Bend Wild » Bend Beer News

Sage Fight IPA from Deschutes Brewery!

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:25:51 +0000

Sage Fight IPA from BEnd’s Deschutes Brewery can be summed up with two words. Chewy and resinous. From the photo of this thick bodied beer, you get only a suggestion of its enormous mouthfeel. This beer is perhaps the most resinous we’ve ever had in Bend. According to the a description sheet from Deschutes, both sage and juniper from the Badlands area east of the city of Bend. We believe them!

Sage Fight IPA from Bend's Deschutes Brewery

With a thorough olfactory inspection, one can definitely detect aromas of sage and juniper. Initially this beer is aromatic and attractive but one needs to long for a resinous chewy beer or this big IPA is a bit too much. Get a taster and contemplate a full pint of this flavor forward and filling monster of a beer! If you are interested, hurry down to the Deschutes Bond Street pub as it is only available there.

Cheers,

Bend Wild

Bend Brewing Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Company to share Brewmaster, Tonya Cornett

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:57 +0000

Rumors have been swirling around the Bend Oregon beer scene for weeks(months) about the possibility of Tonya Cornett of Bend Brewing Company fame leaving the BBC to become the brewmaster at 10 Barrel brewing company. We sat on these rumors despite having great sources regarding their validity. It turn out they were only partially true. It was almost common knowledge in the back rooms of the Bend Oregon brewing world that Cornett would dash to 10 Barrel to chase the allure of a bigger paycheck and a sexy new bottling plant where she could expand her brewing resume and more fully utilize her vast expertise.

Bend Brewing Company

In a series of comments just released on facebook, her status was clarified but only moderately.

Tonya Cornett:

“As most of you have learned, I have accepted a position with 10 Barrel Brewing. I will however oversee the daily opperation and quality control for Bend Brewing. It is important for all of you to know that I have vested interest as well as a strong committment to my BBC family. This decision will have no impact onthe quality of the beer that Bend Brewing is known for. Please join us on Feb. 4th for the bottle release party for Lovely Cherry Baltic. It is the beer I am most proud of!”

10 barrel brewing company

This is, in our small minds a win-win situation. The BBC retains the brewmaster that help put them on the national brewing map while 10 Barrel gets the services of one of the best minds in the brewing world. As our interest set here at Bend Wild is the constant improvement of the Bend Beer scene, we are cautiously optimistic. Will Cornett have enough time to do everything well? Will all of the participants in this beer triangle play nice together? What happens after the 10 Barrel bottling line is up and running? We’ll have to wait and see. In the short term, everybody wins and Bend gets more great beer and that makes us very happy!

Cheers,

Bend Wild

Hop Trip fresh Hop Ale from Bend’s Own Deschutes Brewery.

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:11:43 +0000

Fall is one of our favorite times of year here in the Bend Wild compound. Part of the autumn glory in Central Oregon is the release of a new batch of Deschutes Brewery’s Hop Trip, a delightful fresh-hopped beer crafted by the godfather of the Bend Beer scene. Frankly, last year’s version of Hop Trip was a disappointment. We didn’t score it but the numbers wouldn’t have been pretty. It was dry, simple and without verve. This years version is the polar opposite. At 5.5% alcohol and 38 IBU’s this autumn joy is loaded with crystal hops and an undisclosed dry kilned hop. Prior to tasting, the mention of “dry kilned hops” makes one ask if this is truly a fresh hopped beer. After the first taste, concerns dissipate as this Deschutes Beer is special.

Hop Trip fresh hop ale from Deschutes Brewery

Bend Wild – Beer Scoring Scale
	Maximum
Nose/Appearance	35	33
Body/Flavor	40	38
Finish/Mouthfeel	15	14
Overall Drinkability	10	10
Total Score	100	95

Nose/Appearance- Clear with amber and garnet hues, this fresh hop beer pours with a tightly laced snowy white head. Perhaps not as citrusy as its label description might suggest, hints of pine, dried fruits, and suggestions of unlikely wood aging are present.

Body/Flavor- Excellent on both counts. For a beer of only 5.5% alcohol, Hop Trip has excellent complexity and flavor. A sweet malty backbone flirts with the ample signature of chewy and resinous fresh hops. Far more palatable and sessionable than your standard northwest fresh hop beer. Wonderfully balanced and intricate throughout the tasting process.

Finish/Mouthfeel- Occasional sips can hint at an excessive dryness which dominated last year’s version of Hop Trip are adroitly buried beneath layers of malty entanglement and fresh wet hop flavors.

Drinkability- 10,10,10. This low alcohol, flavorful beer is becoming a staple in the Bend Wild Compound.

Beer Likeness- Think of a lighter, hoppier Boont Amber from Anderson Valley, or an old Cinder cone Red from Deschutes, but with better mouthfeel and finish.

Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:43:59 +0000

Stone’s 14th Anniversary ale is a huge 8.9% British-styled ale categorized as an Emperial IPA (as in a beer from the English “Empire”). Despite its English-heritage, this beer is distinctively “Stone” in nature. It includes two hop varieties; Target, East Kent Goldings and Boadicea (which we’re presuming must be old English jargon for “Big Booby” hops).

Stone Brewing 14th anniversary Emperial IPA

Bend Wild – Beer Scoring Scale
	Maximum
Nose/Appearance	35	33
Body/Flavor	40	37
Finish/Mouthfeel	15	14
Overall Drinkability	10	10
Total Score	100	94

Nose/Appearance-Although we don’t normally assign too many bonus points for appearance, this beer is rather unique. It shines in the glass with a luminous, golden color and exhibits a fine, gauzy haze and puckering head that is rarely found in today’s craft beer industry. The initially effervescent nose settles over time to reveal subtle notes of grapefruit peal,apricot puree,dry fruity, and dry orange peal all laid up against a background of muscular european hops.

Body/Flavor-The artful brewing behind this beer provides a dry, but flavorful body that effectively shrouds the 8.9% ABV. While we hold no passion for english hops here in the Bend Wild Tasting Compound, perhaps this is a case of more is better. The hop flavor is aggressive, unique, and palatable. This big IPA can not be confused with a barleywine. It is an IPA through and through. Bountiful additions of what are allegedly English hops generate a earthy late flavor that finishes of dry citrus rinds.

Finish/Mouthfeel- A distinctively arid hop finish balances out this high alcohol IPA. Resinous pine notes reverberate against a dry lupulin dominated finish.

Overall/Drinkability- We’re going 10/10 for an unpredictable appeal and a strong beer “strange” factor. This very attractive beer is reminiscent of other great Imperial IPA’s that have washed over the Bend Wild palates, such as Bridgeport Brewery’s remarkable Hop Czar.

Beer Likeness- This is a tough one as this beer is so unique. As it has noticeable Stone background qualities, we’ll toss Stone’s Ruination into the ring, but imagine it has an English hop profile, and perhaps bad teeth!

Mother Lode NW Pale from Deschutes Brewery

admin — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:39:07 +0000

This pub-exclusive from the masterminds at Deschutes Brewery is a direct descendent of Red Chair Northwest Pale. For a previous review of Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale and all of its elegant virtues, visit the following link. Red Chair Northwest Pale. Mother Lode chimes in at 5.6% alcohol and a whopping 76 IBU’s. That is a bevy of hops! The Deschutes Brewery website boasts 7 different types of hops and 6 different malt varieties. They were busy brewers! As this is a pub-exclusive, this beer was not tasted out of the bottle. We went to the next level and bought a keg for the Bend Wild Tasting Compound.

Mother Lode NW Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon

Bend Wild – Beer Scoring Scale
	Maximum	Mother Lode NW Pale Ale
Nose/Appearance	35	32
Body/Flavor	40	37
Finish/Mouthfeel	15	13
Overall Drinkability	10	9
Total Score	100	91

Nose/Appearance-Clear, dark-staw-colored hues decorated with a moderately-tight head. Lightly vegetal notes on the nose, with sweet hints of carrot juice and dried fruits.

Body/Flavor-Surprisngly light and hop-balanced for a 76-IBU beer. Subtle pine notes carry through the entry and middle flavor profiles, but compared to its predecessor Red Chair, Mother Lode’s late flavor profile pales in complexity.

Finish/Mouthfeel- For a Deschutes beer in the “Northwest Pale” style, Mother Lode demonstrates notable astringency on the finish belying its 76 IBU’s. A lingering bitterness further distinguishes it from its “brother from another mother”, Red Chair NW Pale.

Overall Drinkability-Mother Lode is a smaller and slightly less complex version of Red Chair Northwest Pale, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially in the summer months. As things heat up in Central Oregon, we suspect Mother Lode will end up getting a fairly frequent rogering here at the Bend Wild Tasting Compound. While Red Chair was likened to Eva Longoria, Mother Lode is more like . . .. Not quite perfect, but still well-suited for summer.

Celebrity Likeness- Terri Hatcher. Not quite Eva Longoria but there is a relationship and this beer is quite sessionable, much like Terri. Lighter in complexion and and a less alluring body than Eva, but this is a beer is worthy more than one pint.

Total Score-

Firestone Walker Pale 31, a hoppy refreshing California Pale Ale.

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:42:20 +0000

This excellent pale ale is a standout brewed by the people with a “passion for the pale”, Firestone Walker Brewing company in Paso Robles, California. This hoppy and balanced yet light beer is a summer blessing. At 4.8% ABV, this “California Pale Ale” is very worthy of a 6 pack purchase despite the hefty price tag that it carries in the Bend ,Oregon markets. With the early success of the beer guys at Whole Foods, Firestone Walker beers are now available in several Central Oregon locations, including, Whole Foods, Newport Market, Rays in 14th st and the Brew Shop on Division st. Pick up a 6 pack, you won’t regret it!

Firestone Walker Pale Ale

Bend Wild – Beer Scoring Scale
	Maximum	Firestone Walker Pale 31
Nose/Appearance	35	33
Body/Flavor	40	37
Finish/Mouthfeel	15	15
Overall Drinkability	10	10
Total Score	100	95

Nose/Appearance- A robust yet clear golden color capped by moderately fine-laced head. We’ve quaffed many Firestone Pale 31’s at the Bend Wild Tasting Compound and its aroma usually excels. This Particular Firestone Pale was strong but not exceptional in regard to aroma. Fresh citrus notes mixed with some delicate hints of pine set off the senses.

Body/Appearance- Keep in mind that this beer rings in at 4.8% alcohol. With that, Firestone Pale has a great comparative body. Think of the bookish person who wears baggy clothes but works out all the time. Pretty rewarding! While the body is still dominated by hops, there are light but pleasant notes of caramel and bready malt notes finishing off the body.

Finish/Mouthfeel- Hoppy but appropriate. The bitterness is present but far from excessive. We have previously evaluated the Skyline Forest Ale from Bend’s own Deschutes Brewery. We referred to it as a precursor to what could become a great Hop Session ale. Well, Firestone Walker Pale is the best example of a Hop Session pale that we at Bend Wild have found yet in our life long beer quest. Frankly, we’re disappointed. We wish that this was an Oregon beer and more specifically a Bend beer, but our taste buds don’t lie and this beer is a winner.

Overall Drinkability- 10,10,10! We love having this beer around during the summer months. Because of this beer’s aromatic nose, low alcohol content and light mouthfeel, is is good for several beers per night if you lack self control! Buy it love it and prod your local Bend Brewery to make something similar. You won’t regret it!

Beer Likeness- As this beer has a close relative from Steinhaus Brewery/Firestone Walker, this is an easy one. We’ll go with Mission Street Pale carried by Trader Joe’s. Another consideration is Bonafide Pale from Bend’s own Boneyard Brewery.

Hoo Doo Voo Doo IPA from Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters, Oregon

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:57:25 +0000

Hoo Doo Voo Doo IPA has been a favorite of the Bend Wild staff since its genesis at the hands of then brewer, Dave Fleming. The Three Creeks Website doesn’t currently have any information about Voo Doo IPA but you’ll have to trust us that it is part of their regular line-up. It tips the scales at about 6.0% alcohol and we’re guessing about 70IBU’s. Hop profile includes Cascade, Centennial, amarillo, and an unknown mystery hop( hopefully they know!)

Hoo Doo Voo Doo IPA From Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters, Oregon

This light amber colored IPA typically has a finely laced head and an very pleasant hop forward aroma. Plentiful late hop addition offer the palate lingering yet gentle hints of grapefruit, and pine. The relatively low alcohol and it’s lack of a severe bittering punch make this hoppy IPA very session worthy. This IPA fills a favorite niche for the Bend Wild staff. A beer dominated by hop flavor but not overwhelming bitterness. Think of Deschutes’ Red Chair NWPA. Three Creeks Voo Doo IPA can often be had on tap in Bend, Oregon at The Summit, and Typhoon. Ask for it by name so those establishments will keep this phenomenal beer on tap all the time!

Victoria Graves, of Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters, Oregon. One of our favorite Beer Maids!

While you are in the Three Creeks Pub, remember to tip the staff. They are some of the best in the business, and have long been favorites of the Bend Wild Staff. Oh, their food is also excellent so if you make the journey to little Sisters, Oregon, plan on staying for a tasty meal. We plan on providing a more complete review of the Three Creeks Brewery in the near future, so check back soon!

Cheers,

Bend Wild

Deschutes Brewery’s Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:33:44 +0000

The newest addition to Deschutes Brewery’s seasonal bottling line up is worthy of its own style classification, which is exactly what Deschutes has given Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale. This 6.4% ABV “Northwest Pale” is one of several strong pales that Deschutes has been experimenting with in the past year. More approachable and session-like than most IPA’s, this aromatic ale is characterized by abundant late hop additions and virtually no hop bitterness.

Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale by Bend, Oregon's Deschutes Brewery

Bend Wild – Beer Scoring Scale
	Maximum	Red Chair
Nose/Appearance	35	33
Body/Flavor	40	37
Finish/Mouthfeel	15	14
Overall Drinkability	10	10
Total Score	100	94

Nose/Appearance: A sweet, citrusy nose that could be confused with Inversion IPA’s little brother if not for it’s lighter color and slightly smaller profile.

Body/Flavor: Nicely balanced body with big citrusy and piney hop flavors. Moderate mouthfeel with mild resinous notes balanced by ample flavors of Crystal malts.

Finish/Mouthfeel: Perhaps one of the most defining characteristics of this hoppy beer is that it does not have an especially bitter finish. The body is echoed in the finish with notes of citrus and pine rather than a puckering bitterness.

Overall Drinkability: 10/10! Stimulating hop complexity without excessive IBUs make for an exceptionally palatable, everyday beer. The niche that Deschutes is trying to create with the “Northwest Pale” is a good one. Here in the Bend Wild tasting compound, we much prefer late additions of hops and the flavor complexities that they add over early hop additions purely for the sake of bitterness.

Beer Likeness- This is a tough one but we’ll go with the old school Mirror Pond Pale ale, before Deschutes stopped bottle conditioning and before it started tasting like Sam Adams Lager.

We will mourn when this beer is replaced by Twilight Ale in Deschutes’ seasonal twelve ounce bottle rotation. The word on the street is that the supplies of Red Chair are short, so stock up now, while it lasts.

Fresh Squeezed IPA from Deschutes’ PDX Pub

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:05:05 +0000

This tap-only Deschutes beer has been in the back of my mind for quite some time. A couple of friends of Bend Wild tipped us off on this hoppy, but approachable IPA crafted by Cam O,Connor Of Deschutes’ PDX pub. The friends of Bend Wild know that we are suckers for hoppy beers and they urged us to get to the Deschutes Pub in Portland and try what they considered to be an exceptional beer. They were right. Cam O,Connor nailed this one.

Fresh Squeezed IPA from Deschutes Brewery's PDX Pub

Because this was a pub tasting, we didn’t totally geek out and score this beer right on the bar but you’ll get a few notes and a big thumbs up from us.

This beauty pours with an ample off-white head and a light amber color. That’s is where the average part of this beer ends. The nose is exquisite. The “Citra hop” mentioned in the Deschutes literature seems to be responsible for a wonderful citrusy aroma. It bursts with sweet grapefruit and dry tangerine. Different from Bridgeport IPA’s nose but equally citrusy. The body is full and flavorful and finely balanced. Lots of late hop flavor submit to a lightly bitter finish. We had this beauty of a beer at Bend’s Deschutes Pub and we hope to see much more of it in Bend. Congrats to Cam O,Connor and and PDX Deschutes Crew. They’ve been on fire lately and this appears to be their crowning achievement thus far.

Cheers!

Bend Wild

Dry Hopped Saint Rogue Red Ale by Rogue Ales

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:31:17 +0000

Any beer bold enough to put “Dry Hopped” in big capital letters on its label better come through on that promise, and Saint Rogue Red does not disappoint.

Dry Hopped St. Rogue Red

Bend Wild – Beer Scoring Scale
	Maximum
Nose/Appearance	35	34
Body/Flavor	40	35
Finish/Mouthfeel	15	13
Overall Drinkability	10	9
Total Score	100	91

Nose/Appearance: A dark auburn ale that pours with a dense tannish head. Not surprising for a dry hopped beer, Saint Rogue Red has a muscular and spicy hop nose, typical of Centennial, Chinook, and Williamette hops.

Body/Flavor: A flavorful, meaty malt backbone that balances the hop profile nicely, but doesn’t necessarily excel.

Finish/Mouthfeel: Sometimes slightly thin and sometimes slightly tinnish, Saint Rogue Red doesn’t finish quite as strongly as some other great red ales from the Pacific Northwest.

Overall Drinkability: Despite our nit-picking, we actually think this is one of the best red ales available anywhere in the United States.

Celebrity Likeness: This beer reminds us of Jessica Simpson. Stunning appearance (aroma?) but it/she lacks something in terms of depth and complexity.