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This week, after we have elected our new mayor and decided who we want in the Oval Office come next year, it's time to get back to the task at hand: Better brews for everyone.
And, like our fair city's citizens—whether they are collaborating or competing—Portland's breweries and cideries love to get together.
Brewers from Eastern Oregon trek west, local chefs battle on the occasion of two new Widmer brews, and Portland's best ciderhouse pairs up with one of its best new breweries. But this week's civics lesson goes beyond the beverage; If you know where to go, you can even get a free bike tune-up with your pint.
Celebrate democracy by enjoying something new with someone unusual. That's really what makes this town—and America—great anyway. But by America, we don't mean Budweiser.
Thursday, May 19
Barley Brown's Tap Takeover and Meet the Brewer
Eastern Oregon's flagship brewery, Barley Brown's has made a name for itself as one of the finest brewers of hoppy ales in all fifty states. But who wants to drive to Baker City, am I right? Head to the Green Dragon instead, and dredge some of the brewers' minds for new hoppy information. It's OK if you don't like the lupulin-laced stuff—the lineup, like the drive to Baker City, is long this evening. PH. Green Dragon, 928 SE 9th Ave. 5 pm. Free.
SCRUMptious
Every year, local chefs donate their time for a Portland Boys & Girls Club and Portland Rugby Club fundraiser—and face off in a food-and-beer pairing competition. This year, it's chefs from Lechon, Pacific Pie Co. and Savor Soup House, plus chefs Lacey Jane Miller-Cahoj and Eric Gross, pairing off with Widmer beers including a small-batch kumquat IPA. Admission includes two tickets in a pick-your-prize raffle. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St. 5:30 pm. $40-50.
Friday, May 20
Reverend Nat's/Culmination Collaboration Release
A pinot barrel, Reverend Nat West, and a healthy dose of watermelon and cherry culminates this evening in a special sour brew which should be well worth a try. A blend of bold fruit and oak, the special liquid will be pouring from taps, as well as available in 750s to go. Plus, it's a rare chance to get some beer in the house of cider, and Culmination will be pouring some of there best to compliment Nat's usual, unusual, lineup of apple beverages. PH. Reverend Nat's Cidery, 1813 NE 2nd Ave. 4-11 pm. Free.
Bike To Work Day Happy Hour at Burnside Brewing
Burnside Brewing quenches pedaler's thirst with a new Lime Kölsch, and some handy dandy bike techs in the house to fix those squeaky brakes. Sit, back, relax and enjoy some suds, all while your eco-friendly commuter gets a tune up. Just don't drink too much—it'd be embarrassing to get a PUI. PH. Burnside Brewing, 701 E Burnside St. 3-6 pm. Free.
Saturday, May 21
Kettle Sour Fest
A benefit for Friends of Doernbecher comes from Lake Oswego's unlikely winner of this year's sour beer gold at the Oregon Beer Awards. Here's the thing though: We had that beer (a cantaloupe sour), and it was damn breathtaking. With that beer, and special kettle-soured brews from the best of the Northwest today, there's really no better way to drink for charity. PH. Stickmen Brewing Company, 40 N State St, Lake Oswego. 11 am-9 pm. $20 for a glass and 10 drink tickets, $40 for early access, 5 extra tickets, and a T-Shirt.
Tuesday, May 24
Royale with Chizu
Chizu wins for best event name of the month, although we'd be even more impressed if it came with a burger. Nonetheless, newish brewer Royale—whose taproom just opened in North Portland—will tap six of its beers at cheese guru Steve Jones' westside Chizu bar, each paired with a cheese of Jones' choosing. Tickets include the six beer and cheese pairings, and can be bought online at—sigh—Paypal. Chizu, 1126 SW Alder St. 7 pm. $45.
Wednesday, May 25
The Semi-Annual Perennial Bicentennial
An event which The Hop & Vine self-describes as absurd, this "once-in-a-sometime" tap takeover features some of St. Louis, MO's finest craft brews, from brewer Perennial Artisan Ales. Featuring a tart Berlinerweisse, and two imperial stouts with awesome adjuncts (one with coffee, the other with chocolate and mint, there's three awesome choices tonight. PH. The Hop & Vine. 1914 N Killingsworth St. 5 pm. Free.
Willamette Week