Bridgeport Dreamland

I'm looking for work if your hiring. But more to the point, I'm applying to jobs, which includes an application to a dream job at The World Forestry Center.  I'm definitely capable, but can I convince the lovely folks at the Forestry Center that I'm perfection in a box?  Idk, the point really is that I stopped by there today and asked about the position hoping to get a foot in the door... I was not seen, but instead told that there are over two-hundred applicants in the running.  Two-hundred!!  And I'm sure many of them want this job just as much as I do... but, I shall prevail and try to network again tomorrow at the Museum by Moonlight, 21+.  If you go "dressed in the spirit of the evening with flannel shirts, boots, suspenders, or beards", you only spend $5 on admission.  It shall be glorious and hopefully productive.  In any case, the point is where I am now.

the dining room

After driving the drive all the way to the Forestry Center from Vancouver I did not want to return home empty handed.  So instead I stopped at the Downtown brewery of one of my favorite beers, Bridgeport! to have lunch and do work utilizing their free wi-fi.  It is a lovely place with very friendly staff and all my favorite beers on tap!  (If I haven't said so before, the beer motto is, Tap is always better).  The lunch is fantastic too, although a little on the high end.  In any case, because of the infamous and fantastic Mark Bowser, I was encouraged to try more Amber and Red Ales, so why try anywhere else but a brewery I know is great?

Bridgeport Brewery, Kingpin Double Red Ale

the food

   Now, this is the first time I've run into a Double Red, but also, I am a little unversed with Reds in general, which leaves me at a bit of a disadvantage.  I usually avoid them because, generally, they come across as unsatisfying.  The reason being is that they are a bit of a go-between.  They aren't as solid as an IPA, but not as mild as a pale or wheat ale.  They also vary significantly which makes it a risky bet when trying to trust the flavor in an unexplored six-pack.  But, let me explain the Kingpin.

It's enjoyable, but on the hoppy-side.  Creamy with light carbonation and a hint of pine. Nice bitey finish and beautiful coloring.  It went great with the house salad and creamy chicken stew at Bridgeport Brewing Co on 13th in Portland.  Although I prefer the Hop Czar or Summer Squeeze when its available for poker night with the guys, Kingpin would definitely be a fine guest to invite to a dinner party with friends or significant others.

another seating area

Seasonally Deschutes and Ninkasi

   Tis the season, for mildly disappointing beer...

   I'm sorry, that probably doesn't want to make you want to read on, but for me, we I see those awkward seasonal puns, yet lovely illustrations along the beer aisle I just become slightly deflated, because they tend to involve many of the same things... many which I, personally, do not appreciate.

   It's all about the spices.  Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, coriander, ginger, cloves; all the lovely things you might find in a homemade pumpkin pie... unfortunately -and, granted, I have heard the exact opposite about the same beers- they do not go well, or at least should be used with great caution in beer.  It's just preference, but I, in my current beer-state (beer-state: the opinion of beer currently held, although it consistently grows and shifts between preferences) do not think that these spices in beer should be the forefront of the beer itself.  Just like in any other food, spices are there to enhance food, not over-shadow it completely.  So, this season, I generally try old classics or hang on old favorites, although I might sample a seasonal or two...

I borrowed these images

   Deschutes Brewery, Jubelale
Difficult to pronounce, enjoyed by many.  My comentary when trying this seasonal from one of my favorite breweries was: cloves, light orange citrus,.. what's in eggnog?
   I don't know if this is helpful, but its all I can offer during these dark days and heavy beers.

Moving on!

from the Google

   Ninkasi, Sleigh'r
Ninkasi, known for their attraction by hop-heads abouning.  I'm sorry, but again, I can't hardly help.  It has the hops, but then it has the season.  If thats what you want, an over-whelming array of spice on your hop-sentric palate, then by all means, enjoy... the end.

I am generally not a SAD Nancy, evening in the dreary Northwest.  I actually love the grey and rain that saturates Portland, luckily, but I am not for these overwhelmingly gritty and spiceful beers.  Some people live then though.  I have met several people who believe this is the best season of beer.  I'm a lemony summer kind of fit generally.  If I want something heavy I go for a classic porter or stout, of which there are many great ones available all year round.  So, what can you do.  Its just opinion vs opinion, palate vs palate.

So... nothing to recommend but maybe trying the seasonal stock for yourself.  Let me know what you think in the comments below!  I'm intrigued by what other's taste ^_^

Blogging Hibearnation

Hello friends,

   It's been awhile, I know.  But, if you can sympathize with a 12hr a day work schedule, then you can see why it has been some time since I've been able to tickle your imaginations with wondrous and strange sugar-plumed beers from the great northwest and beyond.  But now, side-saddling this lounge chair with Nobbit purring dutifully by my side I gaze at my computer screen, gripped by that odd mixture of apprehension and opportunity doing cartwheels in my ribcage, I must decide between the tale of the beer which was my old friend from closer-to-home, or which was a bit of home from afar...
   We'll start with what was the norm, from the supermarket to my hotel room.

Shock Top Belgian Wheat from Fort Collins, CO

   It was a hot day in September, 2012.  I had been thrown into a culture that I thought only existed in politically-incorrect 80's sitcoms and I desired beer to assist my mental juices as I contemplated my new environment.  Gazing at the beer wall of the local supermarket I was barraged by dozens of new names and images, some cute, some creepy, some mildly intriguing, but none enough so to get me to pay for a 6 pack I may passionately dis-like, so I stayed safe.  "It" beer Shock Top Belgian Wheat came to my aid and hand-in-hand we left the store.

Widmer on tap, TO THE EXTREME! XD

   Other than Widmer, which is right from my backyard, Shock Top was the only beer available that came fairly close to home (or at least wasn't bible-belt brewed).  The thing about Widmer is that, it's just sooo much better on tap.  With the comparison in the back of my head, it's almost difficult to enjoy it from a bottle, so, as a result, no Widmer passed these lips while I was away.  This sudden realization almost makes me feel like a traitor... But maybe this will help.  I encourage all folks who have a Widmer tap easily available to go now and enjoy their refreshing array of ales.  Now, back to Shock Top.

It even does windows

   It felt like a teensy bit of home as I endured oppressive humidity and startling stereotypes played out before mine eyes.  The Shock Top Belgian Ale plays its role perfectly whether its a victory drink at the top of South Sister (it was there with me and my fellow bears as we managed that "moderate" mountain-climbing adventure), or quenching the thirst of an over-heating bear on a patio overlooking North Carolina.  Shock Top Belgian Ale is crisp with light fruity tones, notes of clove, and a clean finish.  Great for someone who wants something better than the usual bottom-barrel brands, but don't want something as intense or hoppy as Ninkasi or Rouge.

   So, when your on an adventure or just generally wanting something more enticing than a Pabst, Shock Top is a safe base beer for your beery repertoire.

This just happens to be awesome and I would totally drive this car everywhere

A Bear Abroad, Again

And so, I left.  With debt over my head and the road calling my name, but, it wasn't until too late that I discovered the two types of traveling.  This time I left for the money and the opportunity for freedom and adventures farther away than before, someday.  The real trouble was though, I left my heart behind.  When they say, home is where your heart is, it's true.  When I traveled with my heart beside me I was never homesick, rarely sad, and always comfortable.  When I left my heart behind I became instantly homesick, lost, and lonely.  I was discussing this dilemma with my once removed younger brother-bear, Bearalex, when he says,

"your a writer, you can write stories to express yourself"  -wisdom of a youth

Now, I don't consider myself a writer, but when I returned to my fading blog and jotted down a few lines I did start feeling better about where I was, and thus I was able to embrace the why and ignore the what.  A bit anyway.  Another thing which helps is returning to one of the passions which influenced this blog and aided in reconciling me and my heart, beer.  So, here's a go, far from my home, relaying beer.

I forgot my computer attachment cord in the glove-box of my car, so the photo's are not available, but I was invited to a restaurant called Bonefish.  It was a very busy place with some lovely wall art and high (by my standards) prices.  The fish and chips were outstanding though.  While I was looking at their limited draft list, I was recommended the Olde Mecklenburg Seasonal.  It is apparently quite popular, however the beer I tasted was yeasty and bland.  It also never improved no matter how much I drank.  Sometimes beer does that.  Either the first sip isn't so good but it improves over drinking, or the first sip might be great, but the further into the beer you get, the worse it becomes.  This one was not very good, from beginning to end.  Or so I thought.  It was their Oktoberfest submission too...

Anyway, that was the local seasonal I gave a shot and was disappointed.  Theoretically though, none of the people who might stumble upon this post will ever come across this disappointing drink.  I wish I had better news, but next time I'll be going back in time and share a mountain climbing adventure that climaxed with some Shock Top ^_^

Cougar and Bear

Like a more amiable version of Fox and Hound or a less innocent tale than those of Frog and Toad, the bear duo of Ambear and Bipolar Bear went to the Cougar Hot springs for one last evening together (or so we thought).  The truth that neither of us had realized was that my flight had been pushed back several weeks.  Nevertheless, the night was as lovely as it was brimming with honesty, adventure, and indulgence.  The evening started with A Bridgeport Summer Squeeze and Hop Czar, as we sat on the cliff side facing one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and the sun warming our backs.  It was a perfect moment, and it was complimented by the most perfect beer.

Again, failing to know at the time, I had been lucky enough to catch Bridgeport's seasonal summer ale the week before it left the shelves.  It was amazing and easily was set among my top three choices of fantasic beers.  Super clean, refreshing, citrusy but not sour or moldy feeling, with bold notes leaving it distinct and memorable in the best way possible.  I searched high and low for that sweet nectar again, but, it had been displaced by the changing season(al)s.  However, Witch Hunt spiced ale is a post for another day.  In the meantime, the Hop Czar is an excellent excellent IPA.  It's clean, super hoppy, but possessing just the perfect level of bitterness which allows for a cold refreshing wave of satisfaction to settle on your heart as you sip this beer.

After sipping beer on the hill side, we started are real adventure into the wood towards and magic spring which flows hot from the mountain side and brings peace to the souls of all bears who revel in its waters.  During his enjoyment of the hot springs, Bipolar Bear began chatting with some of the other character's in the pool.  On of them, a very interesting entrepreneur who lived up the road and visited the hot springs at least 3 times a week, told us of a hidden trail just past the springs which would take us to the most amazing, beautiful, and romantic place ever!  We were intrigued.  Thus, we followed the jolly witch doctor's instructions and eventually came upon a green moss dragon!!  Surrounded by broken logs created by the troll limbs she had dismantled during their attacks, this overwhelming deity had long ago rested her fangs in a call of peace and current spouts the freshest water in the world from her lips as a peace offering to God for all the havoc she foolish released.  When we arrived we felt her calming spirit and followed the path laid to her underbelly which was covered in the softest layer of moss, and there, in her cleansing flow and lovesong, we kissed for the last time.

The End.

*****



Good Bye to Bipolar Bears.  Perhaps ^_^

Calapooia Hullabaloo

You walk into the room and instantly are enchanted by the warm lights, honest wood furniture, and robust colors that surround you at the Calapooia Brewing Company in Albany.  Furthermore, these lovely qualities are mirrored by the excellent beer they graciously serve.

a beautiful shrine of beers

Walking up to the counter, I was mesmerized by the wall of taps and colorful chalkboard list of beers.  Bipolar Bear however, quickly orders a Chili Beer while I stand aside dumb-founded.  The very kind bartender suggested a sample.  I feel similarly about beer samples as I do about ice cream samples, and that is, to a certain extent, I don't like them because they make me feel like I'm cheating, or something.  Nevertheless, samples can be convenient, as long as I don't cross the mooching-line.

I sampled three beers, plus BPB's chili beer.  I tried the Raspberry Wheat, - "Bhairy-bear would live this; it's like raspberry bread" - the Caber Toss Scotch Ale, and the Spruce Tip Ale.  They were all fantastic and I especially enjoyed the unique flavor of the Spruce Tip Ale.  However, I took Bipolar Bear's chili beer and he got a Raspberry Wheat because of the spiciness of the Chili Beer was too much, which was somewhat ironic for us.

Generally I am not one for spicy foods.  My one, random, exception is jalapenos.  I just love their flavor and the spiciness is often hot but not so overwhelming that it hurts or prevents flavor.  Asheville Pizza Brewing Company's Fire Escape Pale Ale is one of my favorite beers ever and it is infused with jalapenos.  I was anticipating from the first sip of Calapooia's Chili Beer that it would be a similar experience to the Fire Escape Pale Ale.  This was not the case.  This Chili Beer is so hot, after a few sips I couldn't taste beer, just chili juice.  Also, trying to taste anything else was next to  impossible.

Trying to get another taste of the Raspberry Wheat - it may have been the fault of the overwhelming Chili Beer, it may have been the comparison to McMenamin's exceptional Ruby Ale - "it tasted thin upon listening", as The Postal Bears say.

The atmosphere and the welcoming crowd were lovely though.  Here at Beer Bears Inc. we try to do a triple testing routine to quality in all the beers we judge.  This routine includes smelling, tasting, and throwing about the bar while covering ourselves to experience that wonderful stale smell of dried beer in the subsequent hours.  Accidentally knocking my beer about the place, the Chili beer also managed to get on my face and in my eyes.  The bar crowd immediately jumped into action as if I were a guest in their own home.  They directed me to the restroom, assured me it was nothing to be embarrassed about, cleaned up my mess, and even got me another beer.  After returning from washing burning acid beer from my eyes we felt like one of the family.  I must say that I would be a very happy and exceptionally lucky bear if this were my local.

Next time though, I plan on getting the Spruce Tip Ale.  Interesting, delicious, and harmless.  But overall, this bar and beer is more than worth the visit.  Two beary thumbs way up for the Calapooia Brewing Company of Albany, Oregon.

Do Bears Migrate?

Two bears walk into a local bar and discover a beautiful scene of woodwork, hanging lights, and a number of brewery originals.  These beers have traveled the valley, currently with plans of meeting old friends for a drink or two, and had been recommended Migration Brewing Company as a great place to catch-up and grab a pint.  One of the bears samples a few of the drafts and decides to go with one that piqued her interest.  Different from any other beer she had tried, its name was Old Silenus Ale, ESB.

ESB was once explained to Ambear as being the acronym for Extra Special Bitter.  It had also been said to stand for English Style Beer.  Consulting the internet in hopes of finding the truth to the acronym (in reference to beer), Ambear also came across answers such as Extra Strong Bitter, Extra Special Beer, English Style Bitter, Extra Strong Beer, etc.  However, after searching Wikipedia she discovered that the term Bitter is the English term for a Pale Ale, and ESB is a brand meaning Extra Special Bitter, which includes any English Pale Ale with a 4.8% abv or higher.

Now, the Old Silenus Ale is an English style Pale Ale with an alcohol content of 6.3%, thus an ESB (extra special bitter).  [side note: Indian Pale Ales originally began when the beer being sent to England's colonies (specifically India) was going bad during the trip, so they started adding more hops and creating higher alcohol content in their beers so that they would stay good.  However now, alcohol content ranges in all styles and it is the brewing style and flavor which define its denotation.  So, although the Old Silenus has an incredibly high abv, it is just an ale and not an IPA].  Now Ambear had tried ESB's before and never thought much of them.  This however, was something completely different.

Old Silenus Ale is sweet and very, very malty, with light bitter notes but heavy hop tones.  The astringency of the hops gives this beer a very dry texture.  Although Ambear enjoyed it's uniqueness for a pint, she couldn't imagine ordering another.  However, the atmosphere of Migration was lovely and indulgent.  The food smelled great and the energy kept the conversation happy and relaxed.  A definite place to visit on 28th and Glisan if your ever wandering the lovely Laurelhurst area of Portland.

Besides Bears

Besides being bears, we are lovers and friends.  That's how the song goes right?  So, as such, we decided to act like complete strangers at a local dive, Calamity Jae's.

The onion ring aroma drew me in but the incredibly cute guy at the bar, cheesy jukebox music, and bad flirting that got me to stay.  I then enjoyed a Total Domination IPA by Ninkasi and flirted with an unappealing persona put on by an unusually attractive bear.  Unable to slight my interest, I continued to chat with said bear as I drank my delicious IPA.  Total Domination always surprises me in how clean and refreshing it is, but then satisfies with an intense bitter edge.  Its beautiful golden-amber color and light fizzy mouth-feel make this Indian Pale Ale one of my most acceptable and accessible beer choices generally available at the local watering hole.

male bear at bar: "all guys who like IPA's are sexy beasts"
female bear: "I heard that" ^_^

*****

this is not beer...

The first attempt, unable to be taken seriously by bears and bartenders alike, was a flop.  So we moved on to another bar in hopes of finding those heavenly smelling onion rings and our inner flirts.  Across the parking lot we found the 108 bar, and inside, something curious.  I am a big fan of Widmer's Hefeweizen on draft, but what I saw was something new by Widmer, the Pitch Black IPA.  I felt like a kid again, when I used to be obsessed Mountain Dew, but then they came out with Code Red!  Yeah, the nostalgia and excitement hit hard and I bought a pint.

Darker than my sexy outer coat, this IPA is the least IPA looking IPA I've ever encountered (PA, pale ale; this, not pale).  It was also one of the hoppiest.  Slightly less hoppy than one other beer I had had - a beer that I don't remember what or where but was pretty much hop tincture in a glass - it was still incredibly hoppy but also fantastic.  Creamy, hop-centric, and possessing the consistent IPA bitter edge.  It was like the milkshake cousin of other soda-pop IPA's.

The flirting again flopped...
for obvious reasons ^_^

In Portland, At Pints

 Finally.  Back home in good old P-Town.  Still roaming a bit, but staying within the Northwest for sure until this whole "summer" thing has blown over.  Also, since I was already home for the holidays, I figured that I ought to catch-up with some of my homebears, and thus, sent a message out to my friend Mr. C-bear.  Me an C-bear have known each other for quite some time, but he didn't know about my newly budding love of beer.  But, as I wandered around downtown Portland, visiting many sites of nostalgia such as Pioneer Square, the downtown library, and the MAX line in general (when your a broke HS student with a monthly bus pass, sometimes fun is just riding through the city with friends and finding new parks to hang at) and discovering many of the ways that Portland has grown - adding fountains, squares, a pavilion solely for the Saturday Market - including the addition of one Pints Brew Pub and Coffee Shop, or, as the site says, "PINTS is Everyday Coffee in the morning and Urban Taproom in the afternoon".  Thus, my glossy eyes gazed at the pub-front and I knew, this was where my afternoon was meant to be spent.

Pints Brew Pub and Coffee shop

Me and C-bear met and soon went inside this lovely cafe to find what our beary hearts had been searching for: original, local beer.  At this point in time I was missing my hubbybear and so I ordered one of our classic favorites, and a style which almost always is sure to please, the stout; which was, in this case, Pints own Steel Bridge Stout.  C-bear got the Rip Saw Northwest Red Ale.  Now, I've not had many red ales, so I was excited to try this novel concoction.  It was light and bitter, similar to an IPA, but smoother and less hoppy.  I quite liked it, but there was a flavor which I couldn't identify but C-bear said made the beer "crazy smoky; like beef jerky or something".

Steel Bridge Stout (left) Rip Saw Northwest Red Ale (right)

I would have loved beef jerky beer (which reminds me; we need to discuss Rouge Brewery's maple-bacon bar beer sometime.  Surprisingly stupendous), but unfortunately I could not say that that was what I got from the Rip Saw red.  However, it was quite good.

Now for my stout.  Oh, my stout.  Normally stouts always play jazz with my taste buds.  This stout however left me without a melody.  I can see the argument against this metaphor in that jazz tends to be rambunctious and spontaneous, so you can't expect a solid melody, but, I must say, there is always a melodic foundation.  This stout felt flavorless.  I kept looking for some toasty notes or hints of coffee or chili, but it was just plain stoutsy and a bit watery. It was the stout brother of Polygamy Porter.

However, to make up for his lackluster friend, me and C-bear enjoyed a Seismic IPA which knocked our socks off.  It was very good, lightly hoppy but refreshing.  Best IPA I've ever tasted and it couldn't have come at a better time.  IPA's are distinct and I always thought that only coffee drinkers could enjoy them because of their generally bitter nature.  However, after I've drank IPA's time and time again with Bipolar Bear, I finally acquired the taste for them.  It is a very happy day.  This was the delicious straw that broke the camel's back, and now I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy a hefe the same way again...

In any case, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience at a great new brew pub, with wonderful friends and fantastic beers.  I would go back again in a second.  But, one warning: watch out if you sit outside because the tables (possibly because of uneven bricks) were dangerously wobbly and almost single-handedly ruined the afternoon.  We just set our beers on the ground for safe keeping ^_^

*****

something neat I saw and wanted to share

 

The Utah Sampler

It had been a long, hard trek, but the bears were doing well as they drove into Salt Lake City, Utah.  There they would be staying with a gracious host and friend of Ambear, Abbear.  We ate homemade pizza, played music, and sampled an array of local beers.  It was heaven in Utah.

Heaven is very dry...

Music rippled through the air as four music bears, one beer commentator, and a snail (literally) enjoyed the evening air, delicious food with friends, and sampled Utonian? Utahite? Utahn beer.

(This is just going to be a quick run-through from my note book because I'm behind in my posting and time is running on.  So, to start...)

We began with  Squatter's brand Radio from Hell "Red as Hell" Ale.  One of our first introductions to a red ale and it was thoroughly enjoyable.  "It's stoutsy" comments BPB.  Smooth with slight stoutsy roasted bitter notes.  Really good.

"Red as Hell", left

Next was the Wasatch's "The Devastator" Double Bock Lager.  It had a slight sour flavor, but retained a strong build.  Although it was smooth, I was personally not a fan, wishing to myself that it had stronger sour tones, if it was planing on being sour at all, by adding some sauerkraut.  Ambear loves sauerkraut...

Anyway, on to another Squatter's, the Hop Rising Double IPA.  We found this IPA to be full bodied yet reserve a gentle balance within it's hoppy and bitter characteristics which was then lightly topped by citrus esters.  It still had the usual hop-centric vibe that one would expect from a Double IPA, "very hoppy" but "absurdly sweet for an IPA" my IPA guru-bear commented, which we figure accounted for the IPA to maintain a decent level of drinkability.  I would recommend this beer, especially if your one of those hop junkie beerophiles.

Home-grown Sampler Set

(It is important to note here that, the taste-buds were getting a bit fuzzy at this point in time.  Although we were not yet drunk, as we had only shared 3 beer among 5 people, our judgements were becoming impaired by the overwhelming range yet similarities in flavors.  Especially without pallet cleansers.  So, this is essentially a disclaimer.  I will expose my findings, but I can not swear upon their accuracies.)

So, what happened next was that, after going one round with Squatter's Double IPA, we foolishly moved onto their regular IPA. There were no more citrus notes, and I felt this let the hops move in and take advantage of my tongue.  Bipolar Bear says, "I like it".

Then we had Squatter's Big Cottonwood, Amber Ale.  Now, despite our similar naming, Ambear does not enjoy Amber Ales... so instead of expressing my dislike for Amber's, I'll just say that for me it seems that all Amber Ales are the same Amber Ale.  And they all taste bad...

Next!  The Wasatch White Label Belgian Style.  The note are silly, but I'll just say really quick before getting into those that White beers are an odd breed which I have minimal experience but they always
seem clean but a bit bland... now my notes.  Clean? Interesting, strange smell and taste... capers again? artichoke? What's going on?!

And finally, Wasatch Polygamy Porter... the anti-Porter.  Yes, it was the end of the night.  Yes we had already sampled 6 other beers.  But, it just tasted to us, after knowing the fullness and roasty notes of McMenamins' Porter, like it was lightly carbonated water with a bit of porter flavoring.  "Kinda tastes like dirt after a doughnut", notes Abbear.

The most surprising thing we found in Salt Lake, right

And so our wonderful visit ended, as did our great American excursion.  After this we left Abbear's lovely apartment in Utah and booked it back to wonderful, green Oregon.  The bears had taken captives from Missouri and we went to find asylum in the most beautiful place in the world, the Willamette Valley.  The End... sort of.

God descending on Utahn Mountains next to our car...

Beary Classy

This post used to have some wonderful imagery and pleasant lyricism, but it has all unfortunately been lost due to my ineptitude with the internet.  I am especially sorry about how this now affect the light which I wanted to shine on McCoy's Public House in Kansas City, MO.  It is a very classy place with good drinks, pizza, art, and, a very important concern for broke bears, prices.  Bear welcome, to a shining star of relief amidst the midday sun of the south.

The bartender was helpful as BPB order his usual of a local IPA and I tried my tongue at something new, but which sounded refreshing, a ginger shandy.


Ginger Shandy left, Newcomb IPA right

The IPA was light tasting without too much of the hoppy or bitter tastes which generally accompany this style of beer.  I declared it enjoyable and easy on the tongue.

Now the shandy.  Oh, what a shandy.  Or, what is a shandy?  According to Wikipedia "a shandy, or shandygaff, is beer mixed with citrus-flavored soda, carbonated lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale, or cider. The proportions of the two ingredients are adjusted to taste, normally half-and-half. There are also non-alcoholic shandies known as 'rock shandies'".  This is not the definition I was expecting, although after having the Ginger Shandy from McCoy's, I'm not surprised.  I had just assumed that a Shandy was a type of beer in and of itself, from how I'd seen it presented in stores and even on this bar's menu.  Although I suppose I didn't look too closely, I don't remember any indicators that a shady was not just another style of beer.  But, now I know and my notes from this occasion make a bit more sense.

Straight from the notebook:  The Ginger Shandy of McCoy's, very good.  Made with ginger and lemonade.  Tastes like light, watery, carbonated lemonade.  A dangerously deceptive drink; if it had been handed to me without a back story I would probably never have guessed that it was beer.  Delicious all the same.

Overall, McCoy's was a wonderful place to relax, grab a pint, and enjoy a decent slice of pizza.

St. Louis Beer Bears...

St. Louis was one of our greatest beer flops.  Country bears expect a lot from the big city, but we were sorely disappointed.  I don't want to hate too much, its not good for my beary complexion, but I just want to do a quick compare and contrast of Schlafly's and Widmer's Hefeweizens.

Schlafly
   - We declare it is no more than reconstituted PBR..!
   - Sour, spittle flavor
   - It came in a bottle AND WAS FIVE DOLLARS.  No prices on the menu, but what might you expect the charge for a bottled beer to be!?  There were a couple of sleep deprived and enraged bears carelessly mauling folks for a few hours there after that trip to the bar...
   - Also, just for an extra little dig, minus points for one of the most difficult brewery names ever

Widmer
   - Good on tap and in a bottle, but always on tap at the bar! Rawr
   - Comes with a slice of lemon or orange
   - I've never seen a pint for more than 4.50, but can usually get it for 3.50 or even 3 during happy hour.
  
And so, Widmer beats the hefe-snot out of Schlafly and we gladly ramble back to the west.

But, before we go, a few nice words...
   One good point of Missourian beer: Boulevard IPA.  Not too bitter and only a hint of hops (versus our liquified hops concentrate)
    "It's pretty great" said my IPA authority as he put his food/sugar deficient head in his hands... 

Bears at Big River

Walking down the boardwalk a bear eventually comes to realize that every restaurant is owned by a country or blues superstar and claims to serve the best BBQ or burgers in the state.  Combinations vary.  We however, were not interested in these claims.  Mostly we wandered in the stifling heat looking for the two things bears like best: deals on food and ice cold beer.  Yet, despite our efforts, prices refused to budge and the growing oppression of cowboy hats, fanny packs, and amateur street performers waiting for their big break made our heads spin until we stumbled into The Big River Brewing Company on the corner of Broadway and 2nd.

We ordered the usual of pizza and beer, but this time we wanted to really put on our professional-beer-tasting-bear faces, and so, we got a beer sampler.  Beer samplers come in a wide range and generally try to include the best and/or basics of a brewery's selection.  This sampler was, like most things in the south, one of the biggest I have ever seen.  It included 6 on tap regulars plus 2 seasonal specials.  A mouth-full, to say the least... ha ha, ugh.  Anyways, the beer.

This is the sampler.  Theoretically 8 of the finest beers Nashville has to offer.

There seems to be an inevitable problem which arises from trying more than about 4 beers at a time, and that is that, especially without an adequate pallet cleanser, the flavor tend to become muddled and flavorless after a bit.  But, I will try to do my best to give this quick synopsis.

     1) The Seasonal, Maibok?
"Whoa, I've never tasted anything like that..."
Sweet, kind of like bud, but with a strange, unidentifiable note.  I guess, rice?
     2) Southern Flyer Light Lager
Enjoyable.  Semi-sweet carbonated rice...
     3)16th Avenue Pilsner
An interesting kind of bitter.  Good and lightly hoppy.
     4) Nashville Steamer Golden Ale
Almost sour.  Lightly sweet, but inevitably nondescript.  "Extremely drinkable" is how it's described, and we agree.  "I'd order it" - BPB
     5) House Brand IPA
"Edgy but not full.  I like it though"
Hoppy like an IPA should do, but plain.
     6) Sweet Magnolia American Brown, "Award Winning" 1998
Full, good, mysterious... We had/have little experience with Browns.  They are not particularly popular, probably because they are completely unmemorable.
     7) Iron Horse Stout, "Award Winning"
"Bitter, but bitter with chocolate"
Chocolate is a common flavor in stouts because its complementary to a stouts robust design and bitter notes.  Stouts are generally very solid, cornerstone beers which are almost always good, as long as you like them.  This one is actually made with a British recipe, so their beer explanation describes, and thus, we take points for not being a Nashville original, but it was nevertheless still very good.
     8) Summer Wheat
Wheats are generally my favorite, this one however left something to be desired, however it was memorable.  It had a strange scent and reminded me of pickle brine... or capers?.. asparagus?.. the oregon coast?  I could never put my fuzzy claw on it, but it sticks in my memory like a rotten salmon.

Final thoughts:
"This brewery is wasting its time.  The stout is worthwhile, the IPA is actually good, but the rest aren't noteworthy" - BPB
They went for quantity over quality and the beer suffered... one big bear tear is shed.

Bear-Back Tracking

We return our tale to a day in Knoxville, Tennessee, home to the most amazing blonde and a curse that forces you to dance in the torrential rain.  It was our first experience with White Pizza and a new brewery on a classy urban street.  The noise was overwhelming, the postures erect, and the attire expensive.  However, the happy hour beer and a shared White pizza were perfection at half the cost. 

  It appears to be called Woodruff's, but it is, in fact, The Downtown Grill and Brewery, Knoxville TN.  I Don't have any photos of my own because this is at a date before I began thinking about doing the blog.  We did sit right there though ^_^

We were hungry and downtown are almost always expensive, comparatively, but, we decided to split a smallish pizza, since bears don't have refrigeration to store leftover's anyway, and enjoy two happy hour beers.  I wanted to share two to see what they had to offer, but, on that hot, muggy day, that would soon turn into the most amazing rain storm and the second greatest lightning storms I have ever seen, I wanted something that I found refreshing, which tend to be wheats or blondes.  Bi-Polar Bear does not generally enjoy these beers.  But, I got one anyway and hubby bear got his go-to, a stout.  The State Street Stout and Downtown Blonde Ale to be precise.  Not the most clever names, but to the point.


The State Street Stout, as I recall, didn't wow us.  We felt that it was a sturdy stout, but nothing to write home about.  But, the Downtown Blonde, o' the Downtown Blonde.  It knocked the socks off our un-socked paws.  In our reminiscing session trying to recall our experience, without trying to dredge up old bear's tales of heartache and dread, Bi-Polar Bear said, "Hey!  That’s the only blonde I’ve ever liked.”  As a brunette this was greatly appreciated... Sorry, bad pun.  Anyway, It did say something after all the beer we bears have enjoyed and with so few blondes ringing true to hubby bear, this blonde was genuinely fantastic with its lightly sweet maltiness yet crisp fruity finish without creating sour tones.  Easily two paws up for the Downtown Grill and Brewery's Downtown Blonde Ale.

East vs West, Porter Showdown

During the summer my beer of choice is generally a hefeweizen or if I'm lucky enough to hit up a McMenamins happy hour, their Ruby Ale (one of the best beers ever [made with 42 lbs. of Oregon raspberries]), however, for one of those cold winded evenings where the chill blows through the valley, or if I'm just feeling like being "one of the guys", I thoroughly enjoy a solid stout, or the stouts easy-going cousin, the porter.  My hubby-bear is all about the IPAs and stouts, but I often like to take a step back and only bring 3/4th of a loaf with my meal.  A porter is ideal for these occasions where you might want full flavor, but don't need it to overpower everything else you're putting in your mouth.

[side note] try your favorite porter with some chunky tomato bisque and salad or grilled cheese.  It's sing-along awesome!

So, as a fan of the porter, when a free Ninja Porter, brewed by the highly regarded Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company, was placed before two tipsy bears, my jealous bias was grateful for the opportunity to compare and contrast this unsuspecting challenger with the home-grown Porter from McMenamins Brew Pub and Restaurant. 

 I did not take either of these photos unfortunately but the one to the right is the Ninja Porter from the Asheville Brewing Company, while the one to the bottom/left is McMenamins' Porter

  Although later Bipolar Bear and I found out what an amazing Brewery the Asheville Pizza Co. is, this was our first introduction and I have to say, it fell short, especially after all the hype.  We found that the Ninja Porter's name is fairly apt as we never did encounter any real flavor.  For a dark beer it was surprisingly thin and empty yet with a bitter edge.  For me it was more of a chore than an experience to drink a full pint.  The McMenamins Porter, however, is creamy and toasty yet without undue bitterness or overwhelming bread-like qualities that many dark brews possess.

Without a doubt, although few beers are on par with the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company's Fire Escape Ale (with real jalapenos!), their porter fall greatly short while the McMenamins' Porter soars among their other choice beers.  Today the West wins out, paws down.

Worth It

We roamed far and wide across the beautiful city of Asheville, NC in search of the infamous Ashville Pizza and Brewing Company.  At finally seeing its weather-worn sign our little beary hearts lept in our chests as we imagined the succulent nectars which would imminently touch our tongues.  We had been to one of their locations already but were turned away because their brewery was actually at their original location on Merrimon Ave, and bears only drink from the freshest streams (plus they lacked the jalapeno ale that I was really looking for).  Yet now, sitting under their canopy, watching puppies play, enjoying the laughter of people drinking and being merry, we knew that our efforts would soon be repaid.

Our wonderfully engaging waiter, not put off by our rough exteriors,  was mightily helpful in our selections.  "Jalapeno?" I murmured.
"Fire Escape Ale", he replied.  My growl confirmed the transaction and soon I had a cold, spicy beer sitting in front of me.  One sip and I proposed.  My favorite beer to date.  My heart aches when I think about it being all the way in North Carolina, but distance theoretically make the heart grow fonder and so, I wait.  Wait til the day when I can bring Fire Escape Ale to my lips once again.  It is a clean beer with strong flavors of real jalapeno.  Perfect for a summer afternoon and a bacon, bleu cheese salad.

At this time, Bipolar Bear had been wandering around searching for an individual from whom to buy a cigarette.  When he returned with a menthol the waiter came and took his order.  There were many beers to chose from and after we were told that they only brew their scout stout in the winter, he was at a loss of what to order.  But, then he spotted the Shiva IPA.  Pointing a clawy paw, the waiter nodded and brought out what would be a game changing IPA.  The Asheville Brewing Co. website claims that "Shiva will destroy all your preconceptions of an IPA", and its true.  It is the essential IPA.  Light citrus flavor without being sour, bitter but still clean, and pleasantly hopsy without being overwhelming.

These two brew took the cake, the title, and maybe even the kitchen sink.  But, I wouldn't count the chickens before hatch in this brewery just yet.  The East v. West, Clash of the Porters is up next.

Bears At Barley's

My scruffy friend and I left Tall Gary's Cantina with the recommendation of a local pizza and beer joint with a jalepeno ale.  Bears happen to be fans of all three of these factors: beer, pizza, jalepenos.  Naturally we took the bait and went on a hunt.  Unfortunately, the name of the place we were told was not the name which is present on their sign.  Also, after about an hour of searching for food that was around the corner, we discovered that this was only a branch of the brewery and did not have their jalepeno ale on tap.

Barley's Taproom and Pizzaria

photo from http://www.barleystaproom.com/asheville/

There we were, two bears with no beer and low blood sugar.  The evening was quickly becoming dangerous for humans and bears alike, yet, there was a light at the end of the desperate pizza tunnel which came as a lit sign at the end of Aston street.  As you can imagine, or have perhaps experienced, late in the evening, one beer in, no food, a hunger for both and being a bear, you may eat just about anything and pay exorbitant prices for the most pathetic or disgusting of foods.  In this instance, Bi-polar Bear and I lucked out beautifully.  Like a beacon calling us home, we found a beer and pizza heaven at Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria, Asheville, North Carolina.

The board of beers

types unknown

Originally put off by the brainmelting noise level, our stomachs quickly overrode our hesitations, and soon we were blankly starring a waitress in the face.  She understood our needs and brought us a seven dollar margarita pizza, the special that evening, and a board of beer samples.  It was perfect.  The board of bears gave the board of beers a solid 3 out of 4.

Unfortunately we forgot to take one of the menus with us as we left that blessed place, so I don't have any details to share.  All I can say is that I highly recommend this restaurant.  The beer we had was great and Barley's has over 80 different beers to offer with 15 on tap.  The food was fantastic and very reasonably price, at least the special was which we ordered.  The staff friendly and helpful, letting our little bear brain work as little as possible late in the evening to satisfy our hunger and thirst.  Two big bear hugs for Barley's, may I feast my beady eyes on your establishment again someday.

Bear With Me

New and expensive, Bi-polar Bear and I have traveled the country to suitably end up in the beer capital of the US, or so we were told.  Coming from the Northwest, a haven for micro brews and independently owned restraunts, we had seen a good share of quality beer and food.  However, after getting acquainted with two local brews and a very friendly local bartender at Tall Gary's Cantina in Asheville, North Carolina, we were informed that Asheville has beat Portland for best beer in America the last four out of five years.  Bi-polar Bear and I looked at each other knowingly.  The gauntlet had been dropped.

"Greetings from Asheville"
mural by Scott Allred
located at Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company


With heavy judgements in our hearts we sipped our beer and listened to the five-peice, three generation band play their set of open mic night.  Highland Brewery was the featured beer on tap, so I ordered their seasonal Razor Wit Belgian Wheat while my Beary IPA connoisseur requested the year-round Kashmir IPA.  Admitedly, I felt that the Belgian Wheat was one of the best I had had, although I should say that my repertoire for Belgians is a bit limited.  However, Bi-polar Bear felt that it was too sweet and had a strange after-taste.  But, when it came to his IPA he gaves it an ademant thumbs up, stating, "it's the best."  I, currently not a fan of IPA's because of their intense bitterness and hoppy demeanor, did not enjoy the Kashmir, but that is what my coffee saturated colleague is for.  Both we recommend though, based on one's preferred taste; the Razor Wit for a sweet yet refreshing beer, and the Kashmir when looking for a hoppy and bitter summer ale.

Our beers at Tall Gary's Cantina

the one to the left is the Kashmir IPA

the one on the right is the Razor Wit Belgian White

Our first experience with beer/breweries away from home resulted in delicious drinks and a surprising sense of local-beer spirit and pride.  The competition is on but like all drinking games, everyone wins in the end.