Glasgow Real Ale Festival – G-RAF – 2018

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Hector

The fifth Glasgow Real Ale Festival (G-RAF) of recent times, started today and runs until Saturday night at The Briggait, Saltmarket. The World Cup was on in year #1 and still people turned out, so here’s hoping.

Hector is working today and tomorrow at the Foreign Bar – Bieres sans Frontieres. Some familiar faces accompany me.

The range of Real Ales is from around the UK and Ireland.  The Foreign Bier rotates, this was today’s offering:

As ever, the Briggait looks wonderful at this time of year, the late evening sunshine pouring in.

On Saturday afternoon I assume the Caledonian Pipe Band will make their customary appearance, beware.

Some more familiar faces

Jonathan, the Organiser, accompanied by Colin, erstwhile CAMRA Chairman.

And two from Aberdoom…

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Seattle, Washington – Day #17 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 17, 2018 by Hector

Brasil were playing Schweiz this morning as we awoke for the final full day of fun on this trip. Fox, the only TV channel available in the Marco Polo Motel which has been covering the World Cup, reminded us of where we are and showed the golf. World Cup v US Open, I suppose it is the last round of the golf today.

Tomorrow we fly back to Scotland, via Heathrow, this saga ends today. An extraordinary amount of  effort has gone in to writing up this trip and maintaining a level of accuracy, whilst hopefully being entertaining. Seventeen days of highlighting both the venues and the Bier I would make a beeline for if/when I next get back.

For the first time on this trip I led Dr. Stan to a venue which I had been to, and he hadn’t. Bus 44 took us east towards the University District. The welcome at Chili’s South Indian Cuisine was unforgettable. Two chaps walking in together at lunchtime. It’s – Father’s Day. We were indeed asked if that was why we were here. Mmmmmm.

The Curry was excellent, we were approaching celebrity status by the time we departed. The full story is of course related – here.  Brasil 1 v 1 Schweiz, so we know already who is not going to win the World Cup.

Big Time Brewery & Alehouse is diagonally across the street from the Curry House. If I count correctly, Big Time Brewery is our fifty third Brewpub /Brewery Tap of the trip and is the first of the Brewpubs in Seattle, being established in 1988.

The décor was very much – American Bar. It was still early and so pretty empty. One very tattooed and pierced lady was clearly well known. Having taken up our preferred spot at the bar, she engaged once we had established ourselves.

The Citra Smash IPA at 6.0% with 50 IBU has Citra Hops. The flavours were totally in one’s face, a perfect start to the day. Actually, the Curry was, this just maintained the level.

Ironically, the following did not match this one. That we stayed for a third was all down to the barman who was in excellent form. Samples of Coast to Coast NW-NE IPA at 6.0%. with 50 IBU were offered in both cask and keg. A sample was appropriate, there was definitely a strange aftertaste. Stan had the Cask, Hector moved quickly on to another IPA – Scarlet Fire – at 7.2% with 64 IBU. Despite the glorious – milkshake – appearance, this did not have the flavour or impact of the Citra Smash.

It was time to cleanse the palate. Guava Squeezed Sour at 6.5% with 10 IBU, again hazy. With Citra hops and a fruity flavour, it was not as sour as hoped for.  I am still coming to terms with Sour Bier having a low IBU.

One thing is certain about any future return to Seattle, Citra Smash will again follow a visit to Chili’s.

It was time to head back west towards West Woodland and the largest cluster of breweries we have encountered on this trip, our reason for staying in the adjacent Fremont. There are six breweries spread across three blocks, and the same again within a kilometre radius. It may well be a stagger home.

Bus 44 dropped us three blocks above Stoup Brewing. Walking down the hill, leaving the residential area behind, here was an industrial estate, essentially full of Brewpubs.  On entering Stoup Brewing a question came to mind – were people here for Bier or a picnic? There was a food wagon parked outside the entrance and a lot a families. That meant weans occupying many seats inside and out. Having spotted the upstairs we were happy to find another bar. From there we could oversea the outdoor seating area. We also had space, though a couple did come and sit beside us. As always, we chatted.

The sensible start was Citra IPA at 5.9% with 50 IBU, a yellow, almost totally clear Bier, with great body and a full on Citra flavour. This would have been enough for many. What followed was another standout Bier for this trip.

Other Side of the Pillow IPA at 6.8% with Hector’s favoured 70 IBU is similarly yellow but more hazy. This Bier is thicker, way chewier, and even tastier with the citrus again to the fore. Some would have been tempted to sit and sup this until closing time, but that is still not what this trip is about.

Next door to Stoup Brewing is Obec Brewery, we passed it by. Having chatted to quite a few people in Seattle, Rueben’s Brews was highly recommended.

Across the street and around the corner, this felt more like a pub crawl than a tour of breweries. Reuben’s Brews has no bar stools and so we took up space at a ledge on the far right of the room. With twenty four taps there was much to digest. Three taps were off, this still left a choice from seven IPAs.

Three Crushketeers at 6.0% with 50 IBU had – juicy – in the given description. We are coming to recognise this term, it has only taken seventeen days. What arrived was another golden yellow – milkshake. Passion fruit hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, this Bier had to compete with the remnants of what lay on the palate after Stoup. Didn’t it do well?

Dr. Stan has carried a bottle of water with him throughout the trip, his way clearing the palate and staying hydrated. A keg of still water sat in the middle of the room with a bicycle pump arrangement on top. It was help yourself, and so he did. Of all the photos I have taken on this trip, these may in time, become the most memorable. Dr. Stan, a keg, a pump, water, and no potato peelings.

Triumvirate at 6.2% with 52 IBU is surprise, surprise, another IPA. As clear a Bier as we have had, this had great body but suffered from a slight sweetness at the start. Again, this was probably down to what came before. Grapefruit was promised, this I did not get, passion fruit is the name of the game at Reuben’s Brews. This proved to be another outstanding Bier.

There were simply too many tempting choices, once more we were in the situation of having to move on. We could have spent an entire day here, but that would have meant missing out on Lucky Envelope Brewing which was a whole block away.

*

At Reuben’s Brews, I had spotted a couple who had also been at Stoup Brewing. On walking into Lucky Envelope and finding them sitting at the bar, there was mutual recognition. They were doing six breweries today and somehow managing to get home thirty five miles away, I will not say how, but only in the USA.

*

With a mere eight Biers to choose from, plus a Cider, the board looked limited after Reuben’s, however, quality was maintained.

Grapefruit Eniac Mosaic IPA at 6.8% and 68 IBU looked to be just what we desired, and indeed it was. Some IPAs are milky, some hazy, this was clear but still packed the full hoppy punch. We are doing well today – I remarked to Dr.Stan.

With just the four customers, Hanna, who was serving, was very much part of the ongoing conversation. When I did my usual photographic ritual, she congratulated me on taking photos of the surroundings rather than selfies, which the majority seemingly do.

Hanna provided a taster of the B.A. Hazelnut Coffee IMP. Porter. A sample of this 9.5% Bier was appropriate, as it was not – goodnight Bier –  yet, though Lucky Envelope was closing soon. This did exactly what it would have said on the tin, the best Stout/Porter I have tasted on this trip.

The twin of our first Bier followed, Eniac Mosaic IPA, same abv, same IBU. I noted the – body – which puzzled after the Porter, the hoppy flavours were once again to the fore. Yet again this afternoon, we had found a Brewery well worth the visit.

Hanna had cleared up but was not quite ready to leave. A large bottle of the Grapefruit Eniac Mosaic IPA was divvied up between the three of us. Cheers, Hanna!

A Sunday night, all the local Brewpubs were allegedly now closed, and so Hanna sent us across to Trailbend Taproom.

Trailbend Taproom is halfway back to Reuben’s Brews from Lucky Envelope, we had passed it earlier. Open until midnight, and with forty two taps, just what we needed. Bier from all over was represented on the board. There was Bier from the sublime  Cloudburst Brewing visited yesterday and Stoup. That was it, let’s drink Bier, no more note taking.

We have stopped using cash. The final note is a $50.00 bill which looks as though it will make it all the way home.

We had to get back to Marco Polo, some of us have a ‘plane to catch, tomorrow afternoon. The half hour walk was declared too long. We walked back up the hill, Bus 44 was due at 12.04, perfect.

After tonight, no more Bier for a very long time, please. The Glasgow Real Ale Festival (G-RAF) starts in four days, Dr. Stan and Hector are manning the Foreign Bar – Bieres sans Frontieres. So it goes.

The Brewpubs, bar and restaurant visited today:

Chili’s South Indian Cuisine – 4220 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Big Time Brewery – 4133 University Way Northeast Seattle WA 98105

Stoup Brewing – 1108 NW 52nd St, Seattle, WA 98107

Reuben’s Brews – The Taproom – 5010 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Lucky Envelope Brewing – 907 NW 50th St, Seattle, WA 98107

Trailbend Taproom – 1118 NW 50th St, Seattle, WA 98107

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Seattle, Washington – Day #16 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Hector

The Plan for today included Curry, of course, followed by two north east Seattle Brewpubs. Thereafter we would head downtown on the very speedy Transit light rail.

Bus 44 from the top of Aurora Avenue took Hector on a twenty five minute ride due east along NE 45th St. to the University District. Here lies Chili’s South Indian Cuisine.

The South Indian Smokey flavour that features in Chettinad-style Curry is a particular favourite. I had hoped for Fish but was happy to settle for Goat Chettinad. Finally, at the thirteenth attempt, and this goes back to 2013 and New York’s East 6th Street, Hector was served a Curry in USA that he can say was – truly wonderful!

Dr. Stan didn’t know it yet, but he is accompanying Hector here tomorrow. He will take my word about the quality of the Curry, and Big Time Brewery is almost directly across the street. University Way could well become Hector’s favourite street in Seattle. I wonder what the accommodation is like around here … thousands of students, no chance.

The first westbound bus took me back along NE 45th St. to Floating Bridge Brewing where Dr. Stan was found drinking alone. It has come to this. Thereafter, it was just us and the charming lady serving until some sort of office group came in and had a Bier or two among the tanks. Fortunately, I had already made my photographic coverage of this decidedly bijou Brewpub.

Weyermann Malt, not from Newcastle,  is becoming a common sight on this trip.  Bamberg Malt, New World hops, what a combination. 

In keeping with my most recent direction of travel, the first Bier of the day was Westbound IPA at 7.2% with 72 IBU. Perhaps a higher abv than normal to start the day, however, the Bier was definitely in the style we seek. With Mosaic, Simcoe, and Centennial Hops, this Bier was very light on the palate, a gentle start to the day.

With a long day ahead, I decided to eschew the hop and go Sour. The Oaked Apricot Sour at 6.2% and only 7 IBU is gold with a slight haze. This Sour lived up to its description: Kettle soured ale fermented with apricot and conditioned on American oak. Indeed.

Ravenna Brewing Co. is located in the heart of university land. We looked at the bus options, it was just as quick to walk, and so we did. Once we headed north from NE 45th St., we meandered though a residential area with lots of university buildings, fraternity and sorority houses even. There were no wild parties on the lawns, so much for Hollywood.

It was quite a hike, as we walked up the hill for the final steps, a thirst had been worked up, dangerous. There was seating in the shade outside Ravenna, what I took to be an ice-cream van on site was selling a more diverse range of snacks. The interior revealed a plant even smaller than Floating Bridge.

*

I grabbed stools at a high table and let the Good Doctor go to the bar, or rather, join the queue. Our first choice of Bier was in keeping with our established norm. Triumph Mosaic Pale, an American Pale Ale at 5.8% is dark gold with a slight haze. I appear to write this a few times every day. Cool and refreshing, it was just what we needed.

That’s going down particularly well – I remarked to Dr. Stan.

Chatting with the staff was difficult. We were not sat at t’bar, and until near enough our departure, there was always a queue. The staff here stood out from every one of the near fifty Brewpubs we have visited on this trip, not one had a visible tattoo. It has been an unwritten rule that bar-staff in Brewpubs must be covered in ink. One day this current phase of having one’s body painted will end, then we’ll see how naph it is.

There was a schism for our next drink. Dr. Stan went crazy and ordered an 8.4% beautiful milkshake. The Secret Double Hazy IPA looked wonderful, no doubt it was, very much what we now seek. However, Limoncello, how could Hector resist?

Limoncello Cider (Elemental Cider Company, Arlington WA) at 6.0% delivered everything I sought at that moment. The – lemon – was radically different from anything else I have recently tasted. With that wolfed down Hector too could have got very silly and ordered the DIPA. We were headed downtown, our Brewpub tally in Seattle is below what it should be thanks to our Renton diversion yesterday.

On leaving, the main chap behind the bar asked – How did you guys hear about us?  We’re only open two years and not in the main area.

Google Maps and the Washington Beer Guide – was the reply. Maybe in the years to come, Bier-Traveller may be added to this list.

Google provided us with a very efficient route downtown. Bus 372 would take us from outside Ravenna to the grounds of the University. From there there is a short walk down to the Link light rail. It’s a pity the Transit line does not cover more of the city.

Also waiting at the 372 bus stop was a Doris with a huge speaker in her backpack playing the sort of shite we have avoided throughout this trip. … female rapping …with nasal tones a la Rosie Perez. Why did the entire north of Seattle have to hear this?

Fortunately, it was only a couple of stops on the bus then the walk to the metro for the Transit Link station at Huskey Stadium, part of Washington University.

We emerged into Seattle’s central business district, a city centre full of people, busy streets, traffic. We hadn’t seen anything like this since leaving San Francisco. There are no vagrants here.

The Pike Brewing Company is where we were headed, just a couple of blocks away. Dr. Stan was a bit premature and entered the first premises displaying the name – Pike. Don’t tell him! With the Pike Place Market only metres away, not to mention Saffron Spice, the name – Pike – was plentiful around here.

Still in shorts, Hector knew that this establishment was way too posh for the likes of us. Despite this, we were shown to the bar in what was a truly grand restaurant. This was not a Brewpub, we know what they look like, but the mainstream Bier was surveyed before we made our excuses and left.

The Pike Brewing Company is a well established Craft Beer bar and restaurant. The entrance was arcade-like, we walked down the stairs into the beginnings of the Bier house. The walls are adorned with Bier trays and posters aplenty. The segregated seating areas were mostly empty as we entered, presumably one can book one’s favourite area within the house.

*

There were no available seats at the bar initially. We declared our spot to be on stools at a ledge adjacent to the bar. In time, we were able to take up what we considered to be our rightful place. Dr. Stan took the opperchancity to buy food. This is what he ordered, I know not either.

Pike IPA at 6.0% with 45 IBU was a safe choice to start, indeed, the Bier was decidedly – safe. Once more this IPA is dark gold, with a slight haze. We have come to accept this as the – standard. One always hopes for something outrageously new.

Sitting on my left was Scott, a USAAF veteran. Our tale was told, he appreciated our mission to – chase the hop. The conversation developed, the barman was engaged at times. We spent another memorable hour here, there was of course another Bier.

Space Needle, well someone had to claim the name, is a 5.5% American IPA with 58 IBU. Scott assured us that this is Pike’s – signature Bier. With four hops from the nearby Yakima Valley, this is a tastier Bier by far, but still not at the – Wow! – level.

Scott understood what we are looking for. I don’t know where Dr. Stan intended us to go next, we never made it. Instead, Scott declared that we had to go to Cloudburst Brewing which was on the other side of Pike Place Market, and was not open late. Scott was due home, a quick phone call and his return was agreeably delayed. Scott would accompany us to Cloudburst, the big build up.

Scott led us out the rear entrance down to the market. He showed us – The Gum Wall – which was suitably disgusting.

The sun was setting, the skyline was spectacular. The Olympic Mountains lay to the west.

We stood at a vantage point to see – The Seattle Great Wheel – as featured in many a TV programme.

Finally, Scott pointed out the mother shop of a famous coffee chain.

Tourists? Us? Scott came out with a great line:

There’s a cross between a tourist and a moron, it’s called a – touron.

Clouburst is housed in an industrial unit, no posh bar and restaurant as in nearby Elysian Fields or Pike Brewing. It was time to get down and dirty again, some real ale drinking. Scott told us that Cloudburst was established by a former Elysian brewer who set this up after the Anheuser-Busch buy out.

Being a Saturday night, the place was busy, some of the board was showing what we could have had. It’s keg Bier, so why not change the barrels? The remaining choices proved to be more than adequate.

Refracted Light IPA at 7.0% with 58 IBU has Citra, Simcoe, Galaxy and Ella Hops. The flavour was full on, an instant winner.

I did my usual tour, camera in hand. In addition to the oft spotted Weyermann Malt (Bamberg), Simpson and William Crisp were also stacked up.

Gentle Coast Pale at 6.2% with 29 IBU had another blend of four hops. This time it was Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe and Hop 438. The given description mentioned – stone fruit. Indeed, a fruity tasting Bier. Whilst hazy, neither Bier has the – milkshake – appearance that we have encountered. Damn good Bier though, one day perhaps I’ll get back here and try more of their impressive range.

Scott bade farewell, he was a couple of hours overdue, and left us in the care of the barman. Hector was – last man out – of course.

Bus 62 took us back to Fremont and Outlander. The 62 Bus, no Saturday night singing on this one, no stopping off at the police station to deal with rowdy passengers. Dr. Stan was behaving himself this evening. I must text somebody.

*

Outlander Bier was not going to compete with what we had just sampled at Clouburst. It was time to tick another box. We had passed the Schilling Cider House – The Source –  in Portland four nights ago. It was time to try their – Hard Cider – and excellent it was too. The few Ciders I have tried have all been excellent. Dry, and with more body and flavour than the keg served at home, also livelier than traditional flat Cider from SW England, the Americans have something good going on here. And what better way to rinse the palate in readiness for the next hop attack, unless some Polish Hazelnut Wodka is to hand?

Three nights in Seattle, three visits to Outlander, they’re open late and it’s the closest Brewpub to Marco Polo Motel. Our faces have become familiar, we chatted with the owner who is Serbian and his Latvian friend. Hector was in Latvia last year, and so the bars in Riga were discussed. It’s a pity I have never found the time to write that trip up. Croatia won their first match in the World Cup, I don’t know how that makes a Serbian feel.

Marg and Hector head off to Hellas/Greece, Italia then Hrvatska/Croatia in a couple of weeks. We are due to be in Croatia for the final, that could potentially be a night to remember. Nothing is certain in football, unless the likes of Bernard Tapie has been involved.

Dr. Stan appears not to like the walk up the hill to the Marco Polo. Tomorrow is our last day and night in Seattle. There is a cluster of Brewpubs immediately to the west of our accommodation stiill to be explored, and Dr. Stan now accepts that he is having Sunday lunch at a Curry House.

The Brewpubs and restaurant visited today:

Floating Bridge Brewing – 722 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105

Ravenna Brewing Co. – 5408 26th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

The Pike Brewing Company – 1415 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Cloudburst Brewing – 2116 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Outlander Brewery and Pub – 225 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Chili’s South Indian Cuisine  –  4220 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

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Seattle & Renton, Washington – Day #15 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Hector

Portugal 3 v 3 España, a good start to the day. Thereafter it was across the footbridge and down the hill to Qazis Indian Curry House which we passed last night en route to Outlander. Sadly, it was yet another tale of bland Curry. Hector is in despair. Surely there are real Indian Chefs in USA?

Bus 40 took us Downtown. As we waited I deduced the fare would be $1.00 or $2.50 depending on the number of zones we were crossing. The lady driver was out of a classic Hollywood movie. She enquired as to Dr. Stan’s age, as an – Honored Citizen – he was charged $1.00. As his buddy, Hector the Younger was charged the same.

The ORCA ticket office is just around from King St. station where we arrived yesterday. Once again, Dr. Stan was given a very advantageous rate for the next three days travel. Hector didn’t do too badly. Tip, come to Seattle after your 65th birthday.

Elysian Fields Brewpub was only a couple of blocks from the ORCA office. You would think we actually planned our days.

There is brewing on site at Elysian Fields, part of Elysian Brewing who have fallen to Anheuser-Busch’s ongoing campaign to associate themselves with Craft Beer. The place was near empty when we arrived mid afternoon, but busy when we departed over an hour later. Given the outstanding Bier that has been experienced on this trip, there was nothing here to excite.

The Immortal IPA at 6.3% with 62 IBU is gold, not copper as claimed. Chinook, Amarillo, and Centennial hops were present, the Bier was little more than – OK.

Avatar at 6.3%, a Jasmine IPA was ordered in an attempt to try something different. Not so great – was noted, indeed, – a bit flowery. Glacier and Amarillo hops.

The barman, on receiving his tip, presented a decent sample in the plastic glass. Testing One Two, an IPA at 6.7% was the best of the three. Summit, Azacca, Jarrylo, and Pekko Hops gave the taste of citrus, herbs and spice with no surprise aftertaste, which the Avatar had done.

Having amassed a decent quantity of Bier, this was certainly a good warm up to the day. Dr. Stan was calling the shots as to where we were headed next. Where we ended up was certainly not part of any plan.

We went to the Transit Station on the east side of King St. train station – International District / Chinatown Station. From there, the light railway / tram should have taken us to Beacon Hill Station outside Perihelion Brewery, a seventeen minute journey, simples.

On arriving at the Transit Station I knew I had to tap my ORCA card. Dr. Stan’s special card worked fine, mine did nothing. The third machine finally – pinged. Down we went into the bowels of Seattle. The platform was stowed, the information board was quite confusing. Time to consult Google for more precise information. The LG was having none of it. No trams came, instead a bus came out of the darkness into the station, everyone else got on. In a move that would have made Marg proud, I adopted her logic, we got on too. We sat at the back of the bus, Hector getting the battery out of the frozen LG. We were heading south, in the right direction. With Google Maps restored I assured Dr. Stan that if we turn left – here – then we were OK.

The bus turned left, then right, on to the freeway, Interstate 5 – to be precise. I now know this to be Bus 101, but where were we headed, how soon could we alight?

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport lay ahead of us as did ten Brewpubs scattered across many kilometres. Our next Bier would be truly random.

Renton, not the one beside Alexandria in the Vale of Leven, but home to the Boeing aircraft factory was the first settlement we could alight at. That we passed St. Anthony School must prove we were never – lost.

Walking in from the western edge of the town, actually Renton is a city, we passed two Curry Houses, neither open. Google shows a cluster of six within walking distance of each other. Renton has two downtown Brewpubs, Four Generals Brewing was reportedly open, Dubtown Brewing Company around the corner was in reserve.

We walked in to the premises to the strain of the loudest music we have heard in our fifteen days here in USA, but still at a level to permit conversation, British bars please note. Black Sabbath was followed by more Black Sabbath, then even more. The barman loves Black Sabbath. As we settled down to the first of our two excellent Biers, I had to tell him I saw the classic line-up back in 1974 at the time of Vol 4. With two support acts, Necromandus and Byzantium, it was a ridiculously short main set from Black Sabbath. This afternoon I would hear more Black Sabbath than I did the night of the Glasgow concert. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, I sold the original vinyl decades ago, I must buy the CD, great stuff.

Renton River Haze at 6.3%, a New England IPA, bring it on! Gold and milky, the Usual Suspects were here, this Bier was very pleasantly hopped with Citra, Cryo, Amarillo and Magnum.

Black Sabbath gave way briefly to Led Zeppelin, one silly US “wrack-music” song had to be suffered before normality was restored, more Bier, more Black Sabbath.

The West Coast IPA at 7.4% with a very interesting 82 IBU was more amber than gold and with a haze. The Zeus and Cascade hops were full on, another Bier – in the style – and far too easy to drink for this abv.

During my short tour of the building, I had to record the old gaol cell, a bit of Renton history inside Four Generals Brewing.

Google came up with Bus 148 which would take us to Perihelion Brewery just south of the intersection of Interstates 5 and 90. Who knows, one day I might come back chauffeur driven. A one hour nine minutes journey? They’re having a laugh.

The main bus stops were a couple of blocks away. Renton most certainly has its attractions and is very close to the airport such that a taxi could be considered. Arriving/Departing by ‘plane, this could be an ideal place to spend a night before/after. I also now see four Brewpubs, two downtown and two a kilometre to the north near the lakeside Boeing factory, and quite a few more a short hop by taxi. Six Curry Houses, I wonder what the Curry is like here? Hector Curry-Heute should have stayed to find out!Perihelion Brewery was busy inside and out, it was dinner time. We were hungry too. Unfortunately, I had ordered the Stout Adobo Chicken Wings before I established what the mysterious Bone Marrow Dish was all about. Dr. Stan had a very strange looking Chilli Con Carne.

Galactic Drift IPA at 6.6% and an impressive 81 IBU was the first Bier. Amber, with a slight haze, there was nothing not to like, another Bier – in the style. Mosaic hops featured.

Food sorted, and a limited photographic coverage achieved due to trying to respect privacy, Mein Host proved to be very happy to pose. It was good to meet him and tell our tale. Fifteen days in, we have covered a lot of Brewbpubs.

*

Roasted Pepper IPA at 6.7% and the same 81 IBU was Bier #2. Dark gold, with a slight haze, the dry flavours gave a punch rather than a kick. Poblano Chilli Peppers, new to Hector.

Beacon Hill Transit Station was deserted. We sped north on the light railway to 3rd Ave & Union St. where Bus 62 could have been our connection. We checked out Dexter Brewing but were too late, so many Brewpubs shut early. Bus 40 arrived within the scheduled three minutes and took us back to Fremont, we knew Outlander would be open late, that was good enough.

Dr. Stan insisted on alighting at North 36th Street before the blue dot on the LG said so. He then led me in the wrong direction back towards Quazis. Outlander is this way!

Marmalade IPA at 5.5% seemed a bit thin after the delights had at Perihelion. I was expecting citrus flavours but did note that – tangerine – came across. For the next and final Bier of the day, there was no holding back, time for a DIPA.

Mr Pekko Double IPA at 8.2% certainly had the body, but not the full on sense of hops that was expected. You can’t win them all.

Today we have managed our quota of four Brewpubs, but only three new ones. We lost a good ninety minutes due to the unplanned trip to Renton, however, having been, it is something songs will be sung about for years. Renton, I’ll be back.

France v Australia at 02.00? Maybe not.

The Brewpubs and restaurant visited today:

Elysian Fields – 542 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Four Generals Brewing – 229 Wells Ave S, Renton, WA 98057

Perihelion Brewery – 2800 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Outlander Brewery and Pub – 225 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Qazis Indian Curry House – 473 N 36th St, Fremont, Seattle, WA 98103

 

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Seattle, Washington – Day #14 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Hector

Today we travelled north from Portland to Seattle on Train 504. The scheduled departure was at high noon, a three and a half hour journey. As before, we had to check our luggage in seriously early. It will be waiting for us in Seattle – we were assured.

The World Cup/ Mundial began today at 08.00 local time. The US Open also teed off, I wonder how much football we shall see? For us, kick-off times are @08.00, a bit early given our present lifestyle.

Having had only a glimpse of Mt. Hood as we arrived in Portland from the south I hoped to see Mt. St. Helens today, not to be. The scenery was uneventful. What did register, apart from the slow speed of the train, was the vegetation, one could easily have been in the lowlands of the UK.

On the approaches to Seattle, the airport and the adjacent Boeing aircraft plant were on our left. My Uncle John worked for Boeing for most of his life, I possibly have cousins in Seattle, not that I would know how to contact them.

The train terminated at King St. Amtrak Station in downtown Seattle. We had to stand at an airport style luggage belt and wait for our bags to appear. Security, jobs for the boys, or just a better travel experience? Make your own mind up.

The LG is becoming more erratic by the day, rebooting is becoming a too often occurrence. It did provide the necessary information on how to get to the Motel Marco Polo in Fremont in the north of Seattle.

An E line Bus was at the stop on Yesler Way. Not only did the driver not pull away as we hastened our pace to catch it, on asking for a day ticket and fumbling for change he announced – Have this one on me.

Yay! – one could just imagine a driver on the Glasgow bound bus at Edinburgh Airport being so welcoming, not. (An empirical dig.)

Progress was slow. Our anticipated thirty minute journey grew longer, by the – minute. Thirty minutes became the hour. We passed the Space Needle.  Is that it? Seriously? An adjacent crane towered above the famous landmark, at least we were seeing one – crane – in Seattle. There must have been a detour, leading to an impossible junction to negotiate at the top of a hill. Eventually we sprinted towards the Aurora Bridge crossing the narrow straights which separate Fremont from Downtown.

Our stop was four blocks past the Marco Polo, leaving a steep downhill walk. Already I was wondering how/where to get the bus back to town.

Check-in was strange. Mein Host, the resident receptionist, was listening to The Archers, or similar, on his radio. Were we interrupting him? Our allocated room was on the first floor, a few doors along from the infamous – Room 226. Dr. Stan and Hector were again sharing for the final four nights.  Dr. Stan took the queen bed to the rear opposite the toilet, leaving Hector nearer the front window and facing the television. Ah well, I might get to see some footay.

It was a fifteen minute walk downhill to Fremont Brewing. The taproom has an extensive Beer Garden out front which had the largest gathering of people I have witnessed on this trip. Inevitably, there was a queue for the bar, then we realised there are two bars selling different Biers. We stuck to the two Bier model for the trip, a high IBU-IPA to start, then something different to follow. The number of hazy/juicy/fruity/milkshake style Biers on offer could have had us stay here all night. Hector was determined to move on, hopefully away from the crowd, Dr. Stan may well have been happier to stay put. Food was required, there was none here, it was too dangerous therefore to have more Bier than planned.

Lush IPA at 7.0% with 80 IBU is typical of what we have drunk a lot of on the trip. Gold, with a slight haze, and the New World hoppy flavours one could easily now take for granted. However, this is never the case for 80 IBU.

The young ladies at the other end of our table were engaged, one was more than happy to take the required photo of the chaps. It has been a couple of days since we were indulged.

Trial by Haze at 7.0% is more than a – Hazy IPA. I had to look up ACT IBU, – a crap ton – of hops, Mosaic, Citra and Ekuanot to be precise. The overall flavours were similar to the Lush, or had the palate been assaulted by hops?

Having dragged Dr. Stan away, for his own good, we headed west and under the Aurora Bridge. We passed a Cider House where the palates could have been cleansed, Dr. Stan was having none of that.

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Outlander Brewery and Pub was some ten minutes away. If I found the grounds of Fremont Brewing busy, then the entire area around Outlander was buzzing. Various bars had people spilled out on to the pavements, sorry, side-walks, and this was a decidedly residential area.

The aroma of Cannabis filled the air. It is legal, and we have spotted many an outlet on this trip. However, this was the first encounter, just the aroma, of course. We are here for hops, not weed.

Outlander is very much a house on the street which has been converted into a Brewpub. On entering, Joy Division were being playing followed by Simple Minds. The Cure followed later, no Hotel California here. We were not here for the music, but this does set the scene for the atmosphere which was truly welcoming. The chaps behind the bar know their stuff, we were well fed and watered.

The Chicken and Asparagus Pie may have been on the small side given US portions, but was well seasoned. Knowing this would be our last venue this evening, we very much got our feet under the table.

Cascade Warrior IPA at 6.0% is an amber Bier very much in the hoppy style sought.

This was followed by Sour Apple at 6.5% which clearly was not a Cider but an actual Sour. A new experience, the apple content if any, was incidental. Hector likes his Sour Ale.

One can tell when it’s getting late, time to try a Stout/Porter at a silly abv. The X-Treme Peanut Butter Stout at 10.7% therefore couldn’t be ignored. Indeed, the taste of nuts came across, but peanuts? Again a new experience.

The walk back to Motel Marco Polo was uphill, it had to be. On reaching the west side of Aurora Avenue, there is a convenient pedestrian bridge over the otherwise impassable road, which took us very close to our destination.

Only two Brewpubs visited today, this was almost like a day off. We’ll be raring to go again tomorrow.

The Brewpubs visited today:

Fremont Brewing Company – 1050 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Outlander Brewery and Pub – 225 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103

 

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Portland, Oregon – Day #13 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Hector

Back in the Big City, Dr. Stan and Hector did their own thing for – brunch – today. I arranged to meet Dr. Stan at Migration Brewing after 14.00. TriMet ticket in hand, I headed east along East Burnside Street on Bus 20 as far as Laurelhurst Park. From there I walked down to India Oven which according to Google should have been open. A sign in the window said they now only open in the evenings. Why can businesses not update their media links? India Grill was a fifteen walk back up on East Burnside Street. India Grill, was open. I have yet to establish any connection between the two. I had spotted it earlier on the bus. Fish Curry had been my hope for the day, I had to accept Chicken Curry in two styles. One forced me to use superlatives in the write-up. Best tasting Curry of this trip, by far, again – so far.

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Migration Brewing Co. is a five minute walk due north of India Grill, decent planning then, or serendipity. Herr Schneider was greeted by Dr. Stan sitting in the large industrial unit style brewery. Mid afternoon on a Wednesday, there were only a handful of fellow imbibers.

Having arrived first, Dr. Stan was able to recommend the Mo-Haze-ic IPA at 6.1%, no post Curry – Cider – for Hector today. Behold, another full on milkshake-hazy Bier, this one featuring Mosaic hops. A quality Bier indeed, and a refreshing start to the day.

Our days have a pattern of starting very slowly with not a lot of conversation. By Brewery #3 each day things are usually in full swing. I am left to wonder what the atmosphere is like late on in the places we visit first. Last night at Rogue may have been the quietest end of day Bier of the trip, so far.

I had to move my seat momentarily, making way for the chap bringing barrels into brewery, these were empties. From their Gresham plant?

Lupulo – from – Hummulus Lupulis – the word for hops in many languages, and used by Hector when asking for Bier in non English speaking nations. My way of introducing Bier #2 – Luscious Lupulin IPA at 6.5% with a very appealing 77 IBU. This dark gold Bier only had a slight haze, after the – milkshake – there was less of an impact. However, it’s all about the flavours – Citrus and Pine – were noted. A – good bite – also.

Had we come here last, we could have done damage with the Mo-Haze-ic IPA. We were also not too far from home. Our next venue, Culmination Brewing, was not far, a ten minute walk to the north-west.

Culmination Brewing is another modern Brewery with Taproom, nae frills.  With twenty one taps, plenty to choose from.  Hector did not get past no. 2 on the board.

Having missed out on my Cider, a Sour would do the same job of cleansing the palate. Sour Flower at at 5.5% was suitably refreshing but a bit thin. Raspberry and Lime flavours were in the given description, a Belgian Framboise this was not. Still, it did the job.

Culmination was quiet during our visit apart from the monotonous rap that we had to endure. Why people find this appealing, Hector knows not. Who gives a – about whatever they are ranting on about? And what is skillful about stealing other people’s music for a backing track? Uncannily, when the noise ceased, it was Glasgow’s very own – Simple Minds – which followed. Yay!

Phaedrus IPA at 6.7% and a 55 IBU took Hector back to the hop. Dr, Stan assured me that five hops were present: Millennium, Galena, Simcoe, Mosaic and Citra. This was another full on IPA, and appreciated all the more having had the – Sour tweeny.

We walked the few blocks west then north to the MAX station then took the tram across the Willamette River, dropping us almost at the door of PINTS Brewing Company in Portland’s – Old Town. We were back in familiar territory having walked these streets last week.  Not the most attractive of cities, I finally conclude.

PINTS is housed in an established brick building and actually resembled a – pub.

Taking our seats at the bar, Hector glanced at the board. The IPA was spotted, as I say, I had glanced.

Why did you order that? – asked Dr. Stan in a tone that was both dismissive and one of bewilderment.

Why not?

Hector’s – Even Bretter than IPA – at 6.4% and 60 IBU contained Citra, Motueka, Loral and Columbus Hops. What was not to like? Bloody hell! Martin was quick to tell me all the way from Blightly, within hours, that I have been enjoying Brett yeast for yonks in my favourite Hanssens Kriek (Belgium). This Bier was quite simply hideous. It tasted of sweaty sox, not that I … Anyway, avoid!

Dr. Stan then told me that he always avoids Brett yeast, Hector has learned the hard way. Having ordered it, I thought I had better drink it. It is possible to drink without tasting, anyone who uses a straw has practiced this. After a few more excruciating intakes, the Barman took sympathy and poured it away. That was a first and therefore not to be forgotten moment. There was no charge.

The replacement was so much better, but then anything would be. Seismic IPA at 6.1% and 77 IBU was going to be my second choice, it just arrived sooner. A hazy gold with Columbus, Amarillo, Cascade, and Simcoe hops, this was right on the button.

The final Bier was Awesome Sauce at 6.0% with 50 IBU. This New England IPA was in the seriously cloudy and thick category with full on hops, which remained a secret. It was therefore fate that led to me this wonderful Bier. NEIPA and – lactose – are terms I knew nothing of at the start of this trip. These are the positives, I now also know about Brett.

Six blocks west and two south took us to Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House, the joy of a grid street pattern. Who would build a town in such a rigid pattern? Deschutes had to be visited, the Taproom that constantly showed on Google without searching.

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Already we were back in the land of the single storey building. The brick exterior belied what lay inside, the land of wooden beams. The place was mobbed, stowed even, we table hopped one row from the bar. Once settled, service came quickly. Table service, such is the way of the well established downtown establishments.

We were given the menu – without food – Dr Stan required food. Once furnished with the appropriate menu, Chowder ($9.00) became his choice. Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco) feels like a lifetime ago.

Despite the twenty three taps which included two Cask versions, Hector – persuaded – Dr. Stan that we were only staying for one. Fruit Fight (6.7%, 60 IBU) a hazy, five hop Bier would have been Bier #2 had we stayed. 10 Barrel Brewing was now only five blocks away, Apocalypse was waiting, probably the best Bier we have had in Portland. In the end Dr. Stan took no persuading at all.

Hector’s choice – Inversion IPA – at 6.8% and a whopping 80 IBU is amber, clear, with a strong flavour. This was not the Bier for Hector whose mind was already on Apocalypse. The blend of hops here was not to my taste, or was this a reaction to the Awesome Sauce which had immediately preceded it at PINTS?

The – facilities – had to be inspected before departure. Rothsay Pier (Isle of Bute, Scotland) came to mind. Portland’s Court Building may well be the oldest stone building west of the Mississippi, I wonder if these are the oldest ceramic urinals?

The five minute walk to 10 Barrel Brewing was over in a flash, our third visit here during our five nights in Portland. This is our – local. The premises were busy but we still managed a table in front of the bar.

A week since we had Apocalypse, it had lost none of its edge given how many contemporaries we have sampled in the interim. This 6.8% West Coast IPA has all the dryness and flavours one seeks. 70 IBU is the same as Rowing Jack (Ale Browar, Polska), a long time favourite IPA.

The stop for Bus 20 on West Burnside Street was only five blocks away. With this bus running after 01.00 there was no fear of being stuck. Actually, it was only a half hour walk back to our accommodation on East Burnside Street. We had chosen well.

And so tomorrow, a train, hopefully a train this time, to Seattle (Washington). Our one day in Vancouver (Washington) was another highlight, let’s see what this even bigger city has to offer.

The Brewpubs and restaurant visited today:

Migration Brewing – Glisan – 2828 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR

Culmination Brewing –  2117 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232

PINTS Brewing Company  –  412 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House – 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

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

India Grill – 2924 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

 

Posted in Portland | Comments Off on Portland, Oregon – Day #13 – Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour

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.

*

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?

*

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.

*

*

*

*

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