All things NW Beer.....

There is one thing seasoned North Westerners enjoy most often.....a great local brew.  The Northwest Beer Guide will give you the complete guide to all great local brews, but The Refined Brewer has his top three.

The Ninkasi Brewing Company has mastered consistency and provided my palate with the greatest of hoppy rewards.  I definitely plan to pay my respects to the brewery down in Eugene, as I have paid my respects to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field a time ago.  The Believer Double Red Ale is pure malty bliss best purchased by the gallon.

Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon has once again granted us the taste of their Red Chair NWPA (Northwest Pale Ale).  "The citrus punch of a big IPA, minus the one-dimensional hop sledgehammer. Seven select European and domestic malts round out the edges for a complex, copper-colored brew. Like its namesake ski lift, it’s an insider’s ride to fresh thrills".  Excuse me while I crack open another.

Widmer Hefeweizen, oh where do I start.  The Widmer Brothers introduced me to fine draft beers back in 2005.  I fell in love with the Gasthaus and sadly said goodbye as I departed to Washington State.  

I have had a love hate relationship with this brewery.  I don't appreciate breweries taking a beer I love, and one which I purchased by the case, and turning around and selling it in 4 packs!!  Hops plus barley does not equal frappuchino or wine coolers!  I just can't get away from that frothy Hef!  I know there are many other great Hefeweizens out there, but like a good neighbor Widmer Hefeweizen is always there.