Summer Means Beer. Lots and Lots of Beer!

One thing I love about summer is that a cold pint of beer is such a euphoric experience on an especially hot day. Now, it’s no secret that I love beer. Guinness is my brew of choice at almost any occasion. Take me to a winery and I’ll be jonesin’ for a Guinness. But, when a beer drinker is in Portland, one cannot limit oneself to one brand name regardless of preference. After all, Portland is “the center of the beer universe.” So, why not partake of the myriad choices?

There are nearly 40 microbreweries in P-Town, each having as few as four to as many as a dozen of their own creations on tap everyday. Among my favorite concoctions are as follows:

Black Rabbit Porter – McMenamins

Terminator Stout – McMenamins

Black Lab Stout – Lucky Labrador Brewing Company

Blackwatch Cream Porter – MacTarnahan’s Brewing Company

Black Strap Stout – BridgePort Brewery

Sockeye Cream Stout – New Old Lompoc Brewery

Space Stout – Laurelwood Public House & Brewery

And these are just from the dark varieties.  During the summer, I tend to also incorporate the lighter side of the beer spectrum– amber and pilsners. Some of my favored lighter drinks are:

Mac’s Amber Ale – MacTarnahan’s Brewing Company

Ruby – McMenamins

India Pale Ale – Bridgeport

Of course, this doesn’t mean I don’t imbibe the more nationally known beers, especially when offered in keg-form at parties. But, the Portland microbrews have found a special place in my belly heart that can never be replaced.