Airport Beer

This is the long-awaited retro-post from travels Eastward.

First stop on the way home from NYC was JFK - and there we found Sam Adams the best available brew. Summarily quaffed the obligatory pint, to be shocked into sense by the price tag - with tax, a beer at JFK runs $7+. Sam Adams is Sam Adams, and even on tap, is not worth $7 anywhere. Well, apparently JFK is an exception...

In Minneapolis/St.Paul, found a nice Brewery/Restaurant in the airport (?). The Split Rock is a nice place to grab a bite if you are very hungry and stuck in the airport in Minnesota. Their house brew, Split Rock Ale, is also a nice piece of work. It is a dry, hoppy and very crisp draught, quite refreshing for a midwestern springtime. If you are there, you shouldn't miss it (unless you would miss your flight).

Oregon Trader Russian Oatmeal Stout @ Wyatt's (Albany, OR)

Decided to stop in Albany for lunch, and had a hard time when all the beers on the menu were sold out - thankfully this establishment has 24 taps, so there were still a few unpublished brews on tap. I tried this gem from Oregon Trader brewing - a rich and creamy Russian Stout which went well with the Angus Burger that accompanied it. Slow service, and good beer. Not the finest combination, but I would rather have good beer with poor service than vice versa. All's well that ends well.

Pre-Show Honey Cream on the house @ Rogue

Sometimes life is about being in the right place at the right time (we'll talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time in another post). On this Saturday, I had the good fortune to be at the Rogue house upon the occasion of a mispoured beer. Someone apparently had their order taken incorrectly, so I was the lucky recipient of a free beverage on the house. My folks were either impressed, or depressed, I am not sure.

Thankfully, the beer was great, and the Rogue has gained another happy repeat customer.

The show at Tiny's after was awesome - thanks to everyone who packed in there. It was crowded, but very much fun.

Terminator Stout at McMenamins - Boone's Treasury

Okay, maybe I am stuck in a rut, but Terminator was a great combo with the chicken tenders and tots - a bargain lunch from the starters menu. Quite a large portion for a starter - I was full. The Terminator was as good as I remembered - and poured expertly. Congratulations to the Mcs on a reasonable level of quality control - the Terminator here is as sweet as anywhere else they pull the tap.

If you are in Salem, take a trip on Liberty street and enjoy the fine food and beverages.

Coffee Stout and a Chocolate Stout Float

Today is a recording day, so I thought dinner at Rogue would be good. Silly me! A basket of fries for 4.75? Or a Chocolate Stout Float for $5.50? I will have the float, thanks.

Coffee Stout is smooth, not overly bitter - more like an iced coffee, with a little tang. Fantastic, really, for a hot winter day in Eugene.

Chocolate Stout Float is on the way as soon as the Coffee Stout is finished... stand by...
Apparently the freezer has rendered the ice cream harder than expected.
Here it comes... oops.. there it goes (they forgot the cherry)..

Ahh, yum. Chocolate Stout and ice cream, with a whipped cream top. Follows the coffee stout nicely.. why bother with dinner when beer is so good?

Rogue Eugene Brewery is on Olive St. in Eugene, Oregon.

Rogue American Amber at Joe's

A tasty rogue beer, gulpable, delectable, and light as well. This beer is strong, and smooth. If you like American Microbrew, this is probably a great place to begin and end any tour. Wonderful (plus there is free pool Mondays at Joe's).

Highly recommended.

Terminator Stout at McMenamins Theater

Just a quick nip in the evening with a local Portland friend. We each had a Pint and Half of the Terminator Stout. McMenamins is the McPub of Portland, and the Terminator is a signature favorite. It lives up to its name, providing a strong buzz and an overwhelming mouthfeel. If you have not tasted the Terminator, you are probably drinking Bud. Shame on you.