The Rangers have their home opener tonight, there's a cold and clear night sky, and the beer is flowing "like wine."
Tonight I'd like to tell you about two fantastic beers from the fine people at Deschutes Brewery up in Bend, Oregon. I haven't had a chance to try many brews from Oregon, so I'm happy to tell ya about this duo.
Up first is the Green Lakes Organic Ale. This beer brewed with five types of organic malted barley and finished with Liberty and Sterling hops is a testament to how organic ingredients can make an excellent and well-balanced tasty libation. In fact, the Sterling hops are what they call, "salmon-safe." According to their website, "The way these flavorful, rich hops are grown makes sure that streams are shaded and there is not runoff to nearby waterways. That way the rivers stay cool and clean for migrating salmon."I'm all for keeping the animals safe and drinking great beer. Sign me up for that petition!
The Green Lakes Organic Ale pours a solid dark amber into the pint glass. Aromas of brown sugar, maple syrup and a touch of citrus from the hop additions pique my interest. The first sip goes down easier than a hooker on HBO. Just sayin'.
The flavor is rich with a slightly nutty flavor mixed with caramel sweetness and a trace of bitterness in the finish. This is a fantastic beer to start off the cool night here in the East Bay. Gotta love it.
Get yourself some of this Green Lakes Organic Ale and start your weekend right.
Overall Score for the Green Lakes Organic Ale: 4.25 out of 5.0
BEER #2
Next up is the flagship brew of Deschutes, the Black Butte Porter.The dark chocolate liquid slides into the glass and forms a thick foamy head like a fine a mouse.
The beer features scents of chocolate, coffee and caramel, and I'm pretty damn sure this is going to taste outstanding.
Wow! Holy crap! That's the stuff man. This beer is super smooth, full of chocolate malt flavor and a nice finish that throws in a wee bit 'o bitter. Excellent work!
These two offerings from Deschutes are absolutely perfect for the first cold evening since I've been here on the left coast. Drink up.
Overall Score for the Black Butte Porter: 4.5 out 5.0
And a quick little note about a fine lager that I'd like to recommend. If you haven't had the chance to check out North Coast Brewing Company's Scrimshaw Pilsner, you're missing out. A delicious crisp brew that is great with a burger, or just for a treat while watching the playoffs, give the Scrimshaw a try. North Coast never disappoints. You'll love it!
Slainte!
Oh man the Obsidian Stout is another nice one from Deschutes. Matt and I had some organic stout he found in a store around town and it was rather tasty. Wish you could have been there to try it out.
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