MORNING FOAM FOR FRIDAY, NOV. 11: A seven-taster flight of craft beer news, from the fluffy head all the way to the bottom attack. …
Maritime Pacific Brewing’s Jolly Roger Christmas Ale is all about tantalizing mysteries that make science and the rational mind twitch and hiccup, then shrug and think oh man this is awesome. At 5 p.m. in the brewery’s Seattle Ballard neighborhood brewery and taproom Jolly Roger will receive a giant hug in the form of a release party. This year’s Jolly will be flowing in several unique variations: Rum Oak Aged Jolly, Bourbon Barrel Jolly, Cherries and Brandy Jolly and Cask Conditioned with a Firkin on the Bar. 2015 Jolly will also be pouring for those who like to compare. A drawing for Jolly door prizes will commence at 7 p.m.
In 2014, Kulshan Brewing Co. of Bellingham produced about 3,100 barrels of beer. By the end of 2015, Kulshan hit around 6,000 barrels, and it expects to brew about 12,000 barrels this year, especially with the recent addition of two new stainless steel 90bbl fermenters, and one 120bbl brite tank at its K2 facility. Kulshan just released its Brewer’s Select Series #19 Experimental Lager No. 1. “High Pressure.” The most notable difference between batches for this project will be the strain of lager yeast used; each will have subtle differences that contribute to the beer. This lager is light, easy drinking, crisp and low in bitterness brewed with Mt. Rainer hops, and 2-Row malt.
Saturday, Nov. 12, the 12 breweries along the Columbia Gorge host The Big Swig hos a grand tour and tasting event. According to pre-Big Swig hype, “Washington and Oregon Breweries in the Gorge come together for a one-day event inviting craft beer fans to get a sneak peek behind the scenes. Join us for a fun day of touring, tasting and learning how our Breweries in the Gorge work.” It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. though the Logsdon Barrel House and Solera Brewery will be open from noon to 5 p.m.
The first Bend Ale Festival takes place Saturday, Nov. 12, featuring 20 breweries — nearly all local to Central Oregon — pouring 40 beers in Bend’s Northwest Crossing neighborhood from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $20 for the package (the mug plus 10 tasting tokens) and extra tokens are $5 for 4.
While the rest of America cast their votes Tuesday for two divisive presidential candidates, Colorado’s craft breweries made a high impact decision of their own. Craft Beer Colorado and the Colorado Brewers Guild have elected to reunify as one organization to represent independent craft beer’s collective interests in the state of Colorado.
A veteran backpacker was able to hitchhike and couch surf all the way from Edinburgh to Delhi with only beer as his currency.
And, finally, MONGOOSE ATTACK!
