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The best thing about drinking beer in Portland is the variety of experiences it grants you.
Whether sipping classic brews at Deschutes, attending a perfectly executed beer dinner, or tasting the latest, most buzzed-about brew from a tiny hole in the wall in Northeast Portland, there is always something fun to do on the beer scene, and each little experience is different from the rest.
This week, arguably the most important brewer in the history of Oregon beer celebrates 30 years next to the kettle, the best chef in town makes a beer-paired exit, a new bar opens near our offices (yea, us!), and a cidery makes its bottle debut. And to keep things Portland Weird, we use beer to celebrate clean water, Cinco de Mayo (early), and Star Wars Day.
All you've got to do is pick something. Good luck with that.
Thursday, April 28
Cheers to John Harris' 30 Years
Oregon brewing legend (and father of Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond, and other famed brews) John Harris celebrates 30 years with the mash paddle this Thursday, a special day that will be commemorated by some special Ecliptic brews. Featuring a for-the-occasion batch of pale ale called the Reflection Nebula, this is an event longtime craft beer fans will not want to miss. Here's hoping Harris has many more excellent years to come. Ecliptic Brewing, 825 N Cook St. 6 pm. Free.
Imperial and Pfriem Beer Dinner
Doug Adams is leaving Imperial—for parts unknown, but probably to make some Southern stuff like barbecue or fried chicken. So this will be one of your last chances to toast our 2015 Restaurant of the Year chef at Imperial, and you'll do so with some of the finest brews in all of Oregon from Pfriem. Adams will make a many-course meal to pair with Belgian brews, and when you finally say "prost," it will be with tears in your eyes. Imperial, 410 SW Broadway. 6:30 pm. Free.
Friday, April 29
Sometimes a Great Cow Beer Release
Great Notion has been making waves as the banner-bearers of Portland's recent New England IPA phase, but its latest hoppy creation actually comes as a collaboration with a house of sour. A de Garde co-brewed IPA with passionfruit, the new beer will be available to go for the first 100 customers—then it's draft-only until it kicks. Given the popularity of the place these days, it won't last for long. Great Notion Brewing, 2204 NE Alberta St., No. 101. 11 am-11 pm. Free.
The Abbey Bar & Bottle Shop Northwest 23rd Avenue Grand Opening
The Abbey Bar opens its brand new location on Northwest 23rd this Friday, where it will more closely compete with Lompoc and a soon-to-open Breakside location. A festivity that will feature pan-European brews from Belgium, England and Germany, there should be some special pours on hand to toast the occasion. As far as we're concerned—our office is around the corner from the new bar—the more beer in the area, the merrier. The Abbey Bar & Bottle Shop, 1650 NW 23rd Ave. 2 pm.
Saturday, April 30
Homebrew Battle for the Columbia
To benefit the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, 15 different homebrewers will bring their hard-brewed concoctions—fittingly enough—to Columbia River Brewing. You taste the beers, you vote in the winners, and maybe some water gets a little cleaner. Columbia River Brewing, 1728 NE 40th Ave. 1 pm.
Sunday, May 1
Alter Ego Cider Release
The first bottles of Portland's alter ego cider hit shelves this Sunday, an exciting new cidery for fans of the fermented apple. The debut brand, called the Brute, was made from Northwest-grown apples and fermented cool, which the maker says enhance the aromatics, but you can be the judge of that. Imperial Bottle Shop and Taproom, 3090 SE Division St. 4 pm. Free.
Tuesday, May 3
Saison de Mayo
The Hop & Vine modifies its usual Taco Tuesday with a special saison-themed rendition, with brews from Upright, Blackberry Farm and Firestone Walker on hand. A perfect pre-party for the real thing two days later, the beer bar also promises to have several awesome taco options on hand. The Hop & Vine, 1914 N Killingsworth St. 3 pm. Free.
Wednesday, May 4
Star Wars Beer Fest
May the fourth beer with you—or, you know, whatever. Imperial celebrates Star Wars Day (and the day after) with a list full of special Star Wars-themed brews from around the state, including Reverend Nat's Thai Fighter and Laurelwood's Rando Calrissian IPA (which we can only assume, like the character, is excellent). In addition to the space-themed suds, the bar will show all three episodes of the original trilogy each day, starting at noon. Let's just hope none of the breweries went true-to-movie and made its beverage blue. Imperial Bottle Shop and Taproom, 3090 SE Division St. Noon-10 pm, through Thursday. Free.
Willamette Week