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