OBF From 1,400 Miles

If I was going to miss an OBF, this was the one to miss: never in the history of beer fests has any been covered so widely in so many media. (Last year's GABF may be an exception, but don't get in the way of the HMS Hyperbole, please.) I was seeing updates on email, blogs, and Twitter, and starting to get a good sense of which beers were good and bad. Admittedly, this is a highly-specialized view, offered by those very into beer and at least partly into technology. Still, based on these beer geeks, here's what I think I know:

Boundary Bay Single-Hop Amarillo was the most impressive beer. Boundary Bay has a regular, ongoing series with single-hopped beers, and this was the 15th edition. (Beer savants may recall that last year they brought their crystal-hopped version.) Those who know and love Amarillo will not be surprised by this--such a nice hop. Now the real question arises: will this beer be available in pubs? Please let me know if you see it pouring somewhere; I really want to have a pint.

Sad to say that Green Flash Imperial IPA was roundly hailed the big dud. Something wrong with the batch, apparently, because past Green Flash entries have impressed. But with descriptions like "rotting vegetation," it's hard to argue.

I got a link on my open thread from the mayor's office with this 75-second clip: there are images of the parade and Sam tapping the old wooden keg to kick-off the fest. Have a look: you'll see a lot of familiar faces. (How is it that Abe is always on video? He's quickly becoming the face of Oregon beer. And better his than mine!)

Oregon Brewers Festival Parade & Keg Tapping from Mayor Sam Adams on Vimeo.

Incidentally, should you prefer first-hand experience to rumor (and I can't imagine why you would), you might have a look at these recaps: Bill at It's Pub Night; Hops and Barley, Beer Around Town.

Feel free to add any closing (and informed) comments you might have.