THE LOVE OF IVY » Beer

Get ‘em while they last: Unibroue Taster Packs at Costco

PoizenIvy — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:20:14 +0000

I wanted to quickly share this sweet deal I found at Costco-Aloha (15901 SW Jenkins Rd., Aloha) last night. The holiday supply of Unibroue Taster Packs has been discounted to just $14.97.

I discovered these high-quailty, Canadian Belgian brews when I wrote a feature on the Yard House in Las Vegas last year and I recently saw these 750 ml (25.4 oz), cork-topped bottles at New Seasons priced at $7.49 each. This bargain-priced, four-pack features Maudite (pronounced Moe-dzit), meaning “the damned one;” this hearty red-amber ale is one of my favorites); Trois Pistoles (that’s Three Coins, not guns, and it’s the cognac of beer — perfect for after-dinner drinking with a dry, spicy finish and a hint of port); packaged with two I have yet to try, La Fin Du Monde and Don de Dieu.

Obviously I cannot guarantee availablity at your neighborhood Costco, but I will tell you I could not find this item at Costco-Tigard yesterday, which is why I made the trip to the Aloha location.

Fall in love with Zwickelmania

PoizenIvy — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:23:44 +0000

On Sat., Feb. 14, 2009 Oregon’s breweries will launch the first annual Zwickelmania (named for the port on the outside of beer tanks that allows brewers to take samples). Participating Portland breweries include Cascade Brewing, Hopworks, Laurelwood, Old Lompoc and Roots Organic. Visitors will get a chance to meet the beer makers and go behind the scenes at Beervana locales not usually open to the public.

Read all about it at my Portland Beverages Examiner blog.

Hey, I’m the Portland Drinks Examiner!

PoizenIvy — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:22:53 +0000

I’ve just signed on with Examiner.com to provide commentary on Portland drinks (and just general drinking as well). Expect more of what I’ve been known to do before: reviews of new and locally produced beer, wine and spirits, plus information on upcoming tastings, and a smattering of info on non-alcoholic drinks as well.

I started with the February beer tastings at Belmont Station. Enjoy!

Sam Adams Winter Classics

PoizenIvy — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:23:24 +0000

Being snowed in for almost two weeks does crazy things to a person. It gives you delusions of being Betty Crocker, and it makes you want to drink. Thank Christ-mas for the Samuel Adams Winter Classics,a 12 pack that is Winco bargain priced at $11.99 (plus bottle deposit).

Here’s what you get, and my opinion of these season brews:

Old Fezziwig Ale (5.9%)
Dark, translucent color with a slightly bitter finish; an intriguing light hint of orange and spice. Well-rounded with a hearty complexity; at it’s best when very cold (unlike the dreadful Widmer Brrrr, where the sharp flavors have to warm up and blend for it to become drinkable).

Cream Stout
Nearly opaque with notes of bitter chocolate; nutty and decadently rich.
This makes the highly complementary duo of Cream Stout and Old Fezziwig my two favorites.

Holiday Porter (5.8%)
A potent porter, but after the previous two it falls flat. The single note flavor lacks richness, but it pairs nicely with chipotle cheddar or a nutty swiss cheese.

Cranberry Lambic (5.9%)
A cloudy, amber wheat, very light and not pasty like some wheat beers. Lots of fruitiness; crisp yet not too sweet or tart.

Winter Lager
A dark, clear amber wheat perked up with cinnamon. Deep, warm spice and a lack of bitter hoppiness.

Boston Lager
The classic medium amber; seems similar to the Winter, but with more hops.

Overall, this is nice selection if you are looking to sample multiple offerings befitting the season.