Ladies of Craft Beer

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

One of my favorite breweries, Deschutes Brewery, is making all my dreams come true next week. I exaggerate, but I am very excited about a variety of Deschutes events taking place in my hometown and its surrounding environs between February 28 and March 3, 2012. I love that we get them for an extra day; thanks, Leap Year!

Spokane, Washington and several nearby cities in north Idaho are the first stop of Deschutes’ 2012 “Base Camp” series, a ten city tour that brings “specialty beer tastings, beer and food pairings and a celebration of craft beer goodness” to locations around the brewery’s distribution territory.

Woody, via Deschutes Flickr

I’m especially excited for the event on Tuesday, February 28th at Soulful Soups and Spirits to Celebrate Women and Craft Beer at a beer pairing dinner with Deschutes employees Angela and Gina. Beer cocktails, beer cheese soup, and a chocolate dessert with some beer loving ladies? Yes, please!

Another must for Deschutes Base Camp? Getting my picture taken with Woody, a giant traveling beer barrel and mobile tavern. Woody will be parked outside The Blue Spark on Wednesday, February 29th for Trivia Night, so don’t miss this opportunity to best Deschutes employees with your beer knowledge for swag and prizes.

Visit Deschutes Brewery Events to find all the great opportunities to drink Deschutes beer at Base Camp in the Inland Northwest and beyond.

Related Posts:

• A Schooner is Not a Girl Glass
• Dry Fly Barrel Aged Boundary Bay Beer Tasting
• Craft Beer with Cookies by South Durham Confection Company
• Huckleberry Ales of the Northwest
• Sweet and Stout Launch Party

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

In August 2010, Washington Beer Blog reported that 12 new breweries had recently applied for licenses in Washington, mostly scattered along the I-5 Corridor (and one in Leavenworth). The location of one recently licensed brewery, North Sound Brewing, is in Mount Vernon. About an hour north of Seattle, this area is best known for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, but it’s making a name for itself as the home of several breweries as well.

My first taste of North Sound was at another Green Frog Café Acoustic Tavern Brewer’s Night. As I started to enjoy a Big R Imperial Red—a bold ale with a rich ruby color, sweet caramel start, and a lingering hop finish—my partner in crime Maya was already chatting up North Sound owner Kurt Ahrens and sales rep Randy Sanders.

Kurt and Randy have been homebrewing friends for years and, like many homebrewers, Kurt had the itch to start a commercial brewery. With support from his wife Lori, they started pursuing their dream in 2009. By August of the following year, the brewery launched and started distributing their beers at pubs and restaurants throughout western Washington.

The philosophy at North Sound Brewing is “old world inspired, unfiltered small batch ales.” You can definitely taste the British influence on ales like the Imperial Red and Bitter Rain ESB, but make no mistake, this is a Northwest brewery; just try one of several North Sound IPAs.

What surprised me most about this infant brewery is that North Sound has already branded and established a wide selection of beers, with individual tap handles and designs for each brew. Kurt told me that they have nine taps at their tasting room in Mount Vernon, where you might try one of their eight signature brews or an experimental beer released under an “X-Batch” label. I love the idea of a new brewery making small batches of beer and getting creative in the process, even if it means sharing a product that they didn’t fully anticipate.

Following such a fun night at the Green Frog, I was eager to try some more beers by North Sound. A few other beer-curious ladies and I trekked down to Mount Vernon and, after getting rained out of a pumpkin patch, we sought shelter at North Sound Tasting Room. Although it’s only been open for a little over a month, we were lucky to get a table at the “cozy industrial” tasting room on a rainy Saturday afternoon. It’s small, but has a charming, friendly atmosphere.

Since I wanted to survey the wide selection of beers at North Sound, I ordered a sample tray of four beers. Here are some of my first impressions…

Cherry Wheat Ale: Kurt had told me that the cherry flavor of the wheat ale was extremely subtle and I agree; there’s just a hint of tartness in the finish of this refreshing summer ale.

X-Batch Bitter: The description of X-Batch Bitter forewarned that “[a] warmer-than-intended fermentation (oops!) created some fruity (almost bubblegum-like) esthers in this beer” and yet, I got a peanut flavor off of this exclusive ale. Go figure.

X-Batch Robust Brown: I’m not a big fan of nutty flavors in beer, so the Robust Brown wasn’t quite my speed either. It seems to me that somewhere between an amber and a scotch ale is a brown, and I’d rather have either of the former, but I’m glad I got to try this beer while North Sound is still developing its profile.

Hop Chops IPA: Although my IPA conversion is relatively new, I enjoyed the well-balanced sweet and bitter flavors of this beer. At 7.2% ABV, the strongest ale on tap during our visit, it packed a punch (at least, it did for this lightweight) that made the 4.0% ABV Cherry Wheat look like a lemonade.

If you’re passing through the Skagit Valley area, North Sound Brewing Tasting Room is worth a stop. Check NSB News to find other locations in western Washington with North Sound on tap.

Originally posted 2010-10-11 12:05:52.

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

Seattle is a “must see” city for the beer traveler and there’s no better time to visit than during Seattle Beer Week from May 19-29, 2011. On the heels of American Craft Beer Week, the Emerald City plays host to a multi-day celebration of craft beer, both local and beyond, at a variety of locations along the Puget Sound.

Ladies of Craft Beer is excited to join in the action this year, hosting a tasting event on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 6 to 9 PM, sponsored by Full Throttle Bottles and Pike Brewing. The event will take place at The Stables (980 South Nebraska Street Seattle WA 98108), which is attached to Full Throttle Bottles (5909 Airport Way S) in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood.

Northwest contributors for Ladies of Craft Beer Theresa Carpine and Deverie Hart (also of Hurra Bier) joined forces to plan an event that would bring Seattle-area women who love craft beer together for an informal evening of conversation, networking, and imbibing during Seattle Beer Week. Admission is free and gentlemen are also invited to attend.

“We want to create a comfortable environment where women who enjoy craft beer can meet one another, and to provide a place where women who are curious about beer can try something new and ask questions,” Theresa said. “It should be a great time for out of town visitors and members of the beer industry to mingle with the beer-loving ladies of the Northwest as well.”

Deverie is an employee at Full Throttle Bottles, so she thought right away to approach her boss Erika Cowan about sponsoring the event. Erika moved to Seattle in 1991 and, with a background in management and retail, opened the specialty beer and wine shop in 2008. The name Full Throttle Bottles pays tribute to the store’s industrial neighborhood, as well as Erika’s personal appreciation for autocross cars. “Georgetown is full of planes, trains, semis, and motorcycles. Very engine-oriented, no holds barred, go at full speed!” Erika explained, much like her own ‘go get ‘em’ personality.

As the owner of a shop in a male-dominated industry, Erika was immediately interested in supporting an event to recognize women in the beer industry. “I think this will be a great opportunity for people to talk, and meet other ladies who work hard in this industry. Women have more refined palates usually, so it’s no wonder that we have some great brewers out there!” Erika said.

Erika used her beer connections to recruit another great lady in the Seattle beer scene for the event. Laura Stoudt (of the Stoudt’s Brewing Stoudts) arrived on the West Coast about six years ago and worked as a server and bartender at several Seattle-area bars before starting in sales at Elysian Brewing in 2008. She joined Pike Brewing as a Sales Representative in early 2011.

“I was attracted to Pike because it’s family-owned,” Laura said, noting similarities between the Seattle brewery and her family’s business in Pennsylvania. “It’s small but growing, and they’re great people,” she said, referring to owners Charles and Rose Ann Finkel and the whole team at Pike.

When Erika asked if Pike Brewing would take part in the Ladies of Craft Beer event, Laura realized that there had never really been anything about women in beer during Seattle Beer Week. “Women were the first brewers and we want to celebrate that,” Laura said. “It was a great idea.”

The tasting list for the event hasn’t been finalized yet, but Laura thinks that late-May setting might be a good time to showcase Pike’s summer seasonal, Dry Wit, as well as their year-round Belgian-style ales, Tandem Double Ale and Monk’s Uncle Tripel Ale.

During the event, Laura will be on hand to answer questions about Pike Brewing and provide sample tastes of their craft beers. Additional beverages will be available for purchase at Full Throttle Bottles, which has a selection of ciders, meads, and non-alcoholic soda in addition to wine and beer. Ladies of Craft Beer will provide complimentary food for light snacking, and door prizes of craft beer swag will be distributed through a free raffle.

To RSVP or learn more, contact Theresa and Deverie at locb.reservation@gmail.com. Visit Ladies of Craft Beer – Seattle Beer Week for updates.

Related Posts:

• Seattle’s Ladies of Craft Beer Are Here to Stay
• Reminder for Ladies of Craft Beer at Seattle Beer Week
• New PacNW Craft Beer Guide Book from Lisa Morrison
• 2nd Annual Belgianfest – Seattle, WA
• 12 Beers of Xmas Tour – Seattle, WA

Originally posted 2011-04-06 12:45:08.

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

At The Hop Shop recently, I overheard a brief exchange between two patrons, one male and one female. The male patron commended his friend on her choice of beverage—I believe it was a Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat (which I also recommend)—but he followed up his observation with “But you’re drinking out of a girl glass.”

Schooner of Deschutes Black Butte Porter

She was drinking from a schooner. Or, at least, it’s what I call a schooner. In different parts of the world, a schooner might be a goblet or a tall glass. But in Washington (state), a schooner is generally understood to be a 10-12 oz. beer glass with a wider mouth than base. Or some kind of boat, I guess, but that’s the extent of my sailing knowledge.

I’m assuming that he called it a girl glass because it’s smaller than the 16 oz. served in an American pint glass, the most common vessel for beer in the United States. Did he think she ordered a smaller size because she was worried about calories or bloating? I expect that kind of talk from big beer companies, but this was a craft beer bar! It’s a pretty narrow-minded perspective, especially when I saw a different man at the bar drinking out of a schooner during my visit.

There are several reasons why a beer might be served in glassware besides an American pint glass and none of them have anything to do with gender.

Beer Advocate provides a through explanation about why different types of glasses should be used for different styles of beer. A tulip or pilsner glass might hold less beer than a manly 16 oz. pint, but the glass is intended to enhance the aroma, head retention, and taste of the beer.

The friendly bartenders at Jones Radiator also reminded me that they receive limited quantities of certain beers, like Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron, so they portion it out by only selling schooners. Otherwise they’d 1) run out before many of their customers could get a taste, and 2) have to charge an arm and a leg for a pint.

And speaking of quantity, I think it’s important to remember that craft beer emphasizes quality. It’s not how much you drink; it’s how much you enjoy it! I’d much rather have 10 oz. of a finely-crafted beer in a schooner than a tankard of a cheap macrobeer.

As a woman who loves craft beer, I should not drink as much as my male counterparts (or anyone who happens to be twice my body weight) for various health and safety reasons, so I’ll continue to be a responsible beer drinker by ordering schooners from time to time. Just don’t call it a girl glass; statements like that say more about you than me.

Related Posts:

• Deschutes Brewery Inland Northwest Base Camp
• Dry Fly Barrel Aged Boundary Bay Beer Tasting
• Craft Beer with Cookies by South Durham Confection Company
• Sweet and Stout Launch Party
• Prosser to Bellingham: Horse Heaven Hills Brewer’s Night

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

What better way to show Dad how much you care than by taking him to Washington Brewers Festival on Father’s Day?

The biggest and longest-running annual event presented by the Washington Beer Commission, the 2011 Washington Brewers Festival will take place on June 17th-19th at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore, WA. More than 60 breweries are scheduled to attend, pouring more than 200 types of finely crafted beer.

Kenmore-based 192 Brewing is bringing five delicious ales, including their Apple Ale. Other intriguing selections this year include Big Time Brewery Cherry Trombipulator (Belgian Style Triple), Skookum Brewery Murder of Crows (Bourbon Stout), and Two Beers Brewing Trailhead ISA (Session India Pale Ale). Check out the Beer List to see what else you can try at the festival this year.

As a major event during Father’s Day weekend, Washington Brewers Festival offers all ages admission on Saturday and Sunday and provides plenty of family-friendly activities. A Rootbeer Garden, featuring craft root beer and soda made by Washington brewers, is a popular attraction for the whole family.

Along with plenty of libations, festival attendees will enjoy live entertainment and food for purchase from a variety of vendors.

Festivities kick off on Friday night from 4 to 9 PM for the 21+ crowd, and continue with All Ages admitted on Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Persons under 21 accompanied by a parent are admitted free of charge, and admission for designated drivers is $8. Tickets ($15-20) are available online and include a tasting cup and tasting tokens. Onsite parking is limited, so plan to take the free shuttle or purchase a parking pass.

Check out the WA Brewers Festival FAQ for more details.

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

We had a great turnout for Seattle Beer Week’s first Ladies of Craft Beer gathering! The 10-day celebration was jam-packed with tasting, dinners, and competitions across the city, so we want to extend a big thanks to all the lovely ladies and wonderful gentlemen who came to celebrate with us.

Erika and Deverie with Coney Island Lager masks.

We owe an even bigger thanks to the great folks at Full Throttle Bottles, Erika Cowan and Deverie Hart, for hosting us at the Stables and the amazing reps from Pike Brewing, Laura Stoudt and Linda Stratton, for sharing their brewery’s wonderful selection of beers throughout the evening.

Laura and Linda behind the bar, serving up some samples of Pike Brewing.

It was wonderful to have men and women from other Seattle breweries in attendance as well, to see the great camaraderie among brewers in Seattle’s beer industry. The wheels are already in motion for future female-focused beer events with Seattle women, so stay tuned for updates!

Don’t forget to visit Washington Beer Blog for some great photos and more information about the event: A gathering of Ladies of Craft Beer, Seattle.

Related Posts:

• Ladies of Craft Beer at Seattle Beer Week
• Reminder for Ladies of Craft Beer at Seattle Beer Week
• Washington Beer Blog – A Gathering of the Ladies of Craft Beer, Seattle
• Old World, Unfiltered Ales at Mount Vernon’s North Sound Brewing
• New PacNW Craft Beer Guide Book from Lisa Morrison

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

After eight years in western Washington, I recently returned to my roots on the east side of the mountains. To celebrate my homecoming, my parents suggested that we visit one of their favorite local restaurants, Flamin’ Joe’s, for dinner. With a slogan like “Firey Wings & Cool Brews,” they didn’t have to try too hard to get me to agree.

Flamin’ Joe’s has a great, casual atmosphere, like a family-friendly sports bar. The décor of the establishment reflects two influences: the Oakland Raiders (unusual for the Northwest) and a firehouse. Fire extinguishers, turnout gear, and other firefighting paraphernalia adorn the walls of the restaurant, which now has two locations in the Spokane area.

The firefighting theme carries over into the food as well; the spice level for Joe’s Original Sauces are categorized like fire blazes. A Code 1, for example, is the most mild and a Code Red is…practically fatal. I don’t think I’m brave enough to eat even one Code Red wing, let alone try the Flamin’ Joe’s Code Red Challenge, a Man v. Food-esque exercise in spicy food endurance.

Thank goodness that among all these spicy wings there is also beer to be had! But I must admit that I was a little underwhelmed by Flamin’ Joe’s craft beer offerings on tap during my last visit. Maybe they were having a slow beer day, maybe I was just in a picky mood…I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I chose a seasonal offering, Deschutes Hop Trip, and, boy, was I glad I did! After a few Code 4 Wings with extra sauce, I could barely feel my lips. Cool and slightly bitter, this pale ale was the perfect antidote to the hot wings.

A pale ale, IPA, or pilsner would be my go-to beer when having a hot wing, but, along with pub fare like burgers and sandwiches, Flamin’ Joe’s also boasts 20 more types of sauces and rubs for their wings. With such a diversity of flavors on their menu, I’d love to see just a few more options for craft beer on tap that could complement the various spicy, sweet, and savory sauces.

Here are a few suggestions for some beer pairings with Flamin’ Joe’s wings that I’d like to try in the future:

Huckleberry BBQ Wings with Laughing Dog Brewing Huckleberry Cream Ale

Oil Patch BBQ Wings with Stone Smoked Porter (Flamin’ Joe’s did have Kona Brewing Pipeline Porter on tap, which would also match the rich flavor of these wings)

Mango Habanero Wings with Bent River Brewing Jalapeno Pepper Ale

What beer cools your fire when eating spicy food, like hot wings? Leave a comment and let us know!

Originally posted 2010-11-10 12:05:58.

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

As if you needed another incentive to plan your Northwest beercation, Lisa Morrison, the Portland-based Beer Goddess and host of the weekly craft beer radio show Beer O’Clock, recently published Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest to help visitors and locals track down the all great beer offered in this little corner of the world.

“There really hasn’t been a guide to Pacific Northwest beers in over a decade,” Lisa said, when asked what inspired her to write this book. “And so much happens here, it’s hard enough for those of us living here to keep up- much less visitors.”

Having lived on both sides of the Cascades, I have to agree. A week in Portland alone is hardly enough time to explore the 35 brewing facilities within the city, not to mention all the alehouses, beer-friendly restaurants, and bottle shops. But after two and a half years of research and travel, Lisa offers this book as a compass rather than a hard-and-fast road map, hoping to give readers and beer drinkers some direction as they set out on their own beer journey.

Lisa Morrison hanging out in a mash tun

While educating me about unfamiliar breweries in isolated regions of the Northwest, Lisa also managed to school me on places that I’ve already been. I knew that you could get married at the wedding chapel at North Fork Brewery on the Mount Baker Highway, but I didn’t know that its two barley wines, Hair of the Frog and Spotted Owl, are among its best-selling beers. No matter how well you think you know your favorite watering hole, Lisa has done a great job by providing insight about brewers, publicans, owners, awards, and history, rather than simply noting what’s on tap.

Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest includes 18 maps for pedestrian-friendly pub crawls and “Don’t Miss” summary notes with drinking recommendations when you’ve reached your destination (Cannery Brewing, I will dream of your Maple Stout until the blessed day when it is finally in my mouth). The back of the book also includes a City Guide, Best Bottle Shops, and Index for easy reference along your travels. And while this might seem like a strange “feature” to include, I really appreciate the wide margins in this book. They’re great for recording notes about your visit or placing a Post-It next to a brewery that you must remember to try.

There are all kinds of tidbits about important craft beer revolutionaries of the Pacific Northwest in Lisa’s book, but here are a few “Ladies of Craft Beer” highlights that I enjoyed while reading.

• Fort George Brewery + Public House in Astoria named its Cavatica Stout after the arachnid heroine of Charlotte’s Web.

• The Thirsty Woman Pub of Mosier is named after a local myth about a group of “thirsty women” who burned down a nearby men-only tavern. Once upon a time, the building was a YWCA.

• Bend Brewing brewmaster Tonya Cornett is one of the few female head brewers in the Pacific Northwest.

• Naughty Nellie Golden Ale of Pike Brewing is named after Nellie Curtis, who ran a Seattle brothel at the LaSalle Hotel, Pike’s initial location.

• Crannóg Ales, Canada’s only Certified Organic farmhouse brewery, is owned by Rebecca Keen and Brian MacIsaac.

Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest is available at Timber Press and Amazon.com.

Related Posts:

• 1st Annual PDX Beer Week
• Seattle’s Ladies of Craft Beer Are Here to Stay
• Ladies of Craft Beer at Seattle Beer Week
• 2nd Annual Belgianfest – Seattle, WA
• Silver City Old Scrooge Christmas Ale Early Release & Beer Tasting

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

Beer lovers from the Puget Sound to the Palouse are celebrating the great craft beer community of Washington on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from Noon to 4 PM in breweries across the Evergreen State at Washington Beer Open House.

Organized by the Washington Beer Commission, the Open House invites beer drinkers to get a behind-the-scenes look at their local breweries. As of this writing, over 30 Washington breweries are participating in this year’s Open House.

Depending on the brewery, visitors might get to sample a brand-new brew, tour the brewery, or try a beer poured directly from the tanks. In Bothell, Foggy Noggin Brewing, one of the world’s smallest production breweries, is debuting its new seasonal brew, Diablo del Sol, an English Pale Ale, during WA Beer Open House. As noted by Washington Beer Blog, Edmonds-based American Brewing Company is celebrating its grand opening during the Open House as well.

Check out WA Beer Open House Google Map to find breweries in your area that are participating and discover what they might have planned for the afternoon.

Attendees are encouraged to use the hashtag #WAbeerOH on Twitter and to post photos in Washington Beer Pics Flickr Group during WA Beer Open House. No RSVP or admission tickets required!

For more information, contact Washington Beer Commission at (206) 787-1989, or contact participating breweries directly.

Related Posts:

• 2nd Annual Belgianfest – Seattle, WA
• Old World, Unfiltered Ales at Mount Vernon’s North Sound Brewing
• 2011 Washington Brewers Festival in Kenmore, WA
• Seattle’s Ladies of Craft Beer Are Here to Stay
• Strange Brewfest 2011 – Port Townsend, WA

Posted By: Theresa Carpine

It is a truth universally acknowledged that craft beer people are a little bit weird. I can say that because I include myself in the demographic. So what better theme for a beer festival than strangeness?

Strange Brewfest began in Port Townsend, Washington in2004 by the late Water Street Brewing. Over 20 breweries and cideries, many located in the Pacific Northwest, are participating in this year’s Strange Brewfest on January 28-30, 2011, featuring “creative, unique styles not found as often in beer festival land.”

“Some of our favorite beers in the past have been Elkhead Elk Dandy, which was made with dandelions, and Flyers Red Pepper Porter, which was fiery hot and delicious,” festival organizer Nina Law said in an email. She also mentioned Laht Neppur Booted Rear (a 10% ABV root beer), Big Al Peanut Butter Stout, and Big Time Kevin Bacon Stout among memorable contenders of the past.

On the docket for this year’s festival are beers brewed with mushrooms, yams, mango, and habaneros. Some compelling IPA entries this year come from 7 Seas Brewing with Blue Ballz, a double IPA spiked with blueberries and mystery hops, and a black pumpkin IPA from Emerald City Brewing.

“Avatar Jasmine IPA from our good pals at Elysian Brewing debuted at Strange Brewfest just a few years ago….never know what will take flight from beer festivals!” Nina said.

Along with some unusual beer, Strange Brewfest attendees will enjoy live music and dancing, a costume contest on Saturday night, and other acts of frivolity, including juggling, stilt walking, and chainsaw carving. Visit Entertainment Line-up for a full schedule of events during the festival.

The 2011Strange Brewfest will take place at the American Legion (209 Monroe Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368), providing plenty of elbow room while sheltering attendees from any rain or snow that might fall on the Olympic Peninsula during this time of year. The party kicks off on Friday night at 7 PM and continues on Saturday from 1 to 9 PM and Sunday from 1 to 7 PM.

Strange Brewfest Tickets are $25, available online or at the door (cash only), which includes admission for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a souvenir tasting glass, 4 tasting tokens, and all the live entertainment you can handle. Additional tokens will be available for purchase, along with food from Castle Key Caterers and other vendors.

If you’re looking for a place to pre-func on Friday, check out Sirens (823 Water Street) on January 28, 2011 at 6 PM for Silver City Brewery Kill-a-Keg Event. Tickets are $6, which gets you a commemorative pint glass filled with Whoop Pass Double IPA. Glasses are available for the first 50 visitors, so get there on time to get your glass (the keg will be tapped at 6:30 PM) and share a toast with brewmaster Don Spencer before heading over to the American Legion to meet all the other “Strange” brewers.

For more information about participating breweries and the 2011 schedule of events, visit Strange Brewfest or email info@StrangeBrewfestPT.com.

Related Posts:

• Washington Beer Open House – Saturday, February 26, 2011
• Deschutes Brewery Inland Northwest Base Camp
• Old World, Unfiltered Ales at Mount Vernon’s North Sound Brewing
• Great Pumpkin Beer Festival – Seattle, WA
• 1st Annual PDX Beer Week