Brew Detective | Beachwood | Amalgamator IPA

The name may be a mouthful but the proof is in there. Beechwood's Amalgamator is an IPA for those of us who want transparency in body. The blending of ingredients inside of this ale, is an artistic path to the notes we smell and taste. Doughy foam sits noticeably atop the ale. Carbonation is initially hidden, but apparent in mouth feel. Earthy garden vibes are at the forefront of tasting, reminiscent of leafy greens. Amalgamator IPA is light enough to crush and refreshing, a great summer beer. I recommend picking some up if given the opportunity. Enjoy craft beer responsibly.

Note:
This post was written before the disastrous fires were raging along the west coast. As a Pacific resident my heart aches. I'm saddened and nervous. Thoughts and blessings to all who are dealing with these catastrophic events. Human induced climate change has to be taken seriously. So too does our collective interaction with Mother Earth and our treatment of the natural world. She doesn't need us, but we sure as shit need Her. A global pandemic, social and civil unrest (everywhere, but especially in Portland), and the most destructive fires perhaps of all time, are an almost fictional narrative of an impending apocalypse. This 2020 layer cake of stress is very real and it has me thinking about a lot of things. Be KIND and Stay Safe!

Do The Right Thing (Spike Lee),

80choices

Brew Detective: Volatile Substance | Von Ebert

Another Portland brewery doing their best to maintain business during such otherworldly times is Von Ebert, makers of tasty beer. My Partner in crime swooped in for curbside pickup. Our order included fried chicken and potatoes, a bottle of Bouquet Blanc (review coming when I crack that rarity), and a four pack of Volatile Substance. It's nice to remember how lucky I am.

Volatile Substance is a NW IPA brewed with Mosaic and Simcoe hops (65 IBU | 6.9%). Prior to scoring these pint cans I'd only had it on draught. The can experience does not disappoint. As is our routine when the weather's nice Agent M and I took an extended neighborhood walk. We sipped a Volatile Substance while admiring the tree lined streets and beautiful homes.

Good bounce occurred when cracking open the pint. Notes of pineapple and grapefruit hit early and disappear from there. This IPA has some bite to it. Agent M noted that it was bitter and tingly, not for beginners. She also mentioned piney characteristics, hoppy and strong. I couldn't be more proud and stoked to take walks with someone.

Be safe during this time of physical distancing and try to support local businesses whenever possible. Keep on keeping on. Enjoy independent beer responsibly.

80choices

Brew Detective: Astoria

On March 7th the world felt different. Maybe because it was. I'm glad we took the opportunity to enjoy Astoria. The Norblad supplied us with some much needed R&R. Our corner room captured beautiful light, dappling the cozy apartment-like setting. Minimalism and comfort softly drapes the energy of where you are over you. The Norblad is also located across the street from Fort George's barreling and bottling warehouse. Did I mention how much I dig Astoria?

We settled in at Buoy Beer Co., lucking in to the best window seat. Sunlight was beaming through big puffy clouds. Marine life casting energetic sounds into the air.

Possessing traits of bitterness and slightly resinous, my first pint was brewed solely with Eureka hops. A light amber hue lit the glass. Damn it was good.

My partner in crime had the Growler Guys IPA (6.6% | 58IBU) — a local taproom collaboration. This flashlight yellow ale resembled the outer edges of a daffodil. Its summery nose accentuated by a bubbly finish; unlike any IPA I've tasted. A collection of hops were generously used during the boil and again in dry hopping. After fermentation an array of citrus was added, melding with the hop profiles. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but I liked it. Craft beer pairs superbly with fresh fish and chips.

With our appetites satiated we reconvened at The Norblad for a little NBA and some BIG napping. The Blazers were still playing at the start of March. Damn I miss basketball. After powering up on rest and round-ball we moved through the cool, moist night over to Fort George. I fancy being at one of my favorite breweries.

I started with a Fanzine IPA (6.7%). This delicious nectar had recently hit shelves in PDX, but I'd been waiting to get it fresh from the source. As soon as you smell this IPA you want to drink it. Awesome aroma pushes through a cloud-like head. Below lies a crisp ale with resounding clarity. 

First course: corn and potato chowder with chicken and bacon, locally sourced, with a side of focaccia. A tasty combo for sure. As the slow night drifted along we devoured deliciousness. M had the rock fish sandwich with jalapeño jam and a mixed green salad. I went total glutton and took down the Fort George burger with Tillamook cheddar and a side of pickled garden vegetables. The pickled cauliflower in particular was amazing. 

We closed the night by spiraling upstairs to take down our favorite cast iron, chocolate chip cookie with vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. This dessert is a must have. The up-stairs portion of Fort George serves an entirely different menu focused on their brick oven. I washed down the baked goodness with a 12oz. Positive Contact IPA (7.4%).

The cool night turned cold as we breathed in a mixture of river and sea air. After a brisk walk we ambled to our room, ready to swallow us in until morning. We nestled in to a warm and inviting bed. Morning slowly unwound, eventually landing us in Street 14 Café down the block. Post brunch we scored a woven basket at Chariot Home and M grabbed up a Zine from Short Wave. Later we stocked up at Fort George and Blue Scorcher Bakery. We had an adventure in mind.

Making our way across the Columbia to explore various hamlets along the southern Washington coast was a great diversion. There were some pretty cute hideouts. As we drove back through Astoria we made sure to support Astoria Co-op, which is in an awesome new building on the east side of town. With fresh made burritos and munchies we made our way home, relishing in a wonderful weekend getaway.

Cheers to the good times,

80choices

Pliny the Younger | 2020 | Apex

February 15th ...

My second straight year sipping Pliny the Younger in Portland was much like the first; no lines, bring your own food, just an average Saturday at Apex. Sounds nice doesn't it? Because it was. We munched sandos while leisurely enjoying the elusive Younger — later migrating to Blind Pig.

Younger 2020 produced subtle aromas and a bit more fruit in the initial taste. It was by no means too fruity. Added bitterness won out as tasting continued. This Younger really announced its freshness. A thin yet substantial foam lifted to a head in this super clean IPA.

Deli Sandwiches, kettle chips, dill pickle spears, Blind Pig and Pliny the Younger makes for a good Saturday luncheon. We enjoyed our local, hassle-free pilgrimage for Younger. Hopefully you did too.

Cheers,
80choices

Brew Detective: Sticky Hands

Caught with a case of Sticky Hands huh? It's goin' round. This time it comes in the form of a delicious IPA that drinks smoother than its ABV suggests. Notes of fruit are inescapable upon opening. Ringing with clarity, it feels foreign in a hazy landscape. Lively mouth-feel pushes the ease with which it drinks. This is really good beer. 

A true west coast IPA. Find Sticky Hands on draft or in pint cans. Block 15 is competing for our taste buds; Sticky Hands will advance their mission. Enjoy independent beer sensibly.

Sticky Hands | 8.1%

Cheers,

80choices.

Brew Detective: Skies of Wonder | Erotic City

Fort George continually crafts spectacular beer. The latest Skies of Wonder release is aptly named, Erotic City. This hazy homage to Prince is really good. Soft juicy pineapple wins out. Palatability is next level, it tastes so good. Overall hop profiles lean toward soft fruity notes rather than bitterness. Yellow tinged and opaque, carbonation continues upward toward a bread dough-like head.

Erotic City is labeled an Imperial IPA. This unfiltered IPA pairs wonderfully with spicy food, say chili or burritos. Grab a Skies of Wonder if given the opportunity. A canned-on date and type of hop is printed on every pint. Enjoy craft beer responsibly. 

Skies of Wonder | Erotic City | 8.7%

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Brew Detective: From Astoria With Love

Sitting along the southern bank of the Columbia River delta, looking north at the tree-heavy topography of Washington while nursing a cold one, is how you take in a Saturday sunset. The local co-op fueled us with edible calories as we rediscovered the small shops and boutique hotels. After exploring we ambled toward Buoy for a pint along the water.

Buoy 
Enjoying a delicious beer above the waterline outside is the best kept secret at Buoy. M went for a beautifully clear and crushable Cream Ale. Excellent customer service allowed her to test drive before going all in. I elected the single hop IPA which helps support the local animal alliance by donating a dollar per pint. El Dorado IPA's tend to be in my wheel house and this was no different, crisp and clear with a bitterness ever so perfect. This west coast IPA's characteristics are reminiscent of a hop-heavy pale ale. I thoroughly enjoyed the flickering moments of the late afternoon sun as the river's shipping lanes made space for massive container ships. Craft beers with my favorite person on earth kept everything tick tock.

Cream Ale | 5.7% | 19 IBU _____ El Dorado Single Hop IPA | 6.7% | 65 IBU

Fort George 
Later in the afternoon we went to the top floor of Fort George. The secret's out; Astoria is a dope beer town. We started out with a couple of Germanic inspired offerings. Lager in the Rye had an earthy, grain-like summer feel. The rye aided in the makeup of the body while keeping it crushable. Rye's an adult lager to say the least. Agent M went for the Cathedral Tree, a barrel fermented pilsner. Such creativity added a lot of complexity and a slight murkiness. Glowing with a lantern-like yellow this soft skunky pilsner is sunshine in a pint glass. Considering that we both went for session style ales, I was stoked to pick up on the many differences that the brewers were capable of achieving. Once again customer service was superb. We were offered to try anything multiple times and felt comfortable spurring conversation with questions. 

Lager in the Rye | 4.7% _____ Cathedral Tree | 4.8%

M went for Crysknife, a hazy IPA, with her final choice. The deep golden hue was opaque. Apparently this batch was brewed in collaboration with Mutual Friends Brewing in Denver. My notes included; the smell, down the hatch and all day yo. Every year since opening Fort George crafts an IPA with hops grown by local community members who then donate those hops to the brewery. I was struck by this idea. Why don't more breweries encourage this interaction? Aptly named the Co-Hoperative Fresh IPA. Co-Hop looked and tasted traditional with a unique color sparked by transparency. Agent M's take was in tune with seasonal change, "it's a holiday beer, a winter IPA," she' crafty and cool. The night ended with a delicious cast iron cookie and vanilla bean ice cream. Do yourself a favor and order one of these every time you're at Fort George, you should probably grab a pint to go too.

Crysknife | 7.2% _____ Co-Hoperative Fresh IPA | 6% 

Blue skies, sunshine and the power of the Columbia delta are both true and heavy. The bait has been set, now take the hook. Beautiful late summer days never hurt either. Enjoy craft beer responsibly. From Astoria with love.

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Bodhizafa | Georgetown

Georgetown Brewing excels at many things, another accelerated offering is Bodhizafa. This IPA exemplifies a west coast IPA, channeling clarity and taste. Fresh comes to mind when I think of this craft brew. Flavors unfold through a bouquet of hops and layers of malt. This incredible beer can fly solo for sure, it also pairs well with cast iron summer vegetables and poblano peppers.

A slight amber hue, maybe malt induced, sways through the clear body. Nice carbonation and a quality head send the information to the top, enticing both your taste buds and nose to scourer for the proper adjectives. Bodhizafa is truly delicious. Look for this gold medal winner on draft or in six packs. Consume craft beer responsibly.

Hops: Chinook, Citra, Columbus, Mosaic | Malts: 2-Row & Munich w/ Oats
Bodhizafa IPA | 6.9%

80choices

Brew Detective: Reubens' Brews Summer IPA

Reuben's Brews just keeps crushing deliciousness, this time it's their Summer IPA. Buy a six pack as soon as you see it, or get ye growler filled if ya live in the PNW. The Thrillist named it one of 21 beers we should be drinking this summer, so it's got that going for it, which is nice.

When this IPA hits your glass, you'll witness outstanding clarity and a fluffy head. Carbonation continues long after the pour. The nose is all IPA, not so juice-forward. This is a true west coast IPA, both in look and taste. The transparent nature of the ale does not surrender one iota of mouth feel. This IPA reflects so positively on Reuben's brewing team, they truly work toward crafting excellent beer. 

I really dig the cleaner, more clear IPA's. Those of us lucky enough to live within beer-crazed areas have ample opportunities to drink quality beer. As my fairy hop-father once told me, "life's too short to drink bad beer. If you don't like it, you don't have to finish it." With somewhere in the neighborhood of 6K breweries nationwide there's plenty to be had. Happy hunting.

Reuben's Summer IPA | 6.5% | 50 IBU

eightychoices. 

Brew Detective: Skies of Wonder

Fort George is damn near batting a thousand. Next up on the Brew Detective radar is Skies of Wonder, an imperial IPA that registers in at 8.7% and doesn't disappoint. Pop the pint can, and pow! Tropical smells blast your senses, there's a super slight cherry vibe too. It's tasty.

The thick haze barely creates a head before dissipating. It does leave some serious legs however. Regardless of its hazy character, it packs a bitter punch. The smell and look do not match the taste (for all of you juice-forward hazy fans), and I'm OK with that. It's unfiltered, so be on the watch when you near the bottom of the can. Skies of Wonder is available year-round, so take 'em slow.

Enjoy responsibly, 

eightychoices

Brew Detective: Pillowfist

Old Town Brewing has great branding, their small batch hazy IPA ain't too bad either. Pillowfist is unfiltered, unprocessed and unapologetic. Old Town describes Pillowfist as, "tropical, juicy, ripe"—their words, not mine. Here's my two cents...

The smell was not what I expected when popping the top. But then, the aroma regains itself and smells like old school, Dole pineapple juice. A literal pillow forms over the ale. It holds distinct notes of bitterness, which compliments and juxtaposes the nose and the appearance, a pleasant contradiction. With each drink you both smell it and taste it. Look for these in the single bottle section of your local grocer or beer shop. 

Pillowfist | 6.8%

Hops: Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo

Malt: NW Pale, Flaked Oats, Cara Foam

Enjoy responsibly,

eightychoices

Brew Detective: Fields of Green

Here I go again, jotting down tasting notes about another Fort George beer. Fields of Green, an unfiltered IPA warns you, "expect sediment." A noble heads up that also reveals some of its nuance. The fact that it's thick and juicy does not impact the carbonation, a fantastic achievement from this taster's perspective. Perhaps this is a progressive step that will push the hazy trend forward.

A great layer of foam settles atop the fruit forward aromas. Unexpectedly, the juicy profiles unfold into a healthy dose of bitterness on the back end. Fields of Green has layers that play out nicely and unexpectedly. It's 7.6%, but I feel as though it still pairs well with gluttonous foods (think burgers, mac and cheese, or fried smashed potatoes with hot sauce). It'll be hard to find outside of the Pacific NW, but worth your money if found. Cheers to more daylight and sunshine. 

Enjoy responsibly,

eightychoices

Brew Detective: Back & Forth

Back & forth is a collaboration between Ex Novo and Fort George, one resides in Portland, the other Astoria. Back & Forth was brewed in Portland with 6 pounds of hops per barrel, then it was triple dry-hopped with Mosaic, Nelson and Galaxy hops. The breweries define this as a hazy rye IPA. I know, it sounds like a lot is going on, but on draft or in a four pack, it's superb. My partner in crime and I made some notes.

Agent M. penned the following; it's a cloudy beer with a bright and sunny, tropical smoothie flavor. Summer in the mouth, mmm.

Mine were as follows; pops with juicy aromas of pineapple and mango, a very tropical nose. Hazy straw-yellow in color, with better than good carbonation. There's great bite up front. Perhaps the rye, maybe the hops? Regardless, the finish is outstanding with real legs. 

Back & Forth Hazy Rye IPA | 6.2%

Enjoy the Super Bowl responsibly,

eightychoices.

Brew Detective: Thirst Trap | Breakside

Breakside Brewery has been a revelation to my taste buds, I like 'em a lot. And recently, my partner-in-crime and I enjoyed some of their libations. Our tasting notes for the Thirst Trap IPA are below.

Agent M: strong at the start, smooth and fruity at the finish, frothy, creamy head, murky and complex. (Damn, that sounds good right?)
My notes: stone fruit, apricot, plus bitterness, amazing carbonation, super downy foam that just sits, it resides in the glass, almost see-through 6.4%. (So there ya have it.)

Be safe this holiday season.

eightychoices.

Brew Detective: Gigantic Brewing Co. | Hop Bot

New to me, so here you go. Gigantic has some nice branding and I dig their single bottle offerings. The Hop Bot is a fresh-hopped, Citra IPA. Tasting notes: resembled flowers, dandelion greens, a strong presence of white grape juice, and maybe even escarole. Quite the cornucopia of produce. It pours with a nice head, glowing orange-gold underneath. Hops for the Bot were farmed locally by Sodbuster. Enjoy local beer responsibly.

Hop Bot | 6%

eightychoices.

Brew Detective: Vertical Lift | Ascendant Beer Co.

Ascendant's Vertical Lift hazy IPA presents fruit forward characteristics derived from hops; those same fruity notes are not overwhelming, which is nice. It's pure haze in the pint glass, you cannot see through it. The carbonation is a big plus, presenting a foamy top, not always the case with Hazy's. I'll be looking for more of Ascendant's libations. Shout out to Bridgetown Beerhouse. Enjoy responsibly.

Vertical Lift | 7% | 77 IBU

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Brew Detective: Hazy Rock | Pelican Brewing

Oregon has a plethora of tasty breweries to indulge in. One that's held my attention is Pelican Brewing. I recently grabbed a six pack of their latest juicy IPA. Hazy Rock pours a deep golden straw, not quite as hazy as others in this category. The carbonation is an A-plus, bubbles move upward, recharging the smooth foam atop. Even with the greater transparency, you still notice particulates. 

Nosing out early are reminders of pineapple and guava. Hop bitterness arrives up front, unfolding into super balanced flavors as the ale dissipates. Hazy Rock is both nuanced and overly drinkable. The color, mouthfeel and finish make this an approachable juicy IPA. Enjoy fine ales responsibly.

Hazy Rock | 6.2% | 35 IBU

eightychoices.

Brew Detective: Time Is Flat Circle | Hen House

TIME IS A FLAT CIRCLE

Guess who's back on the case? Those weathered and dedicated detectives from Brew Detective, I mean, True Detective. Joking and namesakes aside, Hen House has crafted another unique and tasty IPA, Time Is A Flat Circle. The name is pretty cool, uncanny if you will. 

Nosing around you'll unearth fruity-melon and muted peppercorn scents. Glowing and dense this beer means business. The mouth feel is a definite plus. Bitterness lingers though the finish as it softens. Muddled together but not lost, early flavors coalesce. I noticed a grainy earthiness, which put the focus squarely onto the hoppy bitterness. Time Is A Flat Circle adds nice diversity to the Hen House lineup, it's different and I like it. 

Time Is A Flat Circle | 6.8%
Hops: Huell Melon & Mosaic

Cheers,
eightychoices.

Brew Detective: Maine Beer Co. | Woods & Waters

I'm convinced Maine Beer Company does what's right. Having had three of their outstanding offerings I can say Maine Beer is high on the craft beer ethos ladder. If you get the chance, listen to Dan Kleban discuss his personal history and ethics on the Craft Beer & Brewing podcast. The Brew Detective is on board with Dan's impressive thoughts and brewing practices.

Woods & Waters is a special IPA that was brewed to commemorate the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. The barley and wheat were grown in Maine. This outstanding IPA is another testament to excellent craft beer, from beginning, to bottle conditioned end. 

Agent M spoke one word, refreshing. How often do you hear that about an IPA? Woods & Waters pours crisp, clean and clear. A combination of IPA and German-style ale aromas hit the nose. The carbonation's amazing, enhancing attributes of the grains and hops. A light foam tops the see-through body. Cheers to Mother Nature & all she provides. 

Woods & Waters IPA | 6.2%

Hops: Magnum, Simcoe, Mosaic, Columbus & Idaho 7

Malt: American 2-Row, Blue Ox Pale, Blue Ox Wheat, Blue Ox Vienna

enjoy responsibly,
eightychoices.

Brew Detective: Hen House | Philadelphia Experiment

Hen House just keeps crushing it. I have a reputable friend who has suggested that they are now the top brewery in the county! The Philly Experiment is a bit hazy but tastes lighter than the body of the beer suggests. A nice pillow rests atop the opaque straw-yellow nectar, which glows with a tinge of orange. This tasty libation has legs in the glass, it leaves its mark.

The aromas are murky, almost trying to trick your senses. Tropical tasting notes prevail on the front end. There's a dry quality at the finish, an encouraging component to assist you in drinking more. Philadelphia Experiment is brewed with Simcoe, Enigma and Vic's Secret hops. Chances are this IPA will disappear quickly, just as the USS Eldridge did in the Philadelphia Naval Yard back in 1943. 6.0%

Enjoy responsibly,
eightychoices.