The Mysterious Origins of Left Hook Lager

You will not find Left Hook Lager on the grocery shelves. You won't be able to go to a brewery to find it. Instead, this special release is available only one place: Democratic Senate candidate Steve Novick's campaign office.

[R]aise a glass to Steve with your friends. Orders will be processed on March 14 and March 21. Sorry, no deliveries and no shipping. Pick up your brew with valid proof-of-age identification at the office anytime March 14th or after. We'll be keeping it cold for you at 1339 SE 8th at Madison, Portland, OR, pick up M-F 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Saturdays 10:00 to 4:00. Payment by cash or check can only be made in person at the campaign office on March 14 and March 21.

The beer is a special, only-in-Beervana fundraiser for Novick's campaign. A single 22 is ten bones, and a case (12) sets you back a C-note. I have tried to track down the origins of the beer, but so far I have had no luck. The one bit of info: it's brewed by Ninkasi. The only lager the brewery makes that I'm aware of is Schwag, so it's probably not a bad guess to think that's what Left Hook is. But so far I haven't been able to track down the info, and I'm too cheap to drop the money to, you know, actually taste it and see.

However, as a political junkie, I think this would make a far nicer collectable than a campaign button.

If anyone knows anything, holler. If someone's willing to buy a bottle and report back, by all means do so.

[Update: the Novick campaign actually has a couple of release events associated with Left Hook Lager.

Saturday, March 15, 7:00-9:30 PM
Left Hook Lager St. Patrick's Day Beer with Steve-the special release of our campaign mircrobrew!
Vet's Club (Veteran Memorial Building)
1626 Willamette Street, Eugene

Monday, March 17, 5:30-8:00 PM
Left Hook Lager St. Patrick's Day Beer With Steve
Melody Ballroom
615 SE Alder, Portland]

[Update 2: Incidentally, this blog isn't about to go political. Although I'm a Dem, I actually support the other guy in the race (Jeff Merkley). But the truth is, I think politics and beer are a bad combo. Beer brings people together, politics tends ... not to. But this is a pretty fascinating manifestation of beer culture in Oregon, and I wanted to alert you all to it. Could be a preview of coming attractions, or possibly a unique promotion. Either way, interesting.]