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Last week was all about the 2015 Craft Brewers Conference (at least was for us), and this year’s CBC was one of the best ever. It was four spectacularly informative days and several late nights drinking way to much beer with our industry friends out in Portlandia…and we’ll be reflecting on everything (at least what we can remember) all this week starting with today’s Quick Hits.
11,500 (Portland, OR) – That’s how many industry professionals attended this year’s conference…and that doesn’t include the 600 exhibitors (and their staff) who took part in the massive industry tradeshow, BrewExpo. People we’re partying all over the city and needless to say a total blast.
CBC Symposium Ales (Portland, OR) – This year the Brewers Association collaborated with the Oregon Brewers Guild on this year’s commemorative beer. And since Oregon is home to so many craft breweries, the guild opted to brew not one, but six different collaborative beers from six different regions. Each beer was a collaboration among breweries in that region and were all pretty damn impressive.
Chucklehead was Central Oregon’s contribution – 5.2% ABV take on a Berliner Weisse, that’s infused with juniper berries evergreen tips. Deschutes – host, McMenamins – Old St. Francis School, Three Creeks and Worthy Brewing- The Spirit of the 90’s represented Portland Metro and it was a Northwest Amber. Hopworks Urban Brewery (host) – Breakside, Gilamesh, Laurelwood, Standing Stone and Portland Brewing
- (We Had to Do a) NW IPA was Willamette Valley’s 7.3% ABV India Pale Ale. Ninkasi Brewing Company (host) – Caldera, Double Mountain, Falling Sky, Flat Tail, Fort George and Mazama Brewing
- Imperial Blitz was one of Portland Metro’s CBC offerings -a 6.5% ABV nod to the city’s original brewery, Blitz Weinhard. Ecliptic Brewing (host) – Baerlic, Base Camp Burnside, Gigantic, Lompoc, Old Town and Widmer Brothers Brewing
- Gose was brewed by the other Portland Metro group – a 4.5% ABV Gose soured with Lactobacillus brevis from Wyeast Laboratories. Occidental Brewing Co. (host) – Ambacht, The Commons and Stickmen Brewing
- Cascadian Dark Lager was a “robust and hoppy 6.2% ABV Dark Lager brewed by the Oregon Coast group. Pelican Pub & Brewery (host) – Buoy Beer, Heater Allen and Two Kilts Brewing
Seminar City (Portland, OR) – People come to the CBC to listen, learn and discuss a multitude of industry issues, and even after late nights spent drinking with friends, the seminars were packed. This year’s themes include unity, quality and safety but with three days of sessions there was something here for everyone.
2015 Achievement Awards (Portland, OR) – Three members of the brewing community were recognized and awarded for their dedication and service during the opening session which launched things on Wednesday morning and this year’s recipients could not have been more deserving.
- Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing: Steve Dressler, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Brewers Association Recognition Award: Dave & Diane Alexander, Brickskeller, Washington, D.C.
- F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award: Brook Bristow, South Carolina Brewers Guild
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA) -Although Portland has a reputation for being a city where rain can sometimes be a daily occurrence the weather last week was spectacular and further proof that the Gods love the Brewers Association. And next year’s CBC (May 3rd-6th) will be taking place in the “City of Brotherly Love” and you know the weathers always great there!
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