Newsy Bits

I've had a few event/news items rattling around my inbox, and now seems as good a time as any to throw together an odds-and-ends post.

1. Barleywine and Big Beer Fest
The Lucky Lab is hosting its third (fourth?) annual barleywine and big beer fest this weekend. For fans of the style, this is a must-see. Something like 50 big beers, a great many of them aged a year or more. The beer list is here, and both The New School and Brewpublic have previews.

Barleywine and Big Beers Fest
Friday and Saturday, March 5th and 6th, Noon to 10 p.m.
Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
1945 NW Quimby Street
A custom glass and two tokens are $8 and additional tastes are $1.50

2. Irish Whiskey Tasting
For the second year, the Pilsner Room will be hostin an Irish whiskey tasting for St. Paddy's. Hosted by Stuart Ramsey, it is both informative and entertaining. The event is divided into four courses and each is accompanied by a Full Sail beer. This year's features Session Black, Slainte Stout, Hop Pursuit Extra Pale, and aged Imperial Porter along with Greenore Single Grain, Red Breast Irish Whiskey, and Connemara Peated Irish Whiskey. I went last year and had a great time.

Irish Whiskey Tasting, March 17
McCormick and Schmick's Harborside
$25, reservations required
Seating is limited so call ahead: (503) 220-1865

3. Pelican Self-Delivery
Darron Welch and the folks at Pelican managed to lobby the legislature to change the self-distribution laws to include slightly larger breweries last year. And were successful! The result is that the brewery plans to begin distributing to Portland. That means more availability of more of the beers, and possibly a cheaper price tag.


4. Double Mountain Third Anniversary
If you're anywhere near Hood River on March 13, Double Mountain's the place to be. It's an all-day event with live music and 14 Double Mountain beers (!), including some "archival rarities." Should be a real cool time.

Double Mountain Anniversary Party
Saturday March 13, 2010 – Noon to 11pm
8 Fourth St, Hood River OR

As an FYI, keep your eyes on the Oregon Brewers Guild blog for a complete listing of beer events--things are starting to heat up on the beer calendar.