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Getting older isn't sad in the world of professional fermentation. It's celebrated.
Because as each year passes in the Portland beer and cider world, new practices, knowledge and experiments lead to steady improvement of our region's craft.
Perhaps no two institutions should be more proud of aging than Deschutes and Reverend Nat's, both of whom count their blessing this week. The two—one in significantly less time than the other—have developed the tastes of locals and beyond, helping to transform the modern landscape of fermented beverages in the Northwest and beyond.
Related: An Oral History of Deschutes' Black Butte Porter
Plus, they put the good stuff on tap when they throw their own parties.
So raise a pint to getting older this post-solstice week, because though you might not notice, the days are getting shorter for us all.
Thursday, June 23
For months at his new Lents brewpub, Zoiglhaus brewer Alan Taylor was stuck taxing the tiny system at Pints in the Pearl. Well, Lents is finally brewing, and for one night it'll be handing out free beer(!)—and the Pilsner we recently tried was a refreshing return to form. Zoiglhaus Brewing Company, 5716 SE 92nd Ave. 6 pm.
Friday, June 24
Portland International Beerfest
200+ beers from 16 nations make an appearance at this year's International Brewfest, pitting the best of the northwest against some of the finest ales the globe over. An extravaganza which features a pike-based pie joust and a costume contest—in addition to $3 pints of Pilsner Urquell—there's plenty of wholesome debauchery to go around. PH. Holladay Park, NE 11th Ave., portland-beerfest.com. June 24-26. Free entry, $25 for a glass and 10 tickets.
This is how to do a cider fest: lamb gyros and live music and two days of ciders of all stripes—free admission, $2 for a 4-ounce taste, and $6 for a full glass, with ciders that include a seriously excellent Cider Riot hopped strawberry cider that premiered at the Fruit Beer Fest, limited-edition cask-conditioned ciders, and one-offs from Nat's, Baird and Dewar, and Apple Outlaw. Through June 25. Cider Riot, 807 NE Couch St. 4-8 pm.
Saturday, June 25
Deschutes Turns 28
Deschutes celebrates almost three decades of well-crafted ales with its special imperial version of Black Butte Porter. This year's brew was made with cocoa, vanilla, peated malt and orange peel, with half aged in bourbon and scotch whiskey barrels. If that description doesn't entice you to take a trip to the Pearl district, probably nothing will. PH. Deschutes Brewery & Public House, 210 NW 11th Ave. Free.
Reverend Nat's Taproom Turns Three
Portland's most-revered house of cider pats itself on the back for three years with open doors and flowing taps, with a massive number of house-made fermentations and selected regional hits. With custom chicken/tepache sausages, kiddie pools, and DJs, it should be a great afternoon of drinking fermented beverages in the post-solstice sun. PH. Reverend Nat's Hard Cider, 1813 NE 2nd Ave. 12 pm. Free. 21+ only.
Willamette Week
