learned at the Rogue Pearl Public House (Portland), Rogue Ales grow their own brewing ingredients. This at least guarantees the supply and stops third parties buying them up. There had to be photos. So engrossed were we that the formal photo of our second Bier was omitted. The Drop Bear IPA at 7.3%, with 76 IBU, was again gold and clear. Full bodied, there was a hint of syrup. So well bodied, and the Hops were once more to the fore.

Compared to the last two short walks, it was a good twenty five minutes back in the homeward direction, not aided by having to negotiate the junction at Coburg Road and Mill Street. Sam Bond’s Brewing was closed last night when we got here, tonight we were earlier.

A band was playing, fortunately not – yee-ha – music despite some of the attire. The room was long enough for Dr. Stan and Hector to sit far enough away, nearer the bar to hear, but still able to converse.

Crankshaft IPA at 6.6% and 68 IBU was the sensible choice. Instrumental Double IPA at 8.3% was a possible Bier on which to end. So good was the Crankshaft, we stuck with it. The hop flavours were delightfully complex. This was our last chance in Eugene to have the same Bier twice.

As I toured the premises, so I could not help notice the Bass, what a machine. When the band finished their set I engaged the bass player. He told me he bought this Bass some twenty years ago, a very fine instrument.

There had to be more music, again, mostly classic British rock. A Forest by The Cure (17 Seconds) was a highlight.

Over the next hour or so we seemed to be in conversation with everyone. The barmen were well onside, so photos of them, photos of the band, I believe Hector was – in the zone. What a sociable gathering.

The place was deserted by the time we left. As there is no photographic evidence, Hector could not have been last out.

Tomorrow we head downriver to Albany, a third of the way back to Portland. Salem was halfway, but there was something about the name which seemed off-putting. We have been asked more than once in the last couple of days why we are going to Albany. Why not? Maybe we are about to find out. Nearby, Corvallis keeps being mentioned, ah, there’s a Curry House there.

The Brewpubs and restaurant visited today:

Ninkasi Brewing Company – 155 Blair Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402

Hop Valley Brewing Co. –  990 W 1st Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

Oakshire Brewing –  207 Madison St, Eugene, OR 97402

Sam Bond’s Brewing – 540 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401

Evergreen Indian Cuisine – 906 W 7th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

 

Posted in Eugene | Comments Off on Eugene, Oregon – Day #9 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Eugene, Oregon – Day #8 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Hector

Train 511 took us from Portland to Eugene, departing at 09.45, arriving at 12.20. This meant an early rise and also not being able to get rid of our bags until mid-afternoon. Strangely, we had to be at Amtrak Union Station (Portland) seriously early to check in our luggage. I suppose this creates jobs and saves the traveller having to negotiate high access railway carriages from low platforms. The – stool – one sees in old American movies prevails. With seats pre-allocated rather than reserved, everyone was escorted on to the train. Is this security, or just jobs for the boys?

The train crawled along compared to the European norm. The rolling stock was quaint. Thalys/ICE, this was not. I suppose most people drive, it would have been quicker and at the time of our choosing. This was not a trip where hiring a car made any sense.

Arriving at Eugene, our luggage was presented to us by a porter. The impression of small-town USA was most apparent, and this is a city. A straight line walk from the station took us past the old Oregon Electric Station, now a restaurant. This was not for us. In keeping with the – no Burgers, no Pizza – philosophy, Hector had a Greek-Indian venue in mind, Poppi’s Anatolia. Perhaps nobody has had the heart to tell the owners that Anatolia is actually a former name for what is now – Turkey.

As Hector was not prepared to tolerate Chicken Curry, the chosen alternative was Giros. Dr. Stan had Moussaka Stew served on Rice. Weird. There is an Indian restaurant proper in Eugene, tomorrow.

A few minutes south of Poppi’s is Falling Sky Brewing. We would take refuge with our luggage until check-in time. With a long day, hopefully, in front of us, we needed a sensible start, so the 7.3% – Juicy Miss Hoppins – ticked that box. Light gold with a slight haze, this 50 IBU IPA was exactly what the Hector was looking for. The hops were right on the button. Any thoughts of blocked sinuses and not being able to taste the Bier were left behind last night in Vancouver (Washington) at the Tap Union Freehouse.

With the other IPAs at silly abv for this time of day, Hector went to the dark side. The 5.8% Dreadnut Stout was thoroughly refreshing despite the body seeming thin after Miss Juicy Hoppins. One always hopes for a big blast of chocolate/coffee/nuts, it was not forthcoming from this Bier.

It just happens that we have arrived in the middle of – Eugene Beer Week.  Uncanny.

It was time to check in at t’Travelodge. After a week of sharing rooms with Dr. Stan, prices were such that in Eugene we (I) could afford separate. It felt as if I had stayed here previously, the classic motel room. There is a swimming pool available.  With the temperature cooler than it has been since our arrival in the USA, nobody was in it. Tomorrow, no matter what. Hector has been swimming a kilometre typically six days a week since last August. Unpacked, settled in there was a knock on the door, someone looking for – Herr Schneider.

Steelhead Brewery & McKenzie Brewing, or is it the other way around? We made the fifteen minute walk northwards through the gloom and damp to this well established venue. From what I can gather, the Steelhead premises are the original brewhouse, for McKenzie Brewing which is next door. Whatever, Steelhead Brewery sells McKenzie Bier and was a very busy venue.

Taking a high table as close to the bar as possible, it was waitress service. We tried to keep a straight face, if Mrs Wolowitch (Big Bang Theory) has a brunette clone, she was serving us … same face, same squeaky voice.  Nobody talks that way.

$4.95 for a Bier, the cheapest pricing of trip, so far. Twisted Meniscus IPA was Bier #1. At 6.8% and with a highly regarded 70 IBU, this Northwest IPA had Munich and Vienna Malts then NW Hops. Gold, with a slight haze, it was very quaffable, and thankfully not served too cold.

As Steelhead was as much a restaurant as a bar, food was ordered. Hector decided to have that well known Mexican-American crossover dish, the Chilli Dog. What an abomination. How much Cheese can one pour over one’s food? In terms of the Mexican element, order restored. This was as cold, wet and bland as I find Mexican food to be, last night was the exception that proved the rule.

Next up was Bombay Bomber APA at 6.2%. Munich Malts featured again and New World hops – Mt. Hood Hops. Munich Malts? I wonder if they actually mean Weyermann from Bamberg? There was a suitably dry aftertaste, however, the body was appreciably thinner compared to Twisted Meniscus.

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It was only a walk of four blocks, five minutes,  through residential property until we reached the industrial estate housing ColdFire Brewing Company. The bar was at the far end, past all the tanks. Tables lined the route, this was decidedly Spartan after Steelhead Brewing. They had a Bier which was totally – in the style. Cumulus Tropicalis at 6.5% was so hazy it looked milky. This was so easy on the palate, a joy to drink. One could easily have sat and had a session on this. In more salubrious surroundings we may have been tempted, but stick to the plan.

Spring IPA at 6.7% as the name suggests is a seasonal brew. With 65 IBU I was hoping for a lot more than this Bier delivered. The Cumulus Tropicalis was maybe just too good for the Spring IPA to follow. Cumulus Tropicalis may well confirm the standard we shall henceforth seek on this trip, juicy, and full on milkshake in appearance, citrus-fruity flavours.

We retraced our steps towards home. Sam Bond’s Brewing was the intended next stop, they were closed. According to Google they should still be open. Elk Horn Brewery, a taxidermist’s delight, was a block beyond t-Travelodge and still open. It was 22.45 when we arrived, Google had them closing at 23.00. We had time for one more Bier. Indeed they were about to close but despite this we were still offered a tab and food. It was basically kids who were staffing Elk Horn and perhaps too many of them, programmed to do their tasks robotically it appeared.

Maybe it’s down to drinking Komes – Baltic Porter (Polska) that I turn away from – the hop – at the end of the night. The Palate needs cleansed for more hops the next day. Hazelnut Wodka achieves the same end. How could I ignore the 6.0% Boggy Boon – Hazelnut and Chocolate Stout?

Thin in body, the flavours emerged as the Bier thankfully warmed. It was much cooler tonight, we did not need such cold Bier.

I took the time to photograph the stuffed animals on display. We were offered more Bier. How long – drinking up time – may have been was never established. It had been a long day, mission accomplished, tomorrow Hector goes swimming before Curry & Bier. I could get used to this life. Hang on, this is my life!

The Breweries, Brewpubs and restaurant visited today:

Falling Sky – 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene, OR 97401

Steelhead Brewery & McKenzie Brewing – 199 E 5th Ave #1, Eugene, OR 97401

ColdFire Brewing Company – 263 Mill St, Eugene, OR 97401

Elk Horn Brewery – 686 E Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401

Poppi’s Anatolia – 992 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401

Posted in Eugene, Portland | Comments Off on Eugene, Oregon – Day #8 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Vancouver, Washington – Day #7 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Hector

Dr. Stan had a route worked out to take us across the Columbia River for our day trip to Vancouver (Washington). Hector had a more complicated version involving changing from the tram to Bus 65 at Parkrose / Summer Transit Centre. This would take us to Fisher’s Landing Transit Centre well to the east of downtown Vancouver. There had to be Curry-Heute, and Chutneys Indian Restaurant was the only option. Fortunately, I was able to sell this as Hopworks Urban Brewery was this far out and we would miss it otherwise. It also meant Dr. Stan would once again join Hector for Curry.

The TriMet ticket worked wonders, one ticket for the whole day, MAX trams and buses. The Curry at Chutneys proved to be worthwhile, Hector’s – Red Indian Curry – may have been surpassed by the Goat Curry which Dr. Stan liberated from the Buffet. Thereafter it was all about getting up the hill to Hopworks.

Google suggested there was no imminent bus, we started walking. A young Doris was sat at a bus stop, what did she know? I doubt if she knew what planet she was on, totally useless. It took a good half hour walking up through featureless US suburbs.

The walk eventually gave the opperchancity to photograph the fake landscaping, the bus would have taken the same amount of time and gone by a more elaborate route.

One arrives at the given dot on the map, it’s amazing how long it can take to identify the building, how we initially missed this one, who knows.

After Curry comes Cider, today it was – Pineapple Cider – at a sensible 5.2%. An – Apple Cider with Pineapple – the barman warned me it was really – dry. Oh good – was the reply. Even at CAMRA Beer & Cider Festivals one struggles to get a truly dry Cider. This was suitably refreshing after the Curry and uphill walk. Meanwhile, Dr. Stan shook his head. I liked the notification re straws being discontinued.  I have never understood drinking through a straw, the liquid goes straight to the throat, bypassing the taste-buds.
Biertime: – Gear Up – at 6.2% (65 IBU) was chosen as the first Bier of the day. A New World style IPA, this was dry and suitably hoppy, though the body was regarded as – thin. On another day I would have tried the Ferocius, also at 6.2%. However, this – Citrus IPA – only had a 40 IBU.

Bus 37 runs half hourly from across the street. A forty five minute journey to downtown Vancouver? Maybe we did stop at every lamppost. Arriving downtown, I checked on our escape. There were only a few streets to choose from, buses back to Portland later tonight looked fine. I looked for interesting features of the town centre to photograph, ah well.

Trusty Brewing Co. – was more easily found. All Bier was advertised at $5.50, it was Happy Hour until 19.00 and so $4.50 was the going rate. There were only eight taps, but the range covered what we desired.

Love the Couve IPA at 7.6% started the show. The 65 IBU was the attraction here. Amber-gold, and slightly hazy, the hops were full on.

Sat at the bar, we were soon engaged in conversation with our barman. The next hour or so must rank as another highlight of the trip. Gary Paul – Mein Host – joined us, samples of more Bier came our way. The Weissbier at 6.0%, was pleasant enough, but did not not compete with what we already had. A pint of the XP DIPA – at 9.1% may well have been tried if we were staying over in Vancouver and this was the last Bier of the day. Very dangerous – was noted, one could do damage with this, very enjoyable. The – ESB – at 5.8%, followed, perhaps Hector was being too polite to keep making notes?

It was time for us to actually buy more Bier. Dark Marc at 8.1% at a whopping 80 IBU, is a black hoppy Bier, a absolute killer. Proof, if required, that one should not drink with one’s eyes.

Another brewer came in and was quickly introduced, he was from Brothers Cascadia Brewing in another cluster of breweries to the north of the city. Maybe we’ll have to come back and spend more time in Vancouver.
Inevitably, a certain Scottish craft brewery, whose name never appears in these pages, was mentioned. A story told to us by the Brewers at Thornbridge (Derbyshire, England) was related: their Jaipur is a shadow of its former self because the brewery which shall not be mentioned bought up the source of the required hops. The chaps acknowledged our story then elaborated upon it. Anheuser-Busch, yes them, have reportedly bought up hop fields but are not using them, in order to stop small breweries accessing the hops. They even bought over 10 Barrel Brewing (Portland) too, knowing that they were on to a good thing presumably. If this means the quality of Apocalypse is guaranteed then fine. However, too often corners are cut and the Bier becomes – cheapened/ruined.

We had to tear ourselves away, great Bier, great hospitality, Trusty Brewing will be remembered. Our plan for the rest of the day was tweaked in the light of local knowledge. It had just been extended, four more venues recommended, we would manage three.

Nearby – Loowit – was next. We had a look, stowed with weans. Well, weans over 21, no thanks.

In addition to what we had left to do, there were five more brewpubs in the north of the city we would get nowhere near today. It was early evening, both Hector and Dr. Stan were most certainly headed for – the zone.

The Old Ivy Brewery and Taproom was no more than a stagger from Trusty Brewing, not quite next door. A three barrel plant – was noted.

I was surprised to see a Belgian favourite on tap, however, we were here for the US hops. Numbers one and two on the board were what we sought. The IBU determined the order.

Hoppy Toppy at 6.3% is a Hoppy Red Ale with 65 IBU. This Ruby-Amber, hazy, mellow Bier features Toppenish Washington and Amarillos hops.

The only other customers were all outside on the patio. As always, we seek clean air to accompany our Bier drinking. The barman busied himself, in time he chatted. When the second Bier was ordered we were at ease with the world. The barman was onside for a photo.

Good Bier, though not outstanding.

Evergreen, named after this very street, at 6.1%, is an IPA with 55 IBU. Dark gold, the flavours were full on with the sense of a big body also. The better of the two sampled. Evergreen has Amarillo, Cascade, Nugget, and Simcoe hops.

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Tap Union Freehouse was a whole three blocks north. En route we passed the Taproom for Heathen Brewing which would was our intended last port of call. As the name suggests, Tap Union Freehouse is not a brewpub but a bar we were told we must visit by the chaps at Trusty Brewing. The policy here is that of being an independent bar which stocks Bier by breweries which have not been taken over by Big Brother.
Eighteen taps offered Bier which included, Old Speckled Hen, once a favourite English Ale before they lowered the abv. Also, Weihenstephaner from what claims to be the World’s oldest brewery in Freising on the edge of München (Bayern).

We were staying for one Bier here only. Home Sweet Home an IPA at 7.7% from Grains of Wrath (Camas, Washington) appealed most. It was getting later and so the higher abv was back on. This Bier was gold, hazy, had a decent body but also gave off a slight sweetness.

The most memorable part of this visit was the food. Hector ordered a Smoked Pork Taco. The full description of what followed made it on to Curry-Heute. Habanero – said Mein Host identifying the sauce I liberally poured over the Taco. Having suffered from nasal congestion for nearly a week, all was sorted. Hector’s sinuses were taught a lesson.

We went across the street to Heathen Brewing Feral Public House, the Taproom for Heathen Brewing in the north-eastern extremity of the town. What a range of Bier! Had we come here earlier it would have been difficult to leave. Taps eight through eleven were all tempting. With an air of sensibility still prevailing, Transcend IPA at 6.6% was chosen. Again the 55 IBU helped with the selection, however, one is starting to notice that NEIPA tends to have a lower IBU rating but can be far from sweet. Transcend is a light gold with full on hop flavours. There was definitely a blast – Citrus – in there, a good note to the end night on. Their – Gateway IPA – was noted.

Hector taking – selfies, it was certainly time to get us home, well back to Portland. Dr. Stan may have asked if Marg was coming to collect us. Google were showing the next bus out of here at 04.45. The reality was Bus 60 taking us across the Columbia River to Delta Park at 22.04 changing to the Yellow line – MAX. Simples. We passed PINTS, a Brewpub near Union Station which keeps showing up, soon. However, we’re off to Eugene tomorrow.

The following brewpubs, bars and restaurants were visited today:

Hopworks Urban Brewery  –  17707 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98683

Trusty Brewing Co.  –  114 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660

Old Ivy Taproom  – 108 W Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660

Tap Union Freehouse  –  1300 Washington St STE 200, Vancouver, WA 98660

Heathen Brewing Feral Public House  –  1109 Washington St, Vancouver, WA 98660,

Chutneys Indian Restaurant and Grocery Store (3000 SE 164th Ave #100, Vancouver, WA 98683

Posted in Portland, Vancouver | Comments Off on Vancouver, Washington – Day #7 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Portland, Oregon – Day #6 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Hector

Instead of popping out for his ritual breakfast, Dr. Stan decided to join Hector for Curry, his first of the tour. Of the many venues, it was a matter of finding one open at lunchtime in the downtown area. Tandoor Indian Kitchen offered an inexpensive Buffet but no Lamb was included. It was better than the alternative US fayre. Hector is determined not to eat Burgers or Pizza on this trip. The citizens of this land must eat something else?

Thereafter it was time to be tourists. The tourist information office was in the bowels of a building at the top end of the main square. We had our own agenda and so were not looking for – the usual – information. TI-Doris had nothing to offer us in the way of Bier information.

Why else do people come to Portland?

We were told that the building at the bottom of the square was the court house and this was the oldest building west of the Mississippi. The mother-shop for Columbia Sportswear was a block or so away. Their Hastineau shoe range is the most comfortable Hector has ever worn. Columbia have stopped the line, Hector was after something similar. Even Dr. Stan was interested. The range on offer was pathetic, cheap and nasty, well not cheap. A rather neat top was spotted for Marg, a new range, not available in the UK yet. Rather than carry it around all day, we agreed I would return later.

Heading northwards towards Union Station we passed the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Approaching the station the final stretch was occupied by vagrants. In San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighbourhood where our hotel was located, we passed through the community of street dwellers on quite a few occasions, all African American. In Portland the vagrants were all of European origin.

Union Station stood out from every building in Portland, this had style. We had to confirm our train time for Friday. Checking in was recommended two hours before? Really? The lobby/ticket hall impressed. No vagrants permitted here.

Portland’s Steel Bridge is surely deserving of a grander name? Trains run along the lower deck, road traffic on top.

Steel Bridge didn’t open whilst we were in the vicinity, though a bridge further upstream did.

Steel Bridge crosses the Willamette River which joins the Columbia River on the northern limits of Portland. Here the Columbia forms the state border with Washington. At some 70km from the sea, I still find it strange to see such large ships this far inland. However, in 1969 I did sail up the Parana River, a tributary of the Rio de la Plata (Argentine), and a considerably further distance to Rosario.

We walked south along the left bank of the Willamette before cutting west and back to the square in the downtown area. Whilst Hector fetched the top from Columbia, Dr. Stan took himself to a well known coffee chain. I joined him thereafter for an Iced Coffee. How many needless calories can one add to a coffee, and why no crockery? Surely, if one is paying this much for a coffee to sit in, then they can at least provide a cup? Enough of this, it was Bier o’clock.

It was backup to Slabtown, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. was the first stop. Occupying the corner of the block, not as large as some venues we had already seen. We took seats at the bar, Stephanie served us, Boise Idaho – was displayed on her t-shirt. I wonder what happens there.

Cloudchaser at a mere 6.8%, a good session Bier strength to start the day. With Comet, a single hop IPA and 67 IBU this was a indeed a very fine start.

Apocalypse at the same abv followed, wtf? This West Coast IPA had the threshold IBU – 70. Slighlty hazy, and with a surprising hint of astringency, this Bier immediately hit the spot. The taste was – so sharp. We have a winner.

Tearing ourselves away, we crossed the street to Rogue, a familiar name, indeed the only known Portland Bier which Hector has previously recorded. Brutal IPA, 6.3% dry, hoppy, amber ale was first had at Birrifugio Travstevere (Roma, Italia). Whilst – The Source – is across the river at the Rogue Eastside Pub and Pilot Brewery, I had to have it given that I was finally in Portland.

It was time to get a bit silly. The range of Hop IPAs at progressive abv had to be sampled. 6 Hop IPA at 6.66% was near enough my preferred abv. This was even – drier – than the Brutal IPA.

Two and move on has been the model, except for the last port of call. I decided to cleanse the palate and sneak in something approaching a Kriek variant, I hoped. Sour can come close. The bottled Marionberry Sour at 6.5% was fit for purpose but not as sour as a quality Belgian Kriek.

Back across the street, it all became very confusing. Adjacent to 10 Barrel, Google had Brew Group PDX, on the ground it is called Bier Bike (Back Pedal Brewing Co.) Established in 2015, it was a bit of a fluke that we went in. Closing at 19.00 we made it, just. In addition to chatting to the barman, we watched their very own canning machine in action. Canned Bier offers a versatility for packing, storing and recycling compared to glass bottles. The sun is also less likely to get at the Bier.

Floka Rado at 5.4% is a hazy IPA featuring Eldorado hops. Light, hazy, floury – was noted.

Baseball caps I dislike despite owning a few, and have never understood the high fronted – Trucker Hats, anyway, six days into this trip and no t-shirts. Embroidered polo shirts do not appear to be de rigeur over here, yet the hats have embroidery.
Having discussed the canning machine, a sample of Summer Breeze came our way. At 5.9%, 24 IBU, this golden ale had a decent bite, however, I recorded it as – a nearly Bier.

The guys here were most amenable, I wish them well, they have lots of competition on their doorstep, but the Beer-Bike does mean they have their produce on display when chaps hire it for whatever.

It was Dr. Stan who suggested Kells Brewery next. This involved a walk of a few blocks to the west and across a highway. Had I known more about Kells in advance, I may not have been so willing.

Hector is in an Irish Bar, on the day I choose to wear – a tap. Inevitably, there was an alternatively signed tap on the wall. We’re in the States, nobody would recognise that Hector’s allegiance lay elsewhere.

The barman gave us samples. Kells IPA at 6.5% kicked things off. Gold, with a slight haze, I have no tasting notes. It was either nothing special, else I was distracted by the quantity of whisky on offer. I write – whisky – the bottle of Auchentoshan was distilled about 2km from Hector’s House. The near ubiquitous – Ballantine’s – could not be found on the shelf, the barman said he had better order another.  Almost every bar/restaurant on the planet has a bottle of Ballantine’s, also distilled not far from Hector’s House.

Tropical Hazy IPA at 6.8% was the next Bier. Featuring – Citrus and Guava – this bright orange, hazy IPA was totally – in the style – absolutely beautiful.

Good choice, Dr. Stan.

 

 

Dr. Stan ordered Irish Stew, always a waste of good ingredients, IMHO. Anna/Leanna regaled us with the story of how she tried to study in Scotland, Glasgow first, then St Andrews. Tried to, I conclude she was not successful. High standards in Scottish educational establishments then.

We were given a sample of something – Mango, Experimental – no abv was forthcoming –
We don’t have a name for it yet. Cloudy, orange, less fizzy and chewy – was noted. We’ll never know what it was.

Going home was the sensible thing to do, four breweries visited today, Hector even appears to have found a bus home, though why the LG thought we were one the other side of Couch Park baffles. Instead we retraced our steps, back to the cluster of breweries we had come from.

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Plocalypse (sic) – to the tune of – Metropolis (Motörhead) was becoming an earworm. There had to be more.

Straight into 10 Barrel, there was time for one, we had more. Two visits today, unless we find something even better, Hector will be back for even more.

The Brewpubs and restaurants visited today:

10 Barrel Brewing Portland  –  1411 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

BrewGroup PDX / Back Pedal Brewing Co.  –  1425 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

Rogue Pearl Public House  –  1339 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209

Kells Brewery  –  210 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Tandoor Indian Kitchen  –  406 SW Oak St., Portland Oregon 97204

Posted in Portland | Comments Off on Portland, Oregon – Day #6 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Portland, Oregon – Day #5 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Hector

Farewell to San Francisco

Booked on the Alaska Airlines flight to Portland OR departing at 12.10 and due at PDX at 13.49, I was surprised to find that it was – Virgin – who were flying us. We were sat in seats 3A and 3B, up front, courtesy once more of Dr. Stan Airways. Hector’s role is that of Passepartout. We had originally looked at taking the train to Sacramento for a couple of days then working our way up though Oregon. On realising that would mean many daylight hours spent travelling every couple of days, we dismissed long train journeys as waste of VDT.  However, Portland to Seattle (Washington), our final stop, is manageable by train. TANSTAAFL – also comes to mind. After the next three nights in Portland we go south to Eugene then Albany for two nights each, back to Portland for two more, then northwards to Seattle. The hope is that when we arrive back in Portland a week today, we will know our way around.

On touchdown in Portland, I spotted an F-16 in a hangar, the first I have ever seen – in the flesh.  The arrivals hall was immense, what were buskers doing in here? So much for security.  Indeed, at San Francisco Airport we were allowed to place our hand luggage on the belt for scanning without a numpty telling us we had to. Columbia sportswear had an outlet in the arrivals hall, more on them soon, hopefully.

With a $5.00 day ticket purchased for the MAX, we headed for downtown Portland. Crossing the Steel Bridge was a novelty, photos required. We alighted at the correct stop for the AAE Portland Downtown Value Inn (415 South West Montgomery Street) but somehow ended up wandering around the full block before entering. Distances on a map are only fully appreciated with boots on the ground. Being near the university was my reasoning for the number of food stalls opposite the hotel. We wouldn’t starve, especially as – Curry – was on offer. Tomorrow.

The Green line took us up to the short distance to the north west of Portland and Slabtown where there is a cluster of microbreweries. This is where we planned to be for at least two of the next three days/nights. Hector has a cunning plan for Thursday which will take us across the state boundary.

We had to start somewhere, our first Oregon Bier was at Breakside Brewery – NW Slabtown. Breakside IPA at 6.3% 73 IBU was the obvious Bier to start. This amber West Coast IPA was dry, very dry, and had no astringency which one fears. I came to realise at this point that astringency in the rear of the throat has not been an issue, so far, in this trip. What do the brewers in the USA know that those in Polska do not? 70 IBU (Rowing Jack, Ale Browar, Polska) has set the standard for bitterness. Bier in this range is usually savoured.

The brewpub was remarkably busy for a late afternoon school day. With seating outside for those who needed to be there, the setting was less industrial compared to the equivalent venues in San Francisco, though already there was a sense of this area being transformed to residential. Who would want to live with half a dozen microbreweries on one’s doorstep?  And already, the prices looked better.

Next up was Thirst Trap at 6.1%, 69 IBU. A hazy IPA, once the gas settled there was a big grapefruit hit. This Bier was astonishing! In the style, with the flavours one dreams of. This was the first batch brewed of this – Seasonal Bier. It was so good, there was only one thing we could do, move on to the next venue.

Dr. Stan came up with the Lompoc Tavern. It was little more than a block away, the feeling of being in a residential area was very much to the fore. I was assured that once upon a time this was the site of Lompoc Brewing. With the brewery now off site, this should have pleased the upstairs neighbours. Not everyone enjoys the odour of brewer’s yeast.

I had to look up Pamplemousse, it’s a type of grapefruit. This should follow Breakside’s Thirst Trap quite nicely.

Pamplemousse Citra IPA at 6.2% proved to be a worthy Bier. Dark gold with a slight haze the grapefruit did indeed come across. With a 70 IBU this again was right up there on the scale of bitterness.

Having been bunged up nasally since I got off the ‘plane in San Francisco, the taste-buds have been struggling. Finally, there was a sign that the taste-buds were reawakening.
Dank – was a term first encountered at Pacific Brewing in San Francisco. It does not exactly sound appealing to a commentator from the moist, temperate west coast of Scotland. It may have been warmer here in Portland, however, the vegetation was comparable to that in the lowlands of the UK.

Enter the Dank, another IPA, this time at a lower 5.8%. Hazy, and getting closer to the New England style, the citrus came across, however the lower abv was reflected by the lack of body.

It was three and a bit blocks to Lucky Labrador Beer Hall. I had the address, I had the direction, could I find it? We were back in more industrial territory. There was a well lit up bar, this was not it. In we went to ask the punters, OK, across some derelict ground. Quimby, I have only ever seen this name at the start of a cartoon series. Was this named after the great man?

The Labrador Beet Hall was quite a place, huge. A few customers sat at one of the long bench tables to our left as we entered. We chose a more central table. There were tables everywhere, one wonders if this place ever gets full. The barman steered us towards WAG IPA at 6.8% which proved to be a decent choice. Orange-Gold in colour with a full haze, again this was approaching the New England style. Mosaic and Citra hops were mentioned possibly by Dr. Stan from another source.

We were well relaxed, this would be our last port of call today, our third. One brewery yesterday, three today, so much for four each day. OK, we had travelled a fair distance to get here. I studied the t-shirts, the quality did not justify the price. More WAG, this time there was a tangy taste. The hops were coming, this could be amazing, on any other day I would be sending texts home raving @WAG.

We’ve had some very good Bier today. Five days so far, as long as any sensible European Bier trip. We have only just begun, but are pacing ourselves well. Two things I have to mention: Hector was last out of Lucky Labrador, and I found a timely bus leaving from a couple of blocks away which took us home.

The brewpubs visited today:

Breakside Brewery – NW Slabtown  –  1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

Lompoc  Tavern  –  620 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

Lucky Labrador Beer Hall – QUIMBY 1945, NW Quimby St, Portland, OR 97209

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San Francisco, California – Day #4 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Hector

The daily ritual began with Curry at Punjab Kabab House which was decidedly – Mainstream – and served no better than competent Curry. I had hoped for so much more.

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Before returning to Adante Hotel to meet up with Dr. Stan, I noted some more Curry Houses for a future visit. Hector the relentless. I also passed Bartlett Hall, in daylight. The chances were we would have a Bier there later tonight. I also needed more cash and so went in search of a friendly cash machine.

Hector’s chosen bus to the Golden Gate Bridge took us through Presidio. The bridge became closer and closer, then further away. We baled at Fisherman’s Wharf and caught another bus to the Vista Point.

Presidio was nothing like I had imagined, the mental image of a military installation had been planted by movies. Would the Starfleet Academy be built here in the twenty third century? Instead, a leafy residential suburb is what we passed through, twice.

We jockeyed for position at the viewpoint then walked down to sea-level. Lots of photos, quite a sight.

Walking across towards Sausalito was dismissed, too far, but more importantly, too high. Instead we headed down through Crissy Field, a former airfield but now home to Fort Point Beer Company.

Where Google Maps let us down with the bus, it did guide us to the correct industrial unit. There was no sign of life. Going round the back it became apparent there was no taproom. A brewery worker gave us the bad news – the taproom – is in downtown San Francisco. A sample or two might have invigorated us.

The long walk through Crissy Field continued, a bus stop was located. Marg phoned just as we reached the bus terminus. Our bus would be a free service to very close to where we wished to go. This was the PresidiGo DOWNTOWN Shuttle via Fisherman’s Wharf to Crissy Field.

The streets leading to the Fort Point Ferry Building on Embarcadero, Jackson Square / Financial District had modern office buildings. One skyscraper had a lattice which I took to provide flexibility for earthquakes.

The taproom for Fort Point is a kiosk with outside seating.

Mosaic Park   4.7%

Pale Ale 19 IBU Cool, light and refreshing. Due to being nasally bunged, I could sense the Mosaic hops rather than taste them. This was a good starting point, a session Bier.

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Animal  7.4%

Tropical IPA 54 IBU Gold, with a haze, the body was there, dry tasting, full on hops – Vic’s Secret, Simcoe, Citrus. This is exactly what was being looked for.

Being late afternoon, it was decided we had done enough wandering. The quality of the Bier was such we felt like getting our feet under the table. The Mosaic Park was a decent starter, once we got into the Animal, there was no going back. So much for having two and moving on. We stayed put, so much for four breweries per day. The staff engaged us, they could tell we were serious about our Bier and were enjoying the fayre.When I went up to fetch my second round, it was on the house.  So it does happen.

Every so often, music wafted, solo sax. Was this being played in an adjacent unit? On hearing Birdland (Weather Report) Hector went off to investigate. Having explored the ferry terminal I was back out on Embarcadero, here was the source.

Between pieces we chatted, Wayne Shorter, Jan Garbarek, even Pastorius mentioned, this was a surprising addition to the pleasure of the afternoon.

The clock shows we left at 20.08, shortly before sunset. It was dark when we reached the far side of Chinatown. Brandy Ho’s – Hunan Food on Columbus Ave came highly recommended. We were not disappointed, the food was magnificent.

Thereafter it was back to Bartlett Hall which we had visited on the first two nights.

After more Goofy Boots, it was time to try Dark Bullit Porter. At a modest 9.5% this was definitely a goodnight Bier. An – Imperial Coffee Porter – this had chocolate and vanilla, yoffay!

We had come to the USA to chase the hops, however, Oregon is where we expect to find the best Bier, and Portland, Oregon, is where we are headed tomorrow.

The venues visited:

Fort Point Brewing Co.  –  Ferry Building, One San Francisco Bay Trail #54, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Brandy Ho’s – Hunan Food – 217 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

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San Francisco, California – Day #3 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Hector

Dr. Stan may eventually become used to Hector’s – morning after – blogging. Curry-Heute at least must be kept up to date, Bier-Traveller is a much more complicated affair, so time consuming.

I came out of the hotel to find two fire engines across the street, but no fire. The fire brigade in San Francisco appear to just cruise around the streets instead of dossing, sorry, training all day, at the fire station.

I went a few blocks to Lahore Karahi for Sunday brunch whilst the good doctor took on bunkers no doubt at a local grill-cafe. The Curry disappointed, the name of the restaurant could have been – Spicy Shorva.

Dr. Stan was waiting for me in the lobby at the Adante Hotel, his bus timetables at the ready. He had a route worked out to Fisherman’s Wharf. When I announced that Bus 19 was leaving from three blocks west of us on Geary St. in a few minutes, he was taken aback. How did I know this? The bus wheeched us up over the hill we walked up yesterday, so much simpler.

Dr. Stan had – Chouder – in mind, Hector had eaten and was not inclined to do so again. Taylor St. had to be recorded.

I was becoming used to seeing the same street names in different parts of the city. Streets we had already walked along in the downtown areas started/ended out here.

We had already seen one end of the San Francisco cable-car, now we saw the other, and the queue. Why bother?

Alcatraz, it was a matter of how good a photo. The Golden Gate Bridge was in the hazy distance, tomorrow. Yesterday I saw a similarly coloured bridge looking down through Chinatown and took this to be it. Now I know.

The naval dockyard display was free to enter, yay! I had heard of – Liberty Ships – but had never seen one. Much larger and broader than I had imagined, but then the Americans launched their ships sideways.

I had never seen a US submarine before either. Henceforth I shall study every U-Boot in movies and spot the imposters.

It was Bier o’clock. We had looked at some bars along Beach St but stuck to the plan – Brewpubs.

San Francisco Brewing Co – is housed in a converted mill / chocolate factory. There was a lot of children around were they still hoping for chocolate? And as for the toilets, did I end up in the ladies? A crazy queuing system.

As has become a tradition which – The Faither – despises, there had to be a post Curry – Cider – to begin with. This went down a treat.

Marg phoned, she has yet to get used to the time difference and us just starting our fun when hers has ended. I wish Hollywood producers would come to realise this also, how many TV programmes have daylight shown in transatlantic phone-calls when it is oftentimes impossible?

Dr. Stan probably had better Bier here. Hector’s next choice was written – Curry Chef IPA. Not the best.

The Original Blend Cider (South City Ciderworks, San Bruno, CA, USA) 5.5%

Cold and refreshing, no nasty surprises, excellent.

Chef Curry IPA 7.0%. 60 IBU

IPA Despite the hops – Chinook, Cascade, and Columbus – this did not have the particular flavour one looks for.

We were at one end of Polk Street, our next port of call was directly up the hill, Russian Hill, to Woods Polk Station, back on the bus.

This was one of many taprooms for Woods Beer & Wine Co. Had the premises been more salubrious, who knows, we may have had another. The Crusoe IPA (7.9%) looked the part, it did not hit home. The – ham & cheese pastie – was more memorable than the Bier, it’s all in the seasoning.

At this point some might have considered going straight back to – Local Brewing – and continuing last night’s – IPA party. That was not our grand plan.

Bus 19 dropped us at 8th & Howard St., two blocks from Cellarmaker. Howard Street is becoming a familiar locus.

Cellarmaker has a small seating area. We were in the far corner beside the bar initially. As the place emptied so we grabbed a better table. Why close so early?

Hop Making Sense 5.6%. 45 IBU

Pale Ale Nelson, Mosaic, Simcoe, Amarillo and hops. The Bier was served so cold I could taste nothing. A waste.

Oils & Powder 6.1%. 47 IBU

IPA Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Citra, and Simcoe Hops. Despite having the same hops as  Septem 8th Day, my favourite Greek Bier, this did not have – it.

Two potentially great Biers, so what happened here?

Moving on, we had a couple of more nearby venues in mind. Sadly, we were being frustrated by early closing on Sunday evenings. Eventually we took a trolley bus to Toronado, a bar which is as near the Fillmore district as Hector is likely to get.

As we sat on our bar stools, something unusual occurred, Mein Host took my photo, just like that.  No introductions, was Hector a wanted hound? It was the the t-shirt which fascinated Mein Host, Hector was both here and possibly not.

Cash only was established very quickly. When I paid and put the change in my pocket, Dr. Stan was appalled. Apparently I must look as though I’m going to tip, even if I don’t right away. To that affect I noticed that the punters sitting at the bar had left their change on the bar in front of them. I’ll get used to this, but tipping, and every round?

Despite the Multi Taps, the choices were not exactly riveting. I can’t believe it’s not hazy (Allamont, Livermore, Ca) 6.0% is an gold, almost clear IPA. It was served too cold and so marred the flavour.

I decided to go to the dark side. The 7.0% Vanilla Porter (Heretic Brewing Co., USA) was suitably mellow, not too sweet, and not too cold. Success.

The decor was somewhat intense, beyond even a Belgian bar, with lots of well known brands on display. The point of our being here was to try Bier from breweries we had never heard of, and be – in the style.

With Mein Host tipped, all was well. Ah, the American sense of humour.

Tonight we gave Bartlett a miss. An early night.

The venues visited today:

San Francisco Brewing Co. – 3150 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Woods Polk Station – 2255 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Cellarmaker  –  1150 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Toronado  –  547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Lahore Karahi (612 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Back to Day #2

On to Day #4

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