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NAOBF 2012 Preview

A Taste Of Organic Lovin'

A taste of organic lovin' at the North American Organic Beer Fest
By Abe
Jun 29 1:22pm

The North American Organic Brew Festival kicked off today at noon, but before the gate opened, members of the local media were given a chance to taste some of the festival's offerings.

 

With a motto to "Drink Organic, Save the Planet, One Beer at a Time," the North American Organic Brewers Festival will host its eighth annual event June 29 through July 1 at Portland's Overlook Park. More than 18,000 beer lovers are expected to gather at the event, billed as the nation's most earth-­‐friendly beer festival.

 

Designed to raise awareness about organic beer and sustainable living, the NAOBF serves up more than 60 organic beers and cider from 40 different breweries. Styles run the gamut from Belgian Whites to Cascadian Darks, offering something for every palate. There's also live local music, organic food, sustainability‐oriented vendors and non‐profits, a soda garden with complimentary Crater Lake Root Beer for minors and designated drivers, and a children's area with face painting and

activities. 

 

Event hours are Noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission into the event is free. The purchase of a $6 reusable, compostable cornstarch glass is required for tasting beer, as are tokens, which sell for $1 apiece. A full glass of beer costs four tokens and a four‐ounce taste costs one token (select beers cost double tokens). Patrons receive a $1 discount toward the tasting glass with a validated Tri-Met ticket, a ticket from the onsite fenced bike corral, or three cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank (one discount per a person).

 

Here are some of the beers I tasted, this morning, but be sure that I'll be tasting more throughout the weekend:

 

Alameda Brewing's Yellow Wolves of Thailand 

This strong beer was actually pretty smooth with a hoppy scent. It definitely didn't taste as strong as it should have at 8.2%. 

 

Fort George Brewing's Budd Ale/Spruce Beer

This beer was sweet and almost sort of sour. While very light and refreshing, it featured handpicked spruce tips, 120 pounds to be exact. 

 

Hopworks Brewing's Ace of Spades

This hop forward Imperial IPA is strong enough to ease you into the grass of Overlook Park for a little siesta. Beware of the hop profile of this 9% brew.

 

Commons Brewing's Haver Bier/Oat Saison

The Belgian character in this brew was saddled with a little spice in the after taste. It's a truly refreshing beer for a summer day in every way.

 

Laurelwood Brewing's Organic Deranger Imperial Red Ale

This beer is very upfront about how strong it is, at 8.6$. But that's not to say there isn't a lot of depth in this beer. The flavor profile is very complex, and worth a slow sip.

 

Elliot Bay Brewing's Organic Olde Burien 600 Malt Liquor

When one thinks of malt liquor, they think of a gross tasting beer that will lay them flat for around $2.50. But supringly this beer was smooth and enjoyable. 

 

Brunehaunt Brewing's Amber

This beer is the only three token beer at fest. Straight from Belgium this brew was excellent. And the fact that it's gluten free is just icing on the cake for those who require such a beer.

 

Laht Neppur Brewing's Strawberry Cream Ale

This beer really didn't have the strawberry undertones I expected. It was slightly sweet but overall a light brew. In the end, it wasn't my favorite, but maybe I was searching for something a bit more ballsy.

 

Lompoc Brewing's Cluster Fuggles IPA

This lightrer brew was one of the milder IPAs I've had in my life. And yet, it was still quite a satisfying beer overall. With a slight bitterness to it, this IPA was an easy beer to sip on a hot day.

 

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