Oregon's Brewer Fest 2007 Round Up

Well, OBF 2007 is in the books and I think it was one of the most impressive gatherings of beer I have ever been to.

I don't have good notes on individual beers, as I drank a lot and was very unprofessional (read: salacious) in my behavior at OBF, neglecting to write very much. But here are my impressions:

Overall, an outstanding collection of beer. I was surprised by the variation of styles; this isn't even close to a summer beer fest. I'm not even sure that summer-esque beers dominated the selection. There was a great offering of Belgians, Imperial/Double IPAs, and other big beers (like Widmer's 9% Noggin Grog). Here's what I remember:

Russian River Pliny the Elder - Easily my most anticipated beer. All I have in my notes is that "drinking this beer is like a sacrament." Serious fucking stuff, people. You can't get it at all in Oregon, so try some RR next time you're in California. Pliny the Elder is a super well balanced, rich and complex Imperial IPA that I could drink until the Rapture. Rating = 9

Flying Fish Bourbon Aged Dubbel - An odd beer. I have had bourbon aged beers before, but never with such an overpowering bourbon flavor. I'm not embarrassed to say that, in the spirit of my previous post, I can't really tell you why I liked this beer so much, except that it was different, ambitious, accomplished, and intriguing. I kept expecting the novelty of the super bourbon palate hit to fade, and it didn't. My notes are "unique, smoky, sweet, delicious, what's your phone number?" I don't think you can buy this beer in Oregon or that I got anyone's phone number. Rating = 7

Ommegang Hennepin Saison - Well, when I rated Jolly Pumpkin's saison below, I admitted that I was new to saisons and maybe needed to develop a taste for them. Maybe, because I loved this beer. I think it's probably better than JP's beer, too, so that helped. My friend hated this beer, so yeah, maybe saisons are tough to get into. My notes are "light, yet rich and complex; overly sweet and very carbonated." This beer is available in Oregon and well worth your time.
Ratig = 7

I also remember enjoying Widmer's Noggin Grog ("high octane sweet wit, best thing from Widmer for awhile"), Terminal Gravity's Tripel, Pelican's Hefeweizen take, and something called Whoop Pass IPA, which was a delicious Double IPA from God knows where. Look, I was very drunk and the blog should reflect this.

For more beer you cannot buy in Oregon and thus have no reason to read about, here's a review of Three Floyds Pride and Joy. Those in the know will realize that Three Floyds is special stuff from Indiana that you cannot get in Oregon. In addition to the respectable Pride and Joy, they are known for their legendary beers Alpha King, Dark Lord, and Dreadnaught (don't they just sound good?). In fact, the infamous Imperial IPA Dreadnaught has long sat atop my most wanted beer list, my most wanted beer list containing only non-retired beers I have a reasonable chance of finding were I only to travel widely enough.

Well, Dreadnaught no longer populates any such list for me, as 22 ounces of it are sitting in my fridge right now. All Three Floyds products were given to me by a very dear person very desirous of more public attention than I am giving here. But, nevertheless, I remain extremely grateful. Here's that review and let me know when you are headed to the Midwest.

Three Floyds Pride & Joy Mild Ale
Pours a hazy pale yellow. Nice citrus hints and a strong hoppy aroma. Hits the palate a bit thin, but then gives way to a fuller mouth feel. Quite frothy and carbonated. The head takes quite awhile to subside, no matter the pour. Finish is remarkable; a rich, deliciously bitter hop trail. A stunning, complex pale ale. The drop hop finish is super clean and stunning and the beer's standout quality.
Rating = 7

Try it at = You can’t buy it in anywhere in the PNW.
Try also = It’s somewhat reminiscent of the under-rated Bridgeport Blue Heron