VOLUME 1, ISSUE 45: GABF's, Ukrainian Brew & Wookie Jack
Shout Out To Oregon’s 2024 GABF Winners
Oregon breweries absolutely killed it at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), bringing home a total of 38 medals and earning three prestigious Brewery of the Year awards. Here are some highlights from the winners: Sunriver Brewing Co. shined with gold medals for their Fuzztail (American Wheat Beer) and Something Dank This Way Comes (American-Style Strong Pale Ale). They also earned the Brewery of the Year title for the 5,001-15,000 barrels category.
Alesong Brewing & Blending from Eugene took home gold for French 75 (Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour) and Touch of Brett (Mixed-Culture Brett Beer), winning Brewery of the Year in the 251-500 barrels category.
Grand Fir Brewing here in Portland earned silver medals for Ponga (International Pale Ale) and Gastropod (Imperial IPA), capturing the Brewery of the Year award in the 501-1,000 barrels category.
Other Oregon breweries also claimed top spots, including Oregon City Brewing with a gold for My Cerise Amour (Belgian Fruit Beer) and Fort George Brewery with a gold in the Chocolate Beer category for Fudge Sickles.
In the cider category, 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis won several medals and was named Cidermaker of the Year. Love it!
These awards reflect Oregon’s strength and diversity in craft brewing, with breweries across the state excelling in categories from IPAs to sours and experimental brews, and we are proud to be part of the community and do our best to make their craft available to you.
C U R I O S I T Y
Videns’ke Pale – Ukraine
This unique Ukrainian pilsner pours with a proper, frothy head and a bold aroma that hints at brandy or whisky, with biscuity and honey undertones. The flavor is malt-forward, balanced by deep, musky hops reminiscent of Czech lagers. The mouthfeel is well-rounded, though slightly effervescent and missing the full body of a classic pilsner. Notes of honey, prunes, figs, dates, and tangerine adds layers to this complex beer. While it’s not quite as smooth as a German pilsner, this beer offers a truly distinctive and enjoyable experience.
Buoy Cream Ale – Astoria, OR
Buoy’s Cream Ale is a light, refreshing brew that balances ale and lager qualities. This golden cream ale is smooth and crisp, with a subtle malt sweetness and restrained hop character that provides a clean, easy-drinking experience. The use of lager yeast, fermented at warmer temperatures, gives it a unique creaminess and complexity without overpowering. Tasting this Friday in Beaverton.
Terroir Incognito – Ciderkin Sparkling Hard Apple Piquette
Terrior incognito crafts this Ciderkin by crowd-sourcing surplus apples from local sources. This eco-friendly beverage is created by rehydrating apple pomace – the pulp left over the cider pressing – and fermenting it, resulting in a low-alcohol, lightly fizzy drink with crisp apple notes and a hint of tartness Terroir Incognito’s use of locally – sourced, surplus apples not only adds unique character but also supports sustainable practices, giving this refreshing drink a true taste of Portland’s bounty.
Stormbreaker Brewing Ghostbreakers – Portland, OR
Ghostbreakers is a bold and unique brew that combines the rich, roasted notes of a dark ale with the hop-forward profile of an IPA. This India Black Ale (or Cascadian Dark Ale) clocks in at 6.66% ABV and 63 IBU, giving it a balanced bitterness with a slightly “spooky” twist. Made with Citra, Centennial, and Amarillo hops along with a generous amount of Midnight Wheat, offering a smooth, dark malt body complemented by complex hop flavors. Tasting this Friday at Multnomah.
Kin Euphorics
Crafted to elevate mood and well-being using adaptogens, nootropics, and botanicals. Inspired by holistic practices, Kin’s beverages are designed to reduce stress, enhance focus, and bring balance. With ingredients like Reishi, Thodiola, and 5-HTP, Kin provides a natural approach to achieving calm, energy, and mental clarity. Each blend offers a unique experience, helping you tune into yourself and your surroundings. It’s more than a drink – it’s a way to celebrate each moment with intention and vitality.
Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker
Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA is a seasonal standout that just came in. This dark, hoppy masterpiece brings together roasted malt richness with a hefty dose of earthy, piney hops, balanced by a touch of rye spice. The result? A bold layered beer that’s as complex as it is drinkable. With its deep flavors and slightly bitter finish, Wookey Jack is perfect for those looking to experience a darker side of the IPA spectrum. Grab it while you can and taste the legend.
C O M M U N I T Y
Vote 2024
Voting is one of the best ways to shape the community we all love, the community we share. Just like choosing the perfect beverage, participating in elections is all about finding what resonate with you and backing it. Local and national, every choice and every voice is important. Join us in celebrating craft, community, and a dash of civic duty. Together, let’s build a future to be proud of, one vote at a time… Cheers Friends!