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It might be popular worldwide at this point, but craft beer in Oregon has humble beginnings.
From the small startup brewpubs of McMenamins, Widmer and Breakside to garage-bred breweries like the Commons, everyone had to start somewhere. And despite how massive those companies have become, they never forget where they started from.
Well, drinkers, there are always more breweries headed round the bend, and all they want is a shot at your tongues.
It's Nano Beer Fest week in Portland, where dozens of the finest small breweries from around the state bless a series of taps at John's Marketplace and the Commons, as well as a few other select taps in town.
Get out and try something new, because you never know when you'll rack up another "I remember when."
Thursday, April 7
Brew Hog Blowout
Northwest Portland's North 45 celebrates National Beer Day in style, with 20 breweries and two cideries pouring on its back patio in the 80-degree heat. With selections from Pfriem, Breakside and Ex Novo, there should be more than enough of the good stuff to go around. A little birdie tells us there will be ribs, too. North 45, 517 NW 21st Ave. 4 pm.
Flat Tail's Dam Wild Invasion
Corvallis' Flat Tail brings three versions of its specular blond sour Dam Wild to North Portland's favorite Packers bar tonight, all of which offer tasters a unique twist. With blends that include marionberry and pink peppercorns, peaches and lemons, there will be plenty to compare at the taps tonight. Saraveza, 1004 N Killingsworth St. 6 pm. Free.
Friday, April 8
Nano Beer Fest Preview Night
The Commons started as a nano-brewed dream in a garage just six years ago, and the brewers will never forget it. Tonight, they open up several of their taps to new nano breweries regionwide, aiming to bring more attention to the little guys, and have a little fun in the process. From the garage to their massive new space, they join with the entire beer community in hoping some new tiny breweries make it big time someday. The Commons Brewery, 630 SE Belmont St. 5 pm. Free.
Saturday, April 9
Nano Beer Fest
John's Marketplace, the westside's best-loved bottle shop, will host a fest consisting exclusively of the state's tiniest brewers, whether newbies like Labrewatory, Pono and Bent Shovel or comparative oldies like Ambacht and Boring. The brewers will be hanging out on a rotating schedule, but their beers will be pouring for two days. John's will also be hosting a raffle with a $1 buy-in. Admission ($20) grants 10 tasting tokens and a commemorative glass. John's Marketplace, 3535 SW Multnomah Blvd. Noon-8 pm. $20. Continues April 10.
Halftoberfest
The fine folks at Steinhaus couldn't wait the six months for the annual celebration of all things fermented and German to begin again, so they grabbed some kegs, lederhosen and stein glasses, and decided to throw a half-year celebration. Featuring traditional German brews and free giveaways, we expect to enjoy a biannual taste of the Fatherland in Portland from here on out. Steinhauspdx, 2366 SE 82nd Ave.
2 Towns Return of the Mac Release
2 Towns ciderhouse re-releases it's highly acclaimed Return of the Mac cider, along with a pair of special spring seasonals. With free swag and samples oozing from various marketing types who will be in attendance, this is a great place to get your apple fix for the weekend. Have a drink on them. Imperial Bottle Shop & Taproom, 3090 SE Division St. Free.
Wednesday, April 13
Farmhouse Fest Leftover Bottle Sale
Saraveza breaks out some special bottles from this year's spectacular Farmhouse Festival, selling them to customers for the evening before stashing the leftovers back in the cellar. Featuring rare bottles from Jester King, Blackberry Farms, Breakside, the Commons and others, there's a spectacularly funky bunch to choose from tonight. Saraveza, 1004 N Killingsworth St. 6 pm. Free.
Willamette Week