Saturday, July 12, 2008. My latest project--I've always liked having "projects"--is to take pictures of all the brew pubs in Portland. And of course I need a guide, and so who better than Will, my 23 year old son and beer connoisseur.
The only criterion: the pub must brew its own beer.
In the heat of a late afternoon last week we hoofed it down to our first spot--The Bridgeport Brewery where we repaired to the shaded and breezy deck. Will took the measure of a Bridgeport IPA and I sipped on a refreshing Haymaker. The verdict: two thumbs up. The pub is in the Pearl District, an industrial area turned art gallery / high-end condo and retail zone. Construction all around.
One beer was plenty, so we turned our attention to the interior. Couldn't take a tour (Saturdays only), but I took some pictures of paraphernalia and beer handles.
Last Friday it was brewery #2--the Lucky Labrador Brewery. It immediately struck me as the quintessential Portland Brewery: bikes outside--and inside; picnic tables outside, beer kegs converted to flower containers, tattooed waitresses. And a bartender graciously agreed to show us the brewing tanks. A bonus, and Lucky Lab scores points! We sat outside and took in the scene. An after-work group, guys from construction jobs, a few couples with their dogs. A retriever nuzzled up to Will. An altogether entertaining scene. And the beer--a Super Dog IPA for Will and a Long Day Lager for me--was excellent.
Will's the tour guide, so in this beer and bike town, we have lots more exploration ahead. Cheers.
OK, Martoni, so if I come down on the train with my bicycle in tow will you be my guide to one or more of your favorite brew pubs?
Posted by: Tom | July 20, 2008 at 05:35 PM