I have made several visits to this fairly new brewpub in Newport over the past few months.  Its a small pub, but packed with excellent beer.  Usually you will find the owner Steve there who loves to talk about his, from the heart, brewing operation.  He does so expertly and in ultra small batches.  Every once in a while he will pull out a brew he is experimenting with and let you take a test drive.  I highly recommend the experience to any beer lovers.  It is located in a small strip mall on the non-ocean side of US-101.  They offer their usual 5 brews and usually a special brew of whatever strikes Steve’s fashion.  There is also plenty of room for the live music that happens nearly every weekend.  Their website is located at:  http://www.skwbrewing.com/

I had the pleasure of being able to attend this annual event this past weekend.  The unexpected addition this year was a variety of local distilleries.  Our fine local Integrity Spirits was there in force showing off their lovely Trillium Absinth.  They also have a very smooth Lovejoy Vodka and Gin which make fine additions to any liquor cabinet.  But as this is a beer blog, so on to that! 

My favorite beer of the festival was a Wit style brew from Fort George Brewery in Astoria.  Quick Wit had a wonderfully smooth taste and made me all around a very happy camper.  Here is the lowdown from the brewer:

Belgian style ale that's pale and cloudy in appearance, that's because it's unfiltered and has a high level of wheat. Wit beer is traditionally brewed with coriander and orange zest. Ours uses organic pale and wheat malts, ground coriander, organic lemongrass (to impart a citrus character ) and wild-crafted elderflower. AV 5.5%

The make some mean fish and chips battered with the help of this fine brew, so next time your in Astoria, look them up.

Fort George Brewery + Public House
1483 Duane Street
Astoria, Oregon USA 97103
Phone: 503-325-PINT(7468)

Another favorite was the always popular Saison from Laurelwood Brewing Company.  Its about the perfect summer brew.  Light and smooth with hints of citrus.  This is one you and your significant other can enjoy on the patio in the coming months.

Calapooia Brewing had a very smooth Chili Beer which was very interesting.  A bit spicy for those of you light of heart.  But don't shy away if your up for it! 

The Edel-Weisse from Scheider Brewing was an excellent Eisenbock.  With an alcohol content of 12% its so smooth you won’t know what is coming.  I knew I had better stay away from that one.  I highly recommend a pint, if you should ever get the chance.  Its brewed like a Doppelbock, then frozen and concentrated to form a perfect blend.

Lost Coast Brewery made a very strong showing but was sold out by Saturday.  Their Tangerine Wheat is definitely one to try.

Overall the event was a great success.  I look forward to hitting it again next year.

Brewers list: 

Step into this historic landmark and you will be amazed.  It has been completely renovated by the McMenamin brothers. 

It includes a theater-pub, 35 guestrooms, many classrooms complete with chalk boards so you can scratch your fingernails down them to your hearts content, multiple bars, and a soaking pool.  Perhaps you would like to enjoy a beer and pizza sitting on the couch watching a first or second run movie.  Check out the schedule here:

http://www.kennedyschool.com/index.php?loc=57&id=82

The brewery turns out McMenamins regulars like Ruby, and some special seasonals like the Scarecrow ESB or the always favorite Irish Stout on Nitro.  There is something to please almost everyone.  McMenamins also serves up their own wine and hard cider.  An excellent for the non-beer drinking crowd.  The new Boiler Room Pub opened on September the 5th and servers food as well as a very unique setting for the pub.  Here is the new menu:

http://www.kennedyschool.com/bin/KSBoiler.pdf

You can also get married here, if the fancy strikes you.  It did not strike us :)  But here are some reviews if your interested:

http://www.weddingmapper.com/plan/vendor/or/portland/hotels/kennedy_school/2191

Anyway, if you are looking to spend a great afternoon or evening in Portland, you can look no further.  Brew Republic can give this McMenamin's gem our official seal of approval. 

Music Schedule: http://www.kennedyschool.com/index.php?loc=57&id=81

The Standard Beers and Current Seasonals Courtesy of McMenamins:

Sunflower IPA
In the 1790s, English sailors needed an ale that could withstand the long sea voyage to the colonies in Asia. Knowing that alcohol and hops are natural preservatives, English brewers developed these strong, highly hopped ales known as India Pale Ales. McMenamins Sunflower IPA was first introduced in the summer of 1995 at our West Linn brewery. Inspired by the bountiful sunflowers grown in the pub's beer garden, our IPA has a deep golden color and distinct yet subtle citrus flavors that satisfy both the diehard IPA drinker and those who prefer a lighter palate. Sunflower IPA is truly a beer for the masses. McMenamins artists Lyle Hehn, Myrna Yoder and Jenny Joyce were each asked to design a label for the new IPA. What resulted was three incredibly beautiful yet dissimilar ideas. Rather than choose one label, we will issue three different bottles!
Malts used: Great Western 2-row, 4OL Crystal
Hops used: Chinook for bittering, with a blend of Chinook and Cascade for flavor and aroma
Original gravity: 1.062; Terminal Gravity: 1.011
Alcohol by Volume: 6.71%
Calories: 265 per pint

Hammerhead
A classic Northwest pale ale and McMenamins top selling beer. This rich chestnut colored gem is a model of harmony between hops and malted barley. Hammerhead's signature Cascade hop nose and intense hopped flavor blend nicely with the caramel tones from the crystal malt. This beer has a vocal following. To run out is an unforgivable sin.
Malts used: Pale Malt; Crystal Malt
Hops used: Cascades
Original Gravity: 1.056; Terminal Gravity: 1.010
Alcohol by Volume: 5.93%
Calories: 241 per pint

Ruby
In 1985, McMenamins became the first brewery in the U.S.A. to legally use fruit in the creation of ales. While many other breweries have followed suit, we still make this Ruby exactly as we first did: Light, crisp and refreshingly fruity. 42 pounds of Oregon-grown and processed raspberry puree are used in every
batch. Taste the original!
Malts used: Pale Malt
Hops used: Vary
Fruit: Raspberries
Original Gravity: 1.038; Terminal Gravity: 1.005
Alcohol by Volume: 4.39%
Calories: 170 per pint

Terminator Stout
Black as the darkest night, rich as the most decadent dessert, Terminator is for the true stout lover. This is a full bodied and flavor packed ale which draws it's robust complexity from kiln-baked specialty grains. Look for a wide array of toasted, chocolate, nutty and coffee-like flavors in every pint! The devoted swear by it, and it remains one of our top selling ales year after year.
Malts used: Pale Malt, Munich Malt, 40L Crystal, Black Barley
Hops used: Cascades
Original Gravity: 1.065; Terminal Gravity: 1.015
Alcohol by Volume: 6.45%
Calories: 282 per pint

Cascade Head
Cascade Head ale, being one of our lightest beers, was named after the National Wildlife Preserve in Lincoln City, Oregon. It is a light, crisp, golden ale and is a good choice for those whose palates are accustomed to America's light lagers. Hopped exclusively with the noble Hallertauer, Cascade Head is a refreshing option for those who prefer their ales a little less aggressive.
Malts used: Pale Malt, 40L Crystal
Hops used: Hallertaur
Original Gravity: 1.040; Terminal Gravity: 1.005
lcohol by Volume: 4.52%
Calories: 170 per pint

Crystal Ale
First produced in 1986, many people have enjoyed Crystal Ale throughout the years. This company standard incorporates Munich malt to complement the pale malt which gives the ale its rich character. The addition of a lighter crystal malt makes the beer flavorful yet smooth, while lending it a deep gold appearance. Exclusive use of Hallertauer hops in both bittering and finish imparts a refreshing aroma and pleasant aftertaste. Crystal Ale is the perfect pint for patrons who want an ale that is flavorful, but not too heavy.
Malts used: Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Hops used: Hallertaur
Original Gravity: 1.050; Terminal Gravity: 1.010
Alcohol by Volume: 5.16%
Calories: 214 per pint

Bagdad Ale
Bagdad Ale is a benchmark beer for McMenamins. Inspired by the Pilsner style, our Bagdad Ale is one for the lager lovers. Its fine hop aroma and quick, light finish makes this a good ale for hot weather. It has become a favorite at McMenamins Bagdad Theater in Portland.
Malts used: Pale Malt, Carapils, 40L Crystal
Hops used: Sterlings
Original Gravity: 1.045; Terminal Gravity: 1.006
Alcohol by Volume: 5.03%
Calories: 190 per pint

Edgefield Wheat
Edgefield Wheat is a classic example of an American wheat ale. Unlike the popular Northwest Hefeweizen, Edgefield Wheat is a bright, clear, clean tasting ale. The smooth flavor of wheat malt is highlighted and has become a favorite of light ale drinkers.
Malts used: Pale Malt, Malted Wheat, Vienna Malt
Hops used: Perle, Tettnanger
Original Gravity: 1.045; Terminal Gravity: 1.008
Alcohol by Volume: 4.77%
Calories: 191 per pint

Nebraska Bitter
This golden bitter uses fresh Cascade hops in modest amounts to create a more subtle hop flavor and bitterness than its big brother, Hammerhead. Nebraska Bitter was first brewed at the Fulton Pub & Brewery, located in Southwest Portland. This crisp and flavorful ale has become a standard attraction at McMenamin's taps everywhere.
Malts used: Pale Malt, 40L Crystal Malt
Hops used: Cascade
Original Gravity: 1.044; Terminal Gravity: 1.008
Alcohol by Volume: 4.64%
Calories: 187 per pint

Black Rabbit Porter
Black Rabbit Porter is a semi-sweet ale with a roasty chocolate malt tone. This ale is defined by it's toasted nut flavor and a sweeter, softer finish than McMenamins' Terminator Stout. Named after the elusive Black Rabbit who roamed freely on the grounds at the Edgefield Manor, this ale has been an Edgefield staple for years.
Malts used: Pale Malt, 40L Crystal Malt, Chocolate Malt, Brown Malt
Hops used: Cascade, Tettnanger, Hallertauer
Original Gravity: 1.057; Terminal Gravity: 1.014
Alcohol by Volume: 5.55%
Calories: 247 per pint

McMenamins Irish Stout
What better way to honor St. Patrick's Day than with a fabulous stout brewed in the dry Irish style. McMenamins Irish Stout belongs to the dry Irish family and is brewed in the tradition of many famous Irish brews including Murphys, Beamish, and of course, Guinness. The term dry refers to the lack of residual sweetness found in some stouts. This quality provides a clean, crisp and refreshing draught. Aromas of chocolate and malt combine with hoppy, herbal nuances. The taste is complex, including pronounced roast barley flavors and a rich, bready warmth. These essences give way to a pleasing chocolate-espresso richness balanced by an herbal hop twang.
Malts used: Great Western Pale Malt, Great Western Flaked Barley, Hugh Baird Chocolate Malt, Hugh Baird Brown Malt and Hugh Baird Roast Material
Hops used: Chinook and Yakima Goldings
Original Gravity: 1.044; Terminal Gravity: 1.007
Alcohol by Volume: 4.77%
Calories: 186 per pint
Available at all McMenamins establishments starting in March

Workingman's Red
Embrace the change of seasons with McMenamins Spring Seasonal, Workingman's Red. The Vernal Equinox celebrates the renewed life of the Earth that comes with spring. It is a solar festival, observed when the length of night and day (on the equator, at least) are equal, striking a perfect balance between dark and light. Workingman's Red is an exceptional beer for the occasion, since its reddish hue strikes a perfect balance between the darker beers of winter and the lighter beers of summer. Its flavor is also perfectly balanced between the sweetness derived from malted barley and the bitterness derived from whole hop cones.
The Irish Red style was first brewed in Ireland by Franciscan monks sometime in the 14th century, which was long before stout became the national drink. The use of unmalted roasted barley reflected the Irish tradition of dodging British-imposed malt taxes while adding depth and complexity to the ale's character. It gained appeal as a restorative brew to slake the thirsts of farm hands at harvest time and, later, industrial workers after a day in the factory. An exceptionally drinkable quality characterized this ale. The same can be said for Workingman's Red, which has a deep mahogany color and a slight, malty sweetness up front. This rich foundation and flavor is surprisingly smooth due to the perfect balance of noble hop flavors. It finishes with a toasty mouth feel and a bold, aromatic hop character that compliments the up front sweetness exquisitely.
Workingman's Red is flavorful enough to satisfy discerning tastes, but still quaffable enough to quench the mighty thirst of the workingman.  Strike a balance this spring with Workingman's Red.
Malts used: Great Western Pale Ale Malt, Great Western 120L Crystal Malt, Great Western Flaked Barley, Bairds Brown Malt, Bairds Roast Material
Hops used: Chinook (Bittering), US Golding & Tettnang (Flavor and Aroma)
Original Gravity: 1.047; Terminal Gravity: 1.010
Alcohol by Volume: 4.77%
Calories: 201 per pint

Copper Moon
This summer, a different kind of moon is rising across the McMenamins Empire as we proudly introduce our brand new summer seasonal, Copper Moon. After bringing you more than a decade of delicious, light, crisp, smooth-tasting, golden-colored thirst-quenchers during the hot summer months, the brewers have decided to up the ante a little bit. Copper Moon is the result. This wonderful elixir has a bit more malt quality and hop character than our previous summer seasonals, spawning a refreshing, flavorful beer that we like to identify as a Summer Pale Ale. On top of that, all of the malted barley used in every batch of Copper Moon is organically grown and malted. All of our breweries will be utilizing Great Western Malting Organic 2-row, Organic Munich Malt and Organic 60L Crystal Malt. The outcome is a smooth, flavorful summer pale ale that is made with 100% Organic grains.
The first thing you'll notice about Copper Moon is the coppery orange luminescence radiating out of the pint glass. This comes from the special combination of 3 different Organic malts in every batch. Those Organic malts also impart a flavorsome yet summery smooth sweetness that quenches your thirst at the same time as tantalizing your taste buds. The upfront hop bitterness of Copper Moon is relatively low, complementing the malts nicely without being overpowering. The hop flavor and aroma are another matter, as the Centennial and Amarillo hops used in the latter stages of each batch intermingle delightfully to generate a dazzling citrusy and flowery olfactory experience. All these things blend into a refreshing, flavorful and organic summer beer. There's a Copper Moon risin' this summer across the McMenamins Kingdom, make sure that you check it out.
Malts Used: Great Western Organic 2-row Malt, Great Western Organic Munich Malt, Great Western Organic 60L Crystal Malt
Hops Used: Chinook (Bittering), Centennial (Flavor), Amarillo (Aroma).
Alcohol: 5.03% by volume

Scarecrow ESB
We welcome the coming of autumn with McMenamins Fall Seasonal, "Scarecrow ESB." A familiar figure in the fall rural landscape, scarecrows watch over and protect the fields where barley and hops are cultivated for future use as raw ingredients in ales and lagers. Scarecrow ESB is an exceptionally drinkable Extra Special Bitter style ale. This mesmerizing brew is well balanced with a wonderfully complex yet unassuming malty sweetness and a delightful yet unobtrusive flavorful hoppiness. The finish is delicate and crisp with a wonderfully pungent hop aroma. This outstanding balance of malt and hops makes Scarecrow ESB a very savory, yet very smooth and satisfying brew.
As we move into autumn, a bridge or stepping stone from the smooth, crisp golden ales of summer to the dark, heavy winter ales is needed. Scarecrow ESB fills this gap nicely as a very accessible, yet highly flavorful and complex amber ale.
Malts Used: Great Western Pale Ale Malt, Bairds Pale Ale Malt, Great Western Vienna Malt, Great Western Flaked Barley, Great Western 40L Crystal Malt, Great Western 120L Crystal Malt
Hops Used: Chinook (Bittering), Amarillo (Flavor), Sterling & Tettnang (Aroma)
Original Gravity: 1.046; Terminal Gravity: 1.010
Alcohol by Volume: 4.64%
Calories: 197 per pint
Available at all McMenamins establishments September 14 through October 31

Sleepy Hollow Nut Brown
Time has slipped by again and we are confronted with the myriad of changes in the season that is autumn. Beautiful arrays of different colored foliage magically appear on the trees. Chillier weather starts to encompass our lives day by day. It's time to start thinking of burning wood in the fireplace to drive the cold from the extremities and of savoring the potion of your choice to warm the bones and soothe the soul. One can't think of anything better than the McMenamins classic seasonal brew, Sleepy Hollow Nut Brown.
Sleepy Hollow Nut Brown's chestnut color and medium body will cast an otherworldly spell over you. The complex malt character, well balanced with Nugget and US Golding hops, will have you walking in a continual reverie. Legend has it that Ichabod Crane downed a few Nut Brown Ales listening to local ghost tales and scary legends at the Van Tassel merry-making party before his fateful trip home. Be watchful and clear-headed on your way home lest you begin to grow fanciful, see shapes and shadows in the night and hear things in the howling wind. It may just be your imagination or it may just be the Headless Horseman on his fire-breathing black stallion following you!
Malts Used: Great Western Pale Ale Malt, Great Western Munich Malt, Great Western Flaked Barley, Great Western 15L Crystal Malt, Great Western 120L Crystal Malt, Baird Chocolate Malt, Baird Roast Material
Hops Used: Nugget (Bittering), US Golding (Flavor & Aroma)
Original Gravity: 1.050; Terminal Gravity: 1.011
Alcohol by Volume: 5.03%
Calories: 215 per pint
Available at all McMenamins establishments October 31 through January 31

Kris Kringle
Just in time for the holidays, November 16th marks the release of this year's holiday seasonal ale, Kris Kringle. This "winter warmer" highlights the rich, toasty, aromatic and roast malt flavors and is subtly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. It is a medium-bodied, well-balanced ale with a garnet amber color. It pours concurrently with Sleepy Hollow Nut Brown.
Malts Used: GWM Pale Ale Malt, GWM 75L Crystal Malt, GWM Munich Malt, Baird's Chocolate Malt
Hops Used: Chinook (Bittering & Flavor)
Original Gravity: 1.058; Terminal Gravity: 1.013
Alcohol by Volume: 5.81%
Calories: 250 per pint

A very Portland-esque establishment with good brew to boot.

Lucky Labrador
915 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR

Beers Sampled:

• Organic Rose City Red: An excellent, full flavored red ale with subtle bitterness and a satisfying amber color.
• No Pity Organic Pale Ale: Nice organic pale, with a slightly amber color and very subtle bitterness. The hopiness of the pale ads a subtle bite that makes each sip seem very refreshing.
• Super Dog: Double IPA with good flavor and body and while the hops are strong, they do not overpower the beer. Very refreshing and satisfying.
• Steam lager - slightly hoppy rich lager with strong flavor.
• Hellasaurus Rex - smooth pilsner-like German beer with a rich malty flavor balanced by a slight hop crispness. Interesting and very unique beer. Limited availability.

The Lucky Lab is a friendly unassuming bar and pub located on Hawthorne, close in on the East side of Portland. The atmosphere is easy going with no pretension. Folks are content to chat, read, or bring a laptop. The Lab also serves pub food and has a nice patio area where dogs are welcome. The Lucky Lab epitomizes Portland's dog friendly atmosphere and low key style. No problem visiting the pub alone, as there is no pressure.

Pros: Good beer, friendly atmosphere, pet friendly

Cons: Unable to get a solid wi-fi signal here despite the fact that there are several available.

Cornelius Pass Roadhouse
4045 N.W. Cornelius Pass Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Local: (503) 640-6174

http://mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=13&category=Location%20Homepage

Beers Sampled:

• Blind Abbot Abbey Ale – Dark and sweet like a good Belgium ale should be.

• ESB (on nitro) - Poured dark orange with a big, frothy, white head. It has an aroma of malt and spicy hops. Palate is really smooth, low carbonation and it coats the mouth nicely.

• Edgefield Hard Cider – Possibly the best hard cider in Portland, not too sweet but still has the flavor of a fresh, green apple.

• Copper Moon – The featured beer of the summer, Copper Moon is hoppier than the typical summer ale. It uses three different malts, providing a smooth, but not overly sweet beer. True to Portland, Copper Moon is made from primarily organic ingredients.

• Ruby – Ruby is the perfect beer for a sweltering summer day. This was the first ale in the US to be made with real fruit – 55 pounds per batch. The result is a light and fruity ale packed with raspberry goodness.

Like all McMenamins, expect to sacrifice speedy service for good beer and great atmosphere. The Cornelius Pass Roadhouse is one of McMenamins’ most prolific breweries so there is always something new to try. In the summer it’s a great place to relax outside at one of the many picnic tables made from salvaged timbers and snack on humus, a pub burger or hand cut fries. It is arguably one of the best patios in Portland.  It has seating for hundreds in the sprawling "backyard".  The seats around the large outdoor fireplace are the most sought after.  The beautiful trees surrounding the venue make it a true oasis.  In the winter you can snuggle up to the fire inside Imbrie Hall or the tiny and cozy Little White Shed.

Pros: good beer with plenty of choices, laid back, free wi-fi, lots of outdoor seating, live

music on a regular basis, cajun tots, need I say more?

Cons: service can be slow

If you have never been to Pacific City, then get there now.  It is the perfect time of year for the Oregon Coast, where the crowds are thinner and the beach is just as beautiful.  Also try your hand at Tuna fishing through mid-September.  Located right on the beach – you can actually sit at tables with sand beneath your toes – the Pelican has amazing views of the ocean. The menu is typical pub food with some fresh seafood tossed in. The food is good, but the prices are a tad high, what can you expect, they are ON the beach. The Pelican has managed to find a balance between being a traditional dark-paneled pub and a family friendly restaurant without diminishing either.

Pelican Pub & Brewery
Pacific City, Oregon
(503) 965-7007

Beers Sampled:

• Surfer Summer Ale

  • The slight herbal fruity smell from this golden glacial hopped concoction make it on of the freshest summer ales I have ever tasted!  Here is the rundown:

  • Ingredients:

    • Golden Promise malt
      Wheat malt
      Torrefied wheat
      Glacier hops
      Pure local water
      Pure ale yeast

  • Specifications:

    • 12.5 degrees Plato
      Alcohol: 5.5% by volume
      Bitterness: 26 IBU
      Color: 8 SRM

• Saison du Pelican

  • Beautiful saison belgian style ale, with a sweet spicy twinge, think spicy citrus.  It aftertaste is especially nice, and its very drinkable.  Here is the rundown:

  • Ingredients:

    • Pale Ale malt
      Flaked Spelt
      Glacier hops
      Pure local water
      Belgian-type ale yeast

  • Specifications:

    • 13.2 degrees Plato
      Alcohol: 6.0% by volume
      Bitterness: 25 IBU
      Color: 8 SRM

• Doryman's Dark Ale

• Dark rich with malts and very balanced.  It can be a great compliment to the fish and chips available here.  I think this is a quintessential coastal beer, and you should not leave the Pelican without tasting it. 
• Ingredients:

• Pale Ale Malt
  White Wheat Malt
  Caramel Malt
  Chocolate Malt
  Mt. Hood Hops
  Cascade Hops
  Magnum Hops
  Pure Local Water
  Pure Ale Yeast

• Specifications:

  • 14 degrees Plato
    Alcohol: 5.8% by volume
    Bitterness: 42 IBU
    Color: 33 lovibond

Pros: good service, incredible views, you can wander in off of the beach for a beer, when the weather is good there is sandy play area for your kids that you can see from the outdoor tables.

Cons: prices are a little high

Go to their Fall Brewers Dinner on October 18th 2008

where Head Brewer Darron Welch and Executive Chef Pieter Vanden Hogen prepare another fabulous dinner event featuring the foods of Spain expertly paired with the award winning beers of the Pelican Pub & Brewery. Book Early as the dinners sell out well in advance.
$75 per person
Doors open at 6:30pm with Dinner at 7:00pm.  Call the Brewery for more details and tell them Brew Republic Sent You!

Had a chance to stop by the Full Sail Keg at the Oregon Brewers Festival and try their excellent pale bock.  It was smooth and malty, just like I wanted it to be.  It was one of my favorites of a festival overrun with IPA's.  So it happens that I was able to visit a few short days later the wonderful brewery in the scenic Columbia River Gorge.  Hood River is an amazing little town to begin with.  The view, the windsurfers, kiteborders, white water rafting(check out the white salmon just across the bridge.. great class 3-5) all make it a great place for a getaway. 

I was able to try their more excellent Doppel Bock, their LTD 01 Lager, their Summer Weizen, and of course the awesome LTD 02.  All were excellent as were the burgers we had to go along with them.  Really excellent service and some exquisite beers. 

5. Its in Portland!

4. Your Friends are all doing it.

3. You can take the MAX.

2. You can go to the ALT festival across the street if you get bored.

1. Where else can you sample hundreds of beers and potentially a good portion that will never been seen again.

Its absolutely the best beer festival on the planet for Microbrew enthusiasts, hands down no contest.  You need to get to Portland within the next 7 days.  Check Beer festivals section for more tips! 

http://beerfestivals.brewrepublic.com 

I was recently able to sample this excellent IPA while visiting Glacier National Park in Montana.  I was at the infamous Charlie's Place in Babb, home to the Babb Music Festival.  The bar serves an excellent selection of Local Brews as well as about anything else you would want.  It almost makes me want to move to Montana, about as laid back as a bar can possibly get.  Anyway, on to this fantastic Single Malt IPA powerhouse from Blackfoot Brewing in Helena, Montana.  Here is the commercial description:

Just like Single Malt Scotch, our spring seasonal I.P.A. is brewed from 100% crisp Maris Otter floor-malted (made by hand!) barley - no specialty malts, no blending. This traditional India Pale Ale is heavily hopped with both Magnum and Cascade hops grown in the Pacific Northwest. Golden in color, refreshing to drink and full of hops, this beer is available from mid-February through mid-September

It is clean, crisp and a great beer for the summer months.  It does not leave a bad taste in your mouth and goes well with food.  The Aroma was good a clean as well as expected from the non blended ingredients.  You simply can not go wrong with this beer.  More pictures when I get the chance.  Brewrepublic rating: 8/10

A decidely Portland-esque type of beer event, the NAOBF is the place to go to sample a wide variety of organic beers.  Organic is an interesting trend in beer, but undoubtedly it fits right in with the concept of craft brewing.  If you care about how good your beer tastes, then ultimately you should care about the quality of the ingredients.

The festival was fun, with 40+ brewers on display, live music, and a variety of vegetarian and organic food available.  You'll need several hours to sample all, or most of the beers.  The brews range from summer classics like a wit or pale up into the realms of a chocolate stout.  Clearly there was something for everyone.

The Brew Republic team was out enjoying the festival and the warm weather.  We enjoyed the easy going atmosphere and trying the many varieties of organic goodness.  Some highlights included Double Mountain's outstanding Summer Wit, Redstone's 8% ABV apricot and raspberry meads, and Standing Stone Brewery's Double IPA.  On the weird category was a surprisingly good Squash beer.  For wheat lovers the Edel-Weiss was a tasty brew.

All in all a good show and great fun on a lovely warm Portland afternoon.