It’s On Tap

Two friends of mine came to Oregon to visit a few weeks ago, and like good friends do, I wanted to show them what the local beer scene was all about. They were up from Southern California on their first trip to the great Northwest, and since we have so many great beers up here, I wanted them to try them all. Needless to say, we tried our fair share, and at times found ourselves debating whose beer was better, Oregon’s or California’s. While we all know the obvious answer (right?), all three of us agreed it was nice to have the luxury of getting into these discussions in the first place. Having such great beer to argue about out here on the West Best Coast is pretty great. But who cares about all that sentimental crap, I want to know which west coast state has the best beer!

Introducing the 2nd Annual Beer Brawl! Hosted at the Concordia Ale House in NE Portland, the Beer Brawl is a week long blind taste-off between the West Coast powerhouses of craft beer during which beer lovers (and naturally a few NE Portland drunks) will cast their vote and decide which state’s beer is best.

Captains from Oregon, Washington and California choose four beers from their respective states in four categories: IPA, Stout, Pale Ale, and Captain’s Choice, making a total of 12 beers in the brawl. This year’s captains are Sean Loring from Lazy Boy Brewing (WA), Ken O’Connor from Deschutes Brewing (OR), and Richard Norgrove from Bear Republic Brewing Company (CA).

Each “judge” (that’s us!) is presented with a taster tray of a dozen 3oz samples, labeled 1A/1B/1C, 2A/2B/2C, etc. You will mark which beer you think is best in each category, and the results will be tallied on a giant board by the bar. At the end of the week-long showdown, the final results will be counted, the beers will be unveiled, and a champion will be crowned.

The 2nd Annual Beer Brawl runs from February 25 - March 1 at the Concordia Ale House, located at 3276 NE Killingsworth St. Taster trays are $12 for 12 three-ounce sample glasses, or $25 with a commemorative t-shirt. If you think about it, that’s probably a great deal, because a lot of the beers likely to be there (The Abyss, Racer X) are both rare and expensive.

So, if you’re in the neighborhood and want to try some great beer from all over the West Coast (or you just want to get hammered), come on down to the Concordia Ale House and cast your vote. May the best beer (and state) win!