Volume 1, Issue 47: Winter Ales + Ice Rinks + a Belgian
We’re big fans of Winter Ales—those rich, flavorful brews that show up just as the cold sets in, ready to bring a bit of warmth and spice to the season. Winter Ales are all about celebrating what makes this time of year special: cozy nights, festive gatherings, and flavors that bring a little extra to the glass.
Two icons that have helped shape the Winter Ale tradition are Sierra Nevada’s Celebration and Deschutes’ Jubelale. Celebration Ale is one of the earliest examples of a fresh hop winter beer, brewed annually since 1981. It’s got that signature hoppy punch you’d expect from Sierra Nevada, balanced with a malty backbone and hints of citrus and pine—a true celebration of the season’s first hops.
Then there’s Jubelale from Deschutes, an Oregon classic since 1988. Jubelale embraces a more traditional winter style with darker malts that bring out notes of caramel, spice, and dried fruit.
Both of these Winter Ales capture something different & here at John’s, we stock these classics along with new takes on the Winter Ale style, so you can experience the best of the season, whether you’re sticking to tradition or exploring something new. Cheers to winter!
C U R I O S I T Y
LIVING HAUS BEER COMPANY - Portland, Oregon
Founded by a team of experienced brewers, Conrad Andrus and Mat Sandoval, Living Haus is a lager forward brewery that combines creative brewing techniques with a focus on local ingredients, producing beers that are both innovative and approachable. Pick up a Herman if your a fan of hazy’s or the spicy Dolores Pils that is always a steady mover at John’s, or let your curiosity run wild and check out a one-off beer like the Bartleby Grodziskie.
BROUWERIJ 3 FONTEINEN * FRAMBOOS - Beersel, Belgium
Framboos is one of 3 Fonteinen's most celebrated offerings, showcasing their mastery in fruit lambics. This beer is crafted by adding whole, fresh raspberries to a young lambic, which is then allowed to undergo a secondary fermentation. The result is a complex, vibrant beer with a deep ruby color and an intense aroma of fresh raspberries, complemented by earthy, tart, and funky notes typical of well-crafted lambic. Due to its labor-intensive production and reliance on high-quality, seasonal fruit, Framboos is typically brewed in small batches, making it rare and highly prized. Find it amongst our enormous selection of Belgian beers.
STEEPLEJACK BREWING * NON ALCOHOLIC - Portland, Oregon
Steeplejack has joined the non-alcoholic beer community with an IPA and a Pilsner that offer a flavorful experience that doesn’t compromise on taste. Their non-alcoholic release is crafted with the same attention to detail as their traditional lineup, using high-quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques to deliver a balanced, satisfying drink. Expect a crisp, full-bodied flavor with notes that appeal to craft beer enthusiasts, making it a great choice when you look to enjoy a delicious alcohol-free brew.. 05% ABV
CRUX FERMENTATION PROJECT * SLOW RUSH STOUT - Bend, Oregon
a rich, complex imperial stout, balancing roasted malts with subtle hints of chocolate and coffee. The stout’s flavor profile is smooth and layered, delivering notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and caramel with just a touch of sweetness to round out the finish. Inspired by the Spanish coffee cocktail and is aged in rum barrels, imparting flavors of roasted cold brew, rich chocolate, and natural vanilla. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried orange peel adds complexity, resulting in a smooth, sturdy stout with hints of spice. 12.2% ABV
LUCKY SAINT * ALCOHOL FREE - London, England
This unfiltered lager has earned rave reviews for its full-bodied flavor, combining biscuity malts with a refreshing citrus hop finish. Unlike many other alcohol-free options, Lucky Saint delivers a creamy mouthfeel and depth that could easily be mistaken for a traditional lager. With only 53 calories per bottle and a vegan-friendly recipe, it’s perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. .05% ABV
BAERLIC BREWING - Portland, Oregon
Baerlic has built a reputation for well-crafted, approachable beers that still surprise you with layers of flavor. Their lineup includes everything from classic lagers and hop-forward IPAs to seasonal and experimental brews that highlight the best of Pacific Northwest ingredients. Whether it’s their easy-drinking Nice & Easy Gose, the juicy Punk Rock IPA, or the richly malty Dark Thoughts stout, Baerlic brings something special to every pint. At John’s, we love how Baerlic combines quality with approachability, making their beers perfect for everything from laid-back gatherings to more serious tastings.
t a s t i n g s t h i s w e e k
W E D N E S D A Y . november 13, 4:00 - 6:00PM
“TRY DRY” SAMPLING
MULTNOMAH - MAGIC CACTUS BOTANICALS
POWELL - STEEPLEJACK BREWING N/A BEER, & BOOL SPARKLING WINES
BEAVERTON - RATIONALE BREWING N/A BEER
T H U R S D A Y . november 14, 4:30 - 7:00PM
POWELL - LIVING HAUS BEER CO - Portland, Oregon
MULTNOMAH - SELIONNE WINES - Newberg, Oregon
F R I D A Y . november 15 - 4:30 - 7:00PM
MULTNOMAH - HOOCH BOOCH HARD KOMBUCHA - Dayton, Oregon
Wine Tasting: BRICK HOUSE WINES -Newberg, Oregon
POWELL - CRUX FERMENTATION PROJECT - Bend, Oregon
Wine & Empanada Tasting:
GILBERT CELLARS - Yakima, Washington
MASA EMPANADAS - Portland, Oregon
BEAVERTON - BAERLIC BREWING - Portland, Oregon
Wine Tasting: PRECEPT WINES
C O M M U N I T Y
DOWNTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The Portland Winter Ice Rink is coming, and we couldn’t be more excited! At John’s Marketplace, we’re all about celebrating the season with fun, family, and community—so grab your scarves and mittens and hit the ice at one of Portland’s coziest holiday spots. Open from November 16 to January 5 at the waterfront, this outdoor rink is the perfect place to embrace winter vibes, whether you’re gliding across the ice like a pro or just trying to stay upright!
With six skate sessions a day, there’s plenty of time to get out there with friends, family, or that special someone. And it’s not just about skating! The Winter Village has food, warm drinks, and a cozy lounge to keep you in the holiday spirit. After your time on the ice, swing by John’s for some winter brews, mulled wine, or festive snacks to keep the day going. Don’t miss out on this Portland tradition—let’s make it a winter to remember!