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If you ever want to know something about almost any beer or cider made in the state of Oregon, don't worry, Sooner or later you'll have a chance to ask the source.
In a region which values meet the brewer events and tap takeovers almost as much as we do farm to table fare, each week is a new opportunity to gain some insight into what made that last favorite pint to particularly great.
This week, as any, brewers and cider makers drive for hours to share their wares and secrets—an under-appreciated endeavor by almost all measures.
Heck, even two acclaimed beer bars are willing to share their special goodness in one location for a night.
And, speaking of collaborations, former WW contributor and Oregon beer aficionado Brian Yaeger combines coffee, beer and doughnuts—three of Portland's most-acclaimed exports—at an event which almost always manifests as a slice of sugary, caffeinated heaven.
Thursday, March 10
NWIP-VEZA!
There will be burgers. And there will be oysters. And there will be hops. Southeast Foster Road's NWIPA is taking over the taps North Killingsworth's sweetheart of a beer bar, Saraveza, with a mess of IPAs alongside a Plastic Paddy Cider Riot cider, a stout and a sour. Why? No reason. But expect Saraveza to return the favor later this year. Saraveza, 1004 N Killingsworth St., 206-4252. 6-9 pm. Free.
Meet the Brewer: Pfriem Family Brewers
Josh Pfriem sends two of his best brewers down the gorge, intent on sharing the freshest of his creations with watery-mouthed Portland beer nerds. It's an evening which includes samples of several of the Hood River brewery's best brews, including the barrel-aged imperial stout which recently medaled at the Oregon Beer Awards. PH. Green Dragon Bistro & Pub, 928 SE 9th Ave. 5 pm. Free.
Wildcraft Cider Meet the Maker and Tap Invasion
Eugene's Wildcraft cidermakers trek their wares north this evening, for a night of conversation and delicious apple-y goodness. With three of their house-made ciders on tap, as well as a special barrel-aged bubbly for sale in the bottle, this is a great opportunity for local apple lovers to get their fill—and for Beavers fans to avoid a trip to ducktown. PH. Reverend Nat's Hard Cider, 1813 NE 2nd Ave. 4 pm. Free.
Saturday, March 12
Baker's Dozen Fest
Former WW contributor Brian Yaeger will put on his second annual coffee, beer and doughnut fest at Culmination Brewing, with over 10 different doughnut makers, including Tonalli's and Delicious (which are delicious), and coffee brews from a grip of breweries, including newcomers Great Notion and Labrewatory. If you get too wired on the coffee, try to sneak a pint of the Phaedrus—it ranked fourth in Portland in a blind taste test of IPAS. Culmination Brewing, 2117 NE Oregon St., 971-258-2808. 10 am. $24 for 13 beer tasters and 13 donut samples.
The Commons' Clarabelle Release
The Commons celebrates the release of it's latest double-barrel-aged selection, a tart farmhouse ale aged in oak and then further aged in Old Tom Gin barrels, before they added 500lbs of peaches to the lot of it. A complex blend of fruit, juniper, and oak, the tart ale should be a powerful taste experience, to say the least. PH. The Commons Brewery, 630 SE Belmont St. 12 pm. Free.
Sunday, March 13
Saison Greetings
Bazi Bierbrasserie celebrates spring like any proper Belgian beer bar should—by putting a whole mess of delicious saisons on tap. With a lineup that includes over a dozen of the dry, yeast-driven farmhouse style, both old world and new, this is the best place to celebrate daylight savings time, even if you still don't really know why it exists in the first place. PH. Bazi Bierbrasserie, 1522 SE 32nd Ave. 1 pm. $8 for a domestic flight, $12 for an import flight.
Willamette Week