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So your buddy who cleans kegs at Laurelwood didn't come through with that badge for the Craft Brewers Conference? Damn, didn't see that coming. Well, it's OK because not everyone gets to be a functioning alcoholic who writes off daytime drinking as dedication to their craft. Luckily, brewers don't like to drink alone and are throwing plenty of parties around town that are open to the public. Here are the ones we are most thirsty for.
Tuesday, April 14
Bell's After Dark at Belmont Station
Larry Bell is one of the most enigmatic and successful brewing pioneers in the country, and his beers are among the most beloved. Bell's Michigan-made beer is some of the most loudly missed beer in Oregon, but this event is a chance to sample his wares and hear stories from the legend himself in an intimate setting. Belmont Station, 4500 SE Stark St., 232-8538, belmont-station.com. 8-11 pm. Free entry.
Cascade Brewing Sour and Wild Beer Invitational
Portlandâs âHouse of Sourâ is hosting the CBCâs largest sour beer showcase, featuring daily tappings from Cascadeâs own sours along with little-seen offerings from across the country. It all happens inside the pop-up expansion west of the Cascade Barrel House, and the beer comes in 8-ounce pours that will rotate through over five days. Cascade Barrel House, 939 SE Belmont St., 265-8603, cascadebrewingbarrelhouse.com. 3-11pm April 14-16, 3 pm-midnight April 17, noon-midnight April 18. Cash only. Free entry.
Showbrews
Beer-and-food pairings are great and all. But beer and lap dances are the next level. Join Gigantic, Against the Grain and Marz Community Brewing for a lesson in libations and vertical refreshment at Sassy's. No cover, but a pocket of singles is necessary. Sassy's, 927 SE Morrison St. 231-1606, sassysbar.com. 8 pm. Free entry.
Wednesday, April 15
Roscoe's SoCal Brewers Summit
One of the most diverse beer lineups at any CBC event will be at Roscoe's, a hidden gem in Montavilla. Roscoe's has pulled out all the stops, including driving kegs up from San Diego. Many Southern California brewers are coming to Portland for the first time, including Modern Times, Beachwood BBQ, Golden Road, Cismontaine, Saint Archer, Highland Park, Monkish and more. Taster trays will be available. Roscoe's, 8105 SE Stark St., 255-0049, roscoespdx.com. 4 pm. Free entry.
The Acid Test
This barrel-aged sour beer tap takeover at a Southeast dive bar is one of those special events that wouldn't exist without the CBC. The featured breweries are California's Firestone Walker, whose sour beers are rarely seen here, and Cascade, known locally for its wide range of sours. Bluegrass and Southern rock from Weekend Assembly and Black Lodge will keep things banging. Bear Paw Inn, 3237 SE Milwaukie Ave., 239-9208. 7 pm. Free entry.
Gigantic & Friends at Apex
The expansive Apex patio is a nice place to enjoy this kick-ass lineup of Gigantic Brewing and other beers from notable breweries in the U.S. and Canada—3 Floyds (Indiana), Solemn Oath (Illinois), the Lost Abbey (California), Beau's All Natural (Ontario), Sun King (Indiana) and Surly (Minnesota). This ticketless event features barrel-aged barleywines and stouts, fruit sours and a tequila-barrel-aged IPA. Get there early if you can. Apex, 1216 SE Division St., 273-9227 apexbar.com, 2 pm. Free entry.
Collaborative Brewers Dinner
Perhaps the classiest way to enjoy the fruits of Portland hosting the CBC is at this dinner presented by farm-to-table restaurant Ned Ludd and Breakside Brewery. Other breweries represented are Jester King, Moody Tongue, Melvin and Crooked Stave. Two beers from each brewery will be paired with such dishes as raw scallop, cocoa tajarin, and gin-spiced sturgeon in a five-course, 10-beer dinner. Elder Hall (Ned Ludd), 3929 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 477-4725, nedluddpdx.com. Two seatings: 6 and 8:30 pm. $90.
Thursday, April 16
Deschutes/Columbia Beer Machines
Deschutes is among Oregonâs most respected breweries, and when they get the itch to party, they do it right. In collaboration with Columbia Distributing, Deschutes is presenting âBeer Machinesâ a steampunk-themed warehouse party with metal sculptures and, of course, beer-dispensing machines. Burlesque performers, contortionists and high-wire acts will also tantalize. Pure Space, 1315 NW Overton St., deschutesbrewery.com/event/beermachines. 8 pm. $20 advance, $25 at door.
Boneyard Beergasm Fest
Possibly the CBC's hottest ticket, Boneyard's party at Green Dragon will feature some of the most sought-after rare beers from the likes of 3 Floyds, Alpine, Hollister and, of course, Boneyard. They will be served beneath waves of live punk rock. Green Dragon, 928 SE 9th Ave., 517-0660, boneyardbeer.com/beergasm. 5 pm. $25 includes glass and five beer tickets; $2 for each additional ticket.
Wild Stallions
If a collaboration between Denver's Crooked Stave, one of America's most influential wild/sour brewers, and Bend's much-loved Crux Fermentation Project isn't enough, then the addition of Allagash should be. We haven't seen Allagash's Belgian-style beers, which come from the other Portland, in a few years. If you're missing them, then this is the place to be. Allagash hasn't just sent their classic lineup, though, they're bringing beers from their influential wild and sour beer collection. The Hop & Vine, 1914 N Killingsworth St., 954-3322, thehopandvine.com. Free entry.
Amber Waves: The Art of American Craft Beer
Castaway—it's sort of a hipster party center for WkkndK types in the industrial Northwest—is the site of this visual arts show and beer fest presented by Pennsylvania's Victory and Delaware's legendary Dogfish Head breweries. More than 20 breweries will each contribute an amber-colored beer, along with a custom art piece commissioned exclusively for a silent auction to be held during the event. All proceeds will be donated to the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, so you can feel good about supporting the arts while you get your buzz on. Castaway, 1900 NW 18th Ave., 224-4898, amberwavesevent.com. 5 pm. $25.
WWeek 2015