So I headed up to Vancouver, WA for Christmas to spend some time with my family. While I was there, my dad planned out this awesome custom beer tour of some sights from Kalama down to Portland.
To start off, we drove up I-5 to Kalama, WA. This is the spot where Pyramid grew out of control and became America’s fourth largest microbrewery. However, the first building that helped them gain great success is now abandon with broken windows. Even though nothing was there, it was still cool to check out the surprisingly small building which raised one of the nations “best” microbreweries. My dad suspected that the building is still owned by the port there. Does anyone know what this building’s future is going to be? It would be great to see another group of guys get in there and brew beer once again. Perhaps the Suds or Duds TV crew will have a chance?
Next up was the trek back down to downtown Vancouver, where we hit up By The Bottle. I had previously talked to the co-owner, Arlene, before heading up. Unfortunately the snow kept her at home when I went in and David was there to show me around. David was a great guy, he told me a bunch about all the beers they carried. He definitely knows his stuff about the local Northwest breweries. Their website is a bit out dated, but they do hold events every so often. So if you are in the area stop by, buy a beer, and say hey. Here is a combination of stuff I picked up there and what my dad had laying around his house, all of which I am bringing back with me to California.
Next up on our little trip was a need for lunch. We were originally going to hit up Salmon Creek Brewpub which is conveniently located next door to By The Bottle; however, they don’t open until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday’s. Who does that? Anyways, we decided to head over to McMenamins on the Columbia which is an extension of the Portland brewery. We snagged some lunch and I tried out their sampler. For the most part, their beer was good. I highly recommend their Ruby Ale or their Nitro Porter.
It was too early to head home, so we decided to head across the river into downtown Portland. A tough decision between going to Deschutes, Rogue, or Bridgeport; we decided on Deschutes. I have become a huge fan of their beers. On my last blog, I wrote about drinking their Inversion IPA on election night to celebrate (or sulk depending on what your views are). Anyways, Deschutes has an awesome little brewpub there. They have an impressive wall of awards they have won from around the world. Next to this wall is a huge collection of brewing equipment. I have no idea if they brew there, but I am assuming they do, it is a huge waste of equipment to just let sit for decoration. I tried their cask bitter and had a sip of my dad’s cask porter. Both beers were mind blowingly amazing. Also, I had their gold I think. I forget the name, but it too was amazing.
Just for good measure I am going to throw in some pictures of Hazel Dell Brewpub. We hit this place up earlier in the week for a brew before going to the grocery store. I was super stoked to try the IPA they had. Let me say I was severely disappointed. I even tried their dry hopped variation which was also disappointing. I switched over to their red ale which was actually a lot better. Also for good measure is my dad and I chilling on his back porch smoking a stogie, celebrating a good vacation up in Washington.
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