Beer Guide 2015: Hair of the Dog

By James Helmsworth

Hair of the Dog

61 SE Yamhill St., 232-6585, hairofthedog.com. 11:30 am-10 pm Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 am-8 pm Sunday.

[BITES YA] Hair of the Dog is a classy joint. They serve their tasters in mini wine glasses, and if that fedora-clad bulldog on the logo isn't the pinnacle of sophistication, then, really, what is? The neighborhood is still a little rough, but the brewery's corner spot just off the Morrison Bridge off-ramp provides a beautiful view of the city's skyline. Hair of the Dog deserves its reputation for being far ahead of the curve on the unconventional conditioning game, which head brewer Alan Sprints has been practicing since he first visited Belgium in 1991. Most of HOTD's brews are aged in barrels and mostly meant to age in bottles, the first of which are still hanging out in the brewery's cellar. As one might expect, this gives the beer complex, cloudy flavors. Adam, whose name comes from its style, Dortmunder Adambier, is dark and smoky, and Ruth's floral aroma gives way to a honey taste and a sweet finish. Just be careful driving home—the beers are strong and cops love hanging out in this 'hood.

DRINK THIS: Ruth, a now-classic American ale, has a floral nose and a refreshingly mild, hoppy taste.

WWeek 2015

James Helmsworth

James Helmsworth

James Helmsworth is the books editor at Willamette Week. His work has appeared in Cleveland Scene, on Countable.us, and in the alumni magazines of various back-patting liberal arts institutions nationwide. He grew up reading Willamette Week, which easily explains up to half a dozen of his personality flaws, like reminding Portlanders that everything they enjoy was championed by Raleigh Hills dads before 1985.

Willamette Week provides local, trustworthy information that strengthens our community and holds power to account. Contribute now to our biggest fundraiser of the year!

Help us dig deeper.

Support