Big Barrel of... | Brew Detective Best of 2020

Jackie Treehorn Presents:

The pandemic, police killing minorities, social unrest and protests, increased homelessness, the closure of far too many small businesses, and catastrophic fires along the west coast, were all tossed into one big barrel of WTF, better known as Portland, Oregon. To hell with an emotional state. My mind feels as though it's been overwritten. Things look fucked because they are. Time feels off, askew, now is a time for reflection, an opportunity to reconsider. 

Let's look inward to ensure a more positive direction moving forward. If we take action, if we prove that we care about one another, about the natural world, we will reap a more fruitful benefit. There's only one spaceship fit to fly us around the sun. We've been mistreating Mother Earth for far too long. Future generations are being dealt drastic doses of environmental deterioration. Reactive policies, tactics, and practices, have never been good enough. We have to do better.

Nature continues on, complete and perfect in its organic chaos, despite human influence. Time will not stop for us. We can make changes to give us new chances. There is so much to consider and I'm sorry if this was too sermon-like. I often use this platform as more of a digital journal, so as always, thanks for checking in. If you're still reading, hopefully my rambling reinforces the idea of, Do the Right Thing. Below is the positivity portion of this post. 

Buoy

I've assembled, for the first time in many moons, the best of Brew Detective. The list below showcases my favorite beers of 2020. Most selections were new beers released this calendar year, others were new to me. Having a tasty craft beer is one of life's pleasures — tastebuds need love too. Let's promote good energy through the rest of the year and beyond. Hopefully autumn feels kind, be safe out there. Enjoy these libations responsibly.

Best of Brew Detective | 2020

Dynamic Duo IPA | Ex Novo

Fanzine IPA | Fort George

Maiden West IPA | Little Beast

Eureka Pale Ale | Buoy

Panacea Pale Ale | Ex Novo

Pliny the Younger | Russian River

Jealous Butcher: Side A Pilsner | Fort George & Von Ebert

Farmers Annuary | Fort George \ Crosby Hops

Fields of Green | Fort George  \ Coleman Farms Citra Hops (canned: 9.25.20) \ 7.6% 

Shout-out to: Amalgamator IPA | BeachWood & Space Danger IPA | Fremont

Pale Ale | Beachcrest Brewing Co. 

Cheers, 

80choices

Maiden West IPA | Little Beast Brewing

Little Beast Brewing creatively crafts beer — fruited sours, barrel aged ales, and west coast IPA's are some of the elixirs you can expect. Certain offerings are available in single bottles, while select others can be found in four packs. I recommend hanging out in their (hopefully sun-soaked) yard on SE Division with a fresh pint.

The delicious Maiden West is beautifully done in the spirit of west coast IPA's. Early aromas lean toward white peach and yellow nectarine. Carbonation moves about with glowing clarity. Those notes of stone fruit fade into pleasant bitterness. Contrast in smell and taste can really add to the complexity of an IPA. Maiden West accomplishes this in both a surprising and respectful way; nothing seems out of the ordinary, ingredients and methodology work in tandem to achieve such distinct aromas, flavor and nuance. Little Beast crafts with care in order to create quality beer. Enjoy responsibly.

Cheers,

80choices

Brew Detective: Little Beast | Wolf Camp

Little Beast Brewing in Portland is a favorite of mine, rarely do I find myself at their taproom. They possess a cool, minimal aesthetic, and craft tasty beer. I highly recommend grabbing a Little Beast offering. As for the findings on the following information, I need to thank Agent M for scoring a can of Wolf Camp. Say it again, just because it's cool, Wolf Camp.

This hoppy saison held a very subtle nose early on. Wolf Camp was oddly lacking the Ag-centric notes I was expecting. A nice foamy head forms atop the see-through straw-yellow liquid. Bubble gum aromas became noticeable after pouring. Wolf Camp jabs softly in lieu of a hop-heavy punch. The initial carbonation gets muddled along the way. It's light, slippery and has bubble gum notes, a narrative fit for a Kölsch. Interesting to say the least. Enjoy responsibly.

Wolf Camp | Hoppy Saison | 6.2% | Little Beast Brewing

80choices