Fat Tire and a freaky Pizza

Tonight we have a show at the D.I.V.A. in downtown Eugene, so I grabbed dinner at the Pegasus Pizza. They must be going downhill, because the first pizza came with no cheese (!?). Well, no trouble - I just worked on my Fat Tire while waiting for the proper pie to be prepared. At least they gave us the first one to nibble on - it was much appreciated by the rest of the band at our practice before the show. If you have not had the pleasure of a Fat Tire, you should try it. This beer is eminently drinkable, and a very popular brew year-round.

Alaskan Stout @ Norma's in Seaside

Alaskan Brewing Co. is far from most of my usual vacation spots, but at the coast, one has to take what one can get. In this case, an Oatmeal Stout imported from Juneau fit the bill quite nicely. This is another dark beer that goes well with the fish and chips that I find myself gorging on whenever I visit the Oregon coast. I decided that the Canadian Halibut deserved something from a similar latitude, so the Alaskan Stout was my choice. Norma's is well known in seaside as the place to get the finest plate of fish in town. You can find them at 20 N. Columbia, just off Broadway. If you get the fish and chips, don't forget to get the beer as well. You will be glad you did.

Haystack Black in Seaside

On a recent trip to the coast, I decided to try a little brew with my Halibut - and the darkest thing on the menu was this little number. It lives up to the Black in the name, and is a very malty stout that mixes well with the Malted Vinegar I always find myself squirting onto the fish. This particular brew is a fairly simple rendition of the classic black, which suited the simplicity of fish and chips by the sea. A fitting brew for a friday night.

Excitement at the Eugene Rogue

Okay, it appears I am stuck in a little bit of a rut. Back at the Rogue in Eugene for another taster tray - this time with a little extra excitement. First, let me introduce the brews to you:

First, my old fave Crusty, also known as Old Crustacean Barleywine. This one has one so many awards around the world it could probably be considered the best beer you can buy. I rarely pass up a glass of this fine, rich and smooth brew, as it is exceptional in all regards. The only thing better is when you can get a glass from the special reserve batch - that is a treat I had once and will never forget.

Second, we have the Black Brutal Bitter - this is a special brew for today, a rich, dark, malty concoction with substantial body, and the color of ebony. It has just the slightest hint of brown tone, and is simply dark. Very tasty as well, and has a great bitter mouthfeel and aftertaste that lets you know that we aren't pussyfooting around here. This is the real thing.

Third, we have the brew known as Double Trouble - this one is named after my waitress, who also happened to make some trouble while delivering the taster tray today. I was lucky to save the PowerBook from a substantial dose of beer, as she spilled a good portion directly onto the table. Oh well, at least there was another taster in it for me... The Double Trouble is a reddish orange, and has strong hops (double hops to be precise). It is light and delicate, but also potent. Excellent.

Fourth today I decided to depart my usual dark selections for a lighter brew, the Saison. This one is a yellow orange with a European feel to it. A good portent of the summer brews that will follow, this one is really a rainy day dreamer of a beer. Not too out of balance, this one has a little bit of a kick, as well as the much loved maltiness of the lighter Rogue brew.

Fifth, a freebie, the Triple Belgian. This one is simply light and divine, so gentle that you could easily quaff a pint without thinking twice. Of course, I am only going to swig four ounces tonight, so that won't really be a problem. Sure is sweet and yummy though.

Well, that makes for a nice stop at Rogue. As usual, I am not at all disappointed - another awesome selection of the finest brews in ye old world. Lovely.

Taster of XS

Well, as usual, the XS brews hit the spot. A powerful foursome consisting of Morimoto Pilsner, I2PA, Barleywine and Imperial Stout. Every one was exceptional, and on the mark. A bargain at $5. Good night!

Taster tray at Rogue Eugene

Here I am working on the first two tastes offered today- a pale ale from the brewery here, and a "love and hoppiness" ale from the Newport brewer's wedding. A treat! These are both light for my taste, but very flavorful - good anticipation of summer here. A good prelude to the XS taster tray I have up next.. The house ale is dry and very smooth - deceptively so. Almost invisible as it slides away. Love and hoppiness lives up to the name admirably - hops are all you taste, aside from a generous helping of love. Glad I picked the XS taster - even the waiter complimented my frugality. A very tasty pint in quarters is on the way..