Oregon Craft Beer Guide

According to the Brewers Association, Oregon ranks 4^th in the number of microbreweries per capita. Many a good beer can be found in the Pacific Northwest. This article provides information on five of my favorites. Each is a different style from five separate brewing companies. For each beer, I provide some background information on the beer and brewery along with a brief description of each beer's characteristics.

Black Butte Porter - Deschutes Brewery

Named for a volcanic feature in Central Oregon, this is my favorite Oregon beer, and would definitely be in my all-time top five beers. Black Butte looks like a dark cup of coffee. This award winning porter has a rich flavor and smells of the chocolate hops used during the brewing process. Smooth from the first drink, not too thick with a pleasant porter finish, Black Butte is a very satisfying beer. If you are ever in Bend, Oregon you must stop at the Deschutes Brewery to try its flagship beer. There's also a brew pub in Portland. This beer is a must for any Porter fan!

Bridgeport Brewing Co. - India Pale Ale

Bridgeport Brewing Company is Oregon's oldest craft brewery. The company's India Pale Ale (IPA) is brewed with five hops, and smells of citrus fruit and flowers. Bridgeport IPA is not as bitter as some pale ales from the first sip to the last. Double-fermentation is used to create this sparkling golden beer. Check out the Bridgeport Brew Pub or Ale House, both located in Portland.

Dead Guy Ale - Rogue Ales

The unique logo on this beer was created for a private tap sticker celebrating the Mayan Day of the Dead. The logo was an instant success, and Rogue made it the logo for itsMaierbock ale. This beer has a malty smell, and comes with a little bite on the fit sip. It is a drinkable beer with a reddish brown color. There is a slight tangy aftertaste, but this is a pretty smooth beer all around. Be sure to make the trip to the coastal city of Newport, Oregon to sample this and other Rogue ales at one of multiple brew pubs.

Full Sail Brewing Co. - Amber

Full Sail's Amber was the first craft beer to be bottled. This is a great Amber beer, with a hint of sweetness with a spicy floral hop finish. A medium-bodied malty ale, Full Sail's Amber is brewed with three different hops and has won awards world wide. Check out the brew pub in beautiful Hood River, Oregon or visit their second location in Portland.

Riverdog ESB - Calapooia Brewing

Riverdog ESB is one of the smoothest hoppy beers I have ever tried. With a nice rich golden color, this beer's bite is not as bad as other ESBs. This beer has a nice hoppy aroma, and you can taste a hint of sweetness. Even if you are not a big fan of hoppy beers, I recommend you give it a try. I bet you will like at least one! Stop in at the brewery in Albany, Oregon to sample some of Calapooia's creations.