Congratulations to Kevin of Canby, he is the winner of the top 5 beer wish list contest
His top 5 are:
1. Widmer Snowplow
2. Deschutes Jubleale
3. Sierra Nevada Celebration
4. Alaskan Smoked Porter
5) Macs BlackWatch
We at Guest on Tap have been made aware of an error in the following story. Please note that we mentioned in this story “Foam For Fido” that the Lucky Lab in SW Portland area near Multnomah Village says “dogs are not allowed on the outside patio and that Lucky Lab managers ask you do not bring them. This has been pointed out to be not true. According to Erin, Manager SW Lucky Lab “We do have an outside seating area for Dogs and welcome them all time of year, however, it is not covered or warmed by heat lamps like our other locations.” Please make a note of it!
Foam for Fido
Winter sports enthusiasts often take Fido along with them on ski, snowshoe or cross-country outings. After a rigorous day of pushing snow around or hiking in the slush, I’m always ready for a thirst-quenching brew. But where can you go with the dog in tow?
Lots of places, it turns out. I list some of my favorites below. But first, a reminder to my fellow dog lovers out there. Just as parents must tend to their kids, it’s important to maintain proper etiquette when out and about with your dog.
• Keep your dog on a leash at all times in the beer garden. It doesn’t matter how well-behaved your dog is at home. When out in public, simply trusting old Rex to behave and sit quietly is not enough. Dog fights, stolen meals and beer spills are no fun for anyone.
• Feed and water your dog properly before and during your visit. This is your responsibility, not that of the pub or its other patrons. A hungry, thirsty dog will not behave at its best, and while you may think it’s cute that she steals sandwiches off the next table, the person who bought them may not.
• Give your dog a break now and then, before he takes one on his own. A good rule of thumb is to take Spot on a nature break whenever you feel the urge yourself. Cleaning up under the table is not only a lot less fun, but can spoil the appetite of fellow patrons.
• Dogs stay outside. As the old saw goes, this isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law. Health code, to be exact.
• If the dog misbehaves, remove it from the premises. Period. Do it. No excuses.
If these rules seem obvious to you, then you’re probably doing a good job already. If not, I might advise you to leave Princess at home while you’re out tasting the latest brews.
So who are Portland’s dog-friendly hosts? The most obvious place is the Lucky Labrador on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. It provides a potable-water keg and buckets in the beer garden and have plenty of sturdy posts and picnic tables for tying up your animal.
The pub’s fall Dogtoberfest dog wash raises hundreds of dollars for the DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital. Post a picture of your pup on their bulletin board, and don’t forget all the dog-friendly brew names.
Canines are welcome at the outdoor area of Lucky Lab’s Quimby Beer Hall in Northwest, too, just across the street from DoveLewis. (Labs are less lucky at the brewery’s Multnomah Village establishment, which lacks outdoor facilities and asks that you not bring your pooch.)
At Amnesia on North Mississippi Avenue, your pup needs to be tied up to the picnic tables. Those outside heat lamps are warm but not sturdy enough. Buy an extra all-natural brat for your furry friend, and she’ll be happy.
The New Old Lompoc’s beer garden on Northwest 23rd Avenue is in back, so you should bring Fido in through the back gate only after you’ve secured a table. They provide water, bowls and heat, too.
Out in the Columbia Gorge, Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson, Wash., has a beer garden that allows dogs, and the beer garden is the place to be.
Further out, you can’t bring your pup inside Hood River’s Full Sail Tasting Room, but there’s a shady tie-up spot outside, and the smell of their outdoor cooker is likely to make old Rex hungry for some chow.
Closer to the mountain, Elliot Glacier Public House in Parkdale has a gorgeous view of Mount Hood from its backyard beer garden. Walk Fido around the side once you’ve secured a table. It’ll be chilly, but you’ll revel in the trails you just mastered as you warm up with a strong Scottish ale.
Beer News
“A selection of Oregon craft microbrews from the Oregon Brewer's Guild” is what the Missouri Governor will win if the Oregon State Beavers lose to the Missouri Tigers on Friday according to Governor Kulongoski! So GOT (Guest on Tap) feels bad for the Governor of Missouri who won’t get to taste our great craft beers…Go Beavers!
Full Sail Brewery releases some taste offerings! Coming off the excitement of their Wreck the Halls (the "Brewmaster's Reserve", a big hoppy IPA at the Holiday Ale Festival and on draft now around town), John Harris informs GOT that the new Old Boardhead Barley Wine Ale 2006 is now available around town at better beer retail locations! This American Barley Wine Ale is always a winner! Make sure you get out and get yourself a bottle! Look for Full Sail Brewing’s launch of their new seasonal series beers "LTD" to follow the Wassail now on shelves.
Congratulations! The Winners of the Oregon Brew Crews Annual Bung Awards were announced on Saturday December 16 th- Red Bung (Beer Lover) - Tom Field Rose and Raindrop Gold Bung (Outstanding Contribution to Home and Craft Brewing) - Greg Higgins Orange Bung (Volunteerism in Club) - Merle Gilmore Flaming Red Bung (For inciting list-serve arguments, etc ) - Bob Farrell Silver Bung (Home brewer of the Year) - Mitch Scheele (again) Great Experimental Paddle - Trevor Millund E-Bung!
New Breweries Update : Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River, Oregon is getting closer to opening. Beer Valley Brewing (www.beervalleybrewing.com) is now brewing in Ontario, Oregon. But not available yet in Oregon? Yep, it seems they are still working on distribution rights for the state of Oregon. You can drink it in Arizona, though! Look for it coming soon.
New beers? Widmer Brothers (www.widmer.com) is currently shipping their new W’07 Pale Ale. Originally calledSummit Hop Pale Ale, this beer won the Silver medal at this year’s GABF in the American Style Pale Ale category. Lucky Lab (www.luckylab.com) has their Alt Beer back on tap and their fine seasonal, Superdog, is also available. Then, from our friends in Bend, Oregon, comes a great new flavor experience. The Abyss is a Deschutes Brewery (www.deschutesbrewery.com)Reserve Series beer in the Imperial Stout style. The Abyss is rich and complex and clocks in at 11% ABV. From Laurelwood Public House and Brewery (www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com) comes Hung Jury Pale Ale. A bit sweeter and a touch hoppier in the nose than their Piston Pale. This beer features some great hop varieties: Columbus, Amarillo, Centennial and Ahtanum. This beer was made by Chad’s understudies, Paul and Dustin, while he was serving in jury duty. The ale also has the added dose of Nugget and Simcoe hops post-fermentation to create this West Coast Pale Ale. Made with Organic Barley Malt!
The Christmas Beer List Winner! You can see who this year’s Christmas Beer List winner is at www.guestontap.com; also useful for beer ideas for the New Year’s Eve Celebration. Call your favorite local brew pub for celebrations and always play it safe, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Bring then back alive!