Beer Hall: Oktoberfest Begins, Fresh Hop Season Continues

Portland Beer Events for the Week of September 16, 2016

As Fall finally takes a tumble into our laps, so to do some of Germany's finest amber lagers.

Oktoberfest is upon us, and that mean's Munich's largely export-only brews finally tap at alehouses the nation over. And in the midst of all that, many local breweries tap their latest fresh-hop creations, with others still release new varieties of dried-hop IPA just for the change of season.

Wherever you turn this week, there are new beers pouring. If ever there were a time for a seasonal beer crawl, this is it.

Friday, September 16

Stammtisch Oktoberfest

The first great Portland Oktoberfest of September, Stammtisch's block party features three to four Munich Oktoberfest beers and a bunch of other non-Munich ones, Hammerschlagen games and a German grill. Continues through Sunday. Stammtisch, 401 NE 28th Ave. 5 pm September 16-18. Free.

Ruse Brewing Architect Release Party

Culmination-based contract brewer Shawn Kalis has been brewing up some of the most exciting saisons in town all year now, melding dank rustic yeast character with contemporary Northwest ingredients. In keeping with that trend, he releases a dry-hopped saison called Architect this evening a Stark St's Belmont Station, a tasty morsel of a brew that pairs perfectly with a sunny almost-Fall day. Belmont Station, 4500 SE Stark St. 5-7 pm. Free.

Saturday, September 17

BeerMongers Oktoberfest Celebration

The mongers grabbed an armload of imports and terrific regionally-brewed festbiers for their annual Oktoberfest celebration, featuring options from pFriem, Paulaner, Hacker Pschorr and more. Consider this among the best places to celebrate this harvest season without massive young crowds or public urination of any kind. The BeerMongers, 1125 SE Division St. 5 pm-12 am, September 17-18.

Complete IPA Book and Beer Release

Breakside celebrates the release of author Josh Bernstein's Complete IPA book with a hoppy ale of the same name. Brewed using what the brewery describes as a "copious amount" of Citra and Mosaic hops — which by Breakside standards should be a MASSIVE amount — the new ale should be a dank and deep dive into the world of contemporary IPAs. Breakside Brewery, 820 NE Dekum St. 2-4 pm. Free.

Widmer x Timbers Centennial IPA Release

In celebration of 100 consecutive sold-out home games, the Timbers and partner brewery Widmer teamed up to brew a fresh batch of the hoppy stuff. An IPA made with a healthy dose of centennial hops can be enjoyed this evening, and there may be some team members stopping by for a pint after their 3 pm match at Providence Park. Widmer Brothers Pub, 955 N Russell St. 6-8 pm.

Sunday, September 18

Space Invader IPA Release

The latest hazy creation from New England-style IPA haus Great Notion is their first batch brewed with Australian galaxy hops. Tropical and dank, it should be a perfect pairing to their opaque and full-bodied take on the hoppy ale. Great Notion Brewing and Barrel House, 2204 NE Alberta St. #101. 12-10 pm.

Monday, September 19

Manic Monday with de Garde

As the profile of Tillamook's de Garde Brewing continues to grow in the world of sour beer — where they are continually recognized as one of North America's best ale apothicaries — bottles of the good stuff are flying off the shelves faster than ever before. Consider it a blessing, then, that Belmont Station has secured a massive smattering of their finest stuff for this Monday night bash, with bottles and two freshly nectarine-infused beers on draft. Belmont Station, 4500 SE Stark St. 12-11 pm. Free.

Tuesday, September 20

Fresh Hop Pop-Up

A pop-up fresh-hop beer fest will be held in the Burnside Brewing parking lot through Saturday, Sept. 24. They'll be tapping one-off beers from Seattle's Fremont Brewing on Tuesday. Laurelwood, Breakside, Fort George and a mystery brewer will follow. Expect also schnitzel, kraut, and other Oktoberfest things—but remember in your heart that fresh hops are an Oregon native tradition. Parking lot closes at 8 pm nightly. Burnside Brewing, 701 E Burnside St. 11 am-8 pm, September 20-24. Free.

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