North West BS Thread

Cheers boys. Double lime for @Green Thunder

 

I have some Two Towns Cosmic Crisp in the garage but haven’t tried it yet. Also been drinking some Tieton out of Yakima. My wife is gluten free (I was for a while too) so we have tried a ton of different ciders over the years. Find it way more refreshing than most beers although I still like a good porter or stout during the winter.

 

cosmic crisp has been a regular in my fridge lately. That and schilling Excelsior.

until a couple of friends recently got me hooked on the Great Notion sours, I’ve been mostly GF the last 10 years. I used to brew beer and sours were always my favorite but hard to find.

 

Excelsior is a good one. We’ve been drinking the Emerald City lately but we’re down to the last one in the fridge so we’ll need to restock this weekend.

 

Haven’t heard of that one. I’ll have to try it.
I can’t do the spiced chai one. Something about chai doesn’t agree with me

 

It’s blackberry pear. Good for a change of pace.

 

My wife likes the chai one but not high on my list.

 

I’m reading your mail.

 

You guys have me thinking I need to find some Great Notion. Can designs are cool.

 

It’s unique. Some hate on it because it’s trendy (I’ve had a few “purist” friends on IG jump me over posting their beers on my story), but I’ve had many that I really enjoy and only one that I wouldn’t have again. Some of their stuff is a stretch to really call a beer…their “smoothies” are definitely on that list. But I like the fact they are doing strange stuff and bending the rules a bit.

they have also totally gamified the process of buying and drinking their beers. You download an app, earn points for buying 4-packs through the app, earn points for “checking in” a can (if you can find the secret code on the can) or a brewpub, and if you post to your IG story. And then “level up” as you earn enough points, etc… genius in the way of building a following and advertising a brand.

I’d say their beers aspire to be what McMenamin’s destination properties have become…quirky, unique, and memorable. And the app is the sort of thing that McMenamin’s could have done with their “passport” book.

 

Well put.
Download the app and get to it.


I would add that they do have “beers” their IPA’s, stouts, lagers, Pilsners and browns are all really good.

 

What he said…
Yes, the pilsners and lagers I’ve tried have been really good, as have the couple of stouts. I’m not a huge IPA fan, but GN has turned me around a little in that regard too.

 

They do add some unique flavors to the IPA’s to make them tasty. The super ripe that is dropping Friday looks good.

 

I dig your choice! They have some fantastic stuff.

 

Tieton's Bourbon Barrel Peach, most of Two Town's offerings, most of Schillings offerings (not the Chai though!)... Incline Brewing. All favorites.

I've taken a liking to Author Mead Co lately... Both their Raspberry and Marionberry are sooooo good. I am stingy with them though at 3.50/can. No share, just look!

 

Anyone ever hear of this race?
https://www.americastoughestrace.com/

I know one of the guys competing in it this year. He’s the owner of CF Fort Vancouver and an absolute lunatic. Last year he did a fundraiser where him and two other guys (one of which is on the team with him this year) summitted Mt. Hood, then back down and then circumnavigated the entire Timberline Trail in the course of 26 hours.

 

That's insane!

 

Yes, the bourbon barrel peach has been what we have been drinking lately. I like most barrel aged porters or stouts as well. The Black Butte anniversary versions Deschutes puts out with each fall have been a favorite.

 

Love some black butte

 

Wow, we were drinking last night! Great reading this morning.

Sours are a mixed bag for me. It is typically “love the first sip; hate the final sip” relationship. Except for Heathen Brewery in Vancouver. They have a grapefruit sour that’s very refreshing and drinks well into the second growler.

I should be GF too. Been fighting that battle for years. There are a few good options in our region, but a lot of garbage. Not to mention the prices and ABV levels are generally higher. Keeps me going back to the light beers and things like Corona that I can handle without too much pain. I like a cider now and then, but it’s not something I can drink more than two of at a time.

Okay…today is going to be a good day!

 

Sun is out and getting the day start right in the garage gym. Have a strong finish to the week.

 

Ugh. I’m still laying in bed. Need to get up, but I really want the weekend to start already.

 

The kiddos run us ragged plus working from home has made for "sleeping in" until 7:15'ish daily. When I went in to the office, I was up at 5:45 and out the door by 6:30 to make it by 8, 8:30. Don't miss that commute!

 

This retired life rough. Every day is Saturday!
Actually I’m working way too hard, but if I want to stay up till midnight binging on Breaking Bad, I will

 

I’m not down to counting Mondays yet, but I don’t have to take my shoes off to count the years anymore

 

I’m probably right at the shoe threshold for counting years to retirement. Gotta get the youngest off to college and then sell this house. Once that money is in the bank, will assess.

I don’t miss my commute either. Unfortunately it is apparently coming back in a few months.

 

Some of the hops I planted last year are up 10’ already! Planted 4 more, this year.
Of the 7 multiple graft fruit trees, every branch/variety is viable and most have blossomed. I will pinch the fruit this and next year.
Have dried several jars of chives and have parsley drying now. Am hoping that the cider press will help us keep up with all of the apples and pears this year.
We have roped off a couple areas to rebuild native grasses and flowers hoping to attract more pollinators. Have also begun cultivating native mason bees. They’re really cool.

 

That's awesome. What do you mean pinch the fruit this year and next?