Willamette Week is in the middle of our most important annual fundraiser. As a local independent news outlet, we need your help.

Give today. Hold power to account.

Drank: Cavatica Stout (Fort George Brewery)

You've probably had a stout very much like Fort George's Cavatica. The Astoria brewer's dark, glowing bauble of a beer, which debuted in cans last month, is "made in the tradition" of McMenamins stalwart Terminator. Both beers use black barley and Munich malt to get a molasseslike heft, though Cavatica is nearly Imperial-strength, a studly 8.8 percent ABV compared to Terminator's 6.45 percent. The extra ethanol blended smoothly into our one-pint can from the first batch, a gift from a friendly neighbor. A big head of sandy foam and the resolute sweetness of raisins, cocoa and candied walnuts really impressed, especially after a weekend of disappointing  holiday ales. Cascade hops provide a balancing slice of orange that is distinctly Oregon. The convenience and very reasonable price of these cans is almost beside the point. Recommended.

WWeek 2015

Martin Cizmar

Martin Cizmar is the former Arts & Culture editor.