Beer Hall: Ex Novo Turns Two, Beer Infused Cupcake Competition and the WootStout Release Party

Portland Beer Events for the Week of July 7, 2016.

There's never a shortage of new Portland-made beers to try, but that doesn't mean local drinkers hate imports.

Whenever we can, we flock to bars to grab samples of famed suds from abroad—be it Michigan or Belgium—a sign of a city that loves high quality brew, and has a sense of taste-based adventure.

This week's events are cause for celebration no matter where you live, as special ales from Delaware appear at our favorite Midwest-themed N Portland spot, an interesting new brewery from Eugene blesses that taps at Bailey's downtown, and a special comic book-themed beer from California hits taps in SE.

Enjoy the taste of something made far away, without so much as leaving your city. And don't let a snob dissuade you; Our brief beer vacations don't ruin the city, they expand its horizons.

Saturday, July 9

Ex Novo 2nd Anniversary Party

Portland's fine non-profit brewery pats itself on the back for two trips around the sun with live music, special tappings, and a hefty helping of Pop's Original Doughnuts. A new-ish (and excellent) pub which routinely serves some of the finest ales and lagers in town, this is your chance to raise your glass to the success of another fine local brewery that will stick around, and to continue to raise some money for charity while draining that pint. PH. Ex Novo Brewing, 2326 N Flint Ave. 12 pm. Free, VIP tickets available for $30.

Beer Infused Cupcake Competition

It turns out that beer works great in cupcakes, or so Piece of Cake Bakery, Fat Cupcake, and Bella Cupcake claim, as the three pair up with Portland brewing to make something sweet out of the brewery's hoppy goodness. With four different cupcake and beer pairings (or cupcake only, for the little ones), and live music and face painting, this is one beer-centered event which can easily appease the whole family. PH. Portland Brewing, 2730 NE 31st Ave. 11 am. Free entrance, taste the four cupcakes without beer pairings for $10, with beer pairings for $16.

Coldfire at Bailey's

Eugene's hottest (no pun intended) up and coming brewery brings its wares to Baileys for the day, pouring six of their eclectic offerings for downtown's most discerning crowd. A project from brothers Dan and Stephen Hughes, the brewery seems focused on hoppy ales of late, and should prove a nice addition to the bar's hot-weather taps—even if it is supposed to be drizzling outside. PH. Bailey's Taproom, 213 SW Broadway. 4 pm. Free.

Tuesday, July 12

WootStout Release Party

A massive imperial stout brewed by Stone in collaboration with ex-child star (and still oddly-popular nerd) Will Wheaton and internet-famous Drew Curtis, the WootStout quickly made headways among beer geeks for its huge chocolate and whiskey notes, and it's impeccably smooth finish. Now in its third year, the stout hits taps in town for the first time this Tuesday, with the BeerMongers even bringing in some comic books to liven up the affair. PH. The BeerMongers, 1125 SE Division St. 5 pm. Free.

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.