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In the ever-expanding world of craft beer, it can be tough to rise above the pack and get noticed as a new business. Whether a new malt house, brewery, or hop farm, expectations are high when it comes to initial quality even from businesses without sea legs.
In light of that fact, it may seem surprising that many of craft beers youngest faces are also some of its brightest shining stars. From 2016 upstarts like Alberta Street's Great Notion to now year-old newcomers like Montavilla Brew Works and Culmination, excellent stuff is pouring from young gun's taps all over town.
Related: Great Notion Is the First-Ever Good Beer Spot on Alberta
But it's not just the breweries that are new and awesome.
This week, Portland's pickle-themed baseball team plots its first beer fest, our 99-tap Oregon-only beer bar ticks off a full year in business, and a midwest transplant releases four barrel-aged selections worth trying.
Related: The Pickles Are Portland's Best Baseball-Playing Orphans
And beyond the sea of new contributors, Belmont Station's Puckerfest is back for a tenth year.
Drink up, Portland — your city pours the new album and the hits this week.
Friday, July 15
Great West Brew Fest
20 local breweries mosey to East Portland this weekend, bringing beer drinkers to what is likely to be their first time at the new home of the Portland Pickles. An event which will even feature a questionably-palatable pickle-flavored lager from Coin Toss Brewing, the new fest grants entrants tickets to the baseball game, a souvenir mug, and their first drink for the low, low, price of $20. Walker Stadium, 4601, 4727 SE 92nd Ave. 4-7 pm Friday, July 15, 2-7 pm Saturday, July 16. $20.
Loyal Legion Anniversary Weekend
In celebration of a year in business, Portland's Oregon-exclusive 99-tap beer hall offers patrons cheap pretzels, Breakside beer specials, and even out of state beers this weekend. The event also features a special new collaboration between the bar and Milwaukee's best brewery, Breakside's Annus Mirabilis — a white nectarine sour which was crafted by head R&D brewer Will Jaquiss. Loyal Legion Pub, 710 SE 6th Ave. 3-7 pm, July 15-17. Free.
Fat Head's Barrel-Aged Beer Release
Fat Heads blesses the region's tastebuds with four special new wood-aged projects for the weekend. A range of offerings aged in everything from wine to whiskey barrels, the belle of the ball should be two Gin-barrel tempered offerings: A saison brewed with hallertau blanc hops, and a gin-infused version of the IBUsive IPA — an old favorite of ours (and everyone else's). Fat Head's Brewery, 131 NW 13th Ave. 11 am-10 pm. Free.
Related: Fat Head's Semper Fi Is the Best IPA in Portland
Saturday, July 16
Great Notion/Block 15 Peach Punch Release
Two of the Northwest's finest brewers of hoppy ales pair up to release a bold new IPA which was aged on peaches and apricots and dry hopped with galaxy and mosaic hops. Given our experience with the lupulin-laced monstrosities that both have been popping out over the course of this year, the beer's name, Peach Punch, is probably apt. Great Notion Brewing and Barrel House, 2204 NE Alberta St #101. 11 am-11 pm. Free.
Related: Try These New IPAs From Great Notion
Montavilla Brew Works' First Anniversary
One of the finest new breweries in town reaches middle age this weekend, as Montavilla Brew Works closes a fine first year of brewing in SE. A weekend-long celebration that will include special tappings like a rum barrel-aged Barleywine and hot weather-friendly dry hopped Belgian, the brewery will use the party as an excuse to show off it's most exciting new wares. Montavilla Brew Works, 7805 SE Stark St. 12-7 pm July 15-17. Free.
Monday, July 18
Puckerfest 10
Belmont Station's yearly celebration of all things tart is in its tenth year, promising fans of sour beer a plethora of fine options throughout its week-long run. A curated event with slowly shifting pours throughout its course—starting with a special Breakside-curated tap takeover this Monday—think of Puckerfest as an extended beer vacation, a festival which, for seven days each year, not-so-gently nags you to grab an after-work pint in SE. Belmont Station, 4500 SE Stark St. July 19-25. Free.
Tuesday, July 19
Petrus Custom Blending Seminar
Old world master brewer Yves Benoit and seventh generation Petrus owner Albert De Brabandere make a special appearance at Saraveza's Bad Habit Room this week, hosting a rare blending event featuring three Petrus-brand beers. An evening which also includes tasty morsels from Veza chef Dustin Gettmann, consider this a classy and welcome respite from Belmont Station's mad puckerfest crowds. Bad Habit Room, 5433 N Michigan Ave. 5-7 pm. $42.
Willamette Week