(External Photo Attribution at the end of the post #1)
I have been remiss! Since starting this blog in late 2011, one of the features I’ve both enjoyed and on which I’ve gotten good feedback is my Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter (BOQ) posts.
Followers of Thebeerchaser will remember that these narratives feature individuals or groups which may or may not have anything to do with beer or bars but have a good story and in my humble opinion have made a contribution to society.
Past recipients of this “honor” include veterans (including a number of combat heroes), academicians, athletes, clerics, media personalities and, of course, lawyers. I’ve known the great majority personally and have interviewed many before writing.
The pandemic precluded my visits to bars and breweries temporarily and for some reason, I stopped naming new BOQs. I’ve at least done some updates, however, such as that in my last post on Little Beast Brewing, which demonstrates why Jack and Amy Faust and Jim Westwood garnered this label initially.
I’ve identified a number of worthy characters for the future, whose stories you would enjoy; however, researching, interviewing and writing once per quarter is a constraint I find a bit daunting – and perhaps interfering with the further exploration of new watering holes.
So I’m changing the title to “Beerchasing Notables.” (no specific timeline for naming them) Now meet my first – Warren C. Easley.
Two Careers
Warren Easley is a Pacific Northwest author who, before taking pen-in-hand to author compelling mystery novels starting in 2012, had a distinguished career as a research scientist and international business executive.
He graduated from UCal-Riverside in Chemistry and earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry from UCal-Berkley. (#3 – #4)
Warren now lives in Aurora, Oregon with his wife, Marge and dog, Archie, where he’s working on his tenth novel. You’ll definitely be interested in how they got to Oregon, but you’ll have to wait until my next post.
A Change of Pace in Authors
Without a hint of apology, I’m a great fan of escapist crime and adventure novels and my list (which I’ve kept on Excel for the last twenty years) is filled with fiction by Nelson DeMille, Lee Child, David Baldacci, James Crumley, etc.
I’ve also read all of the books by former Portland attorney, Phillip Margolin – one of my favorites because the settings for his New York Best-Seller crime novels are predominantly in Portland.
I was looking for a change of pace and happened upon an article in Portland newspaper, Willamette Week, by its former publisher, Richard Meeker.
Before the quarterly Board meetings, Richard, four other attorney Board members and I used to have early-morning cut-throat ninety-minute three-on-three basketball games before the meeting commenced.
During a recent lunch, I suggested to Richard that I had a better elbow jumper, but he reminded me of the meeting in Newport, Oregon, where they had to delay my report to the Board while I was delayed in my hotel room vomiting after I overexerted myself. (He maintains it was from trying to guard him…..)
Since I trusted Richard’s judgement on fiction more than his ability to defend a pick-and-roll, I checked out Easley’s first novel at the library. Just as Warren expertly reels in trout on Oregon’s Deschutes River, he had me hooked (barbless) after two chapters.
Meeker states in his review:
“Each is populated with well-known local Portland hangouts, and each captures the flavor of our special place.
The Cal Claxton (his protagonist) mysteries are well plotted with believable, multidimensional characters. They are so good and compelling I plowed through all nine in the past three or four months, in the order in which they were written.” (#8)
And after reading part way through his first novel, Matters of Doubt, I discovered a connection. Notwithstanding his professional career in science and technology, Warren has an excellent grasp on what it’s like to practice law.
The Setting
A family tragedy results in Cal Claxton moving to Oregon where he sets up a solo-practice after being a hot-shot prosecutor in LA. Claxton’s new office and historical home are in the beautiful hills overlooking the rural community of Dundee (population 3,238).
It’s located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country – about twenty-five miles from Portland. He also has a small office where he does pro-bono work in downtown Portland. (#9)
A sole practitioner’s existence is far different than that of a 150 lawyer Northwest regional law firm (Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt) with five offices, that I helped manage.
Author Easley, however, has an accurate understanding of legal ethics issues such as conflicts, billing practices, pro-bono representation and the constant pressure lawyers face balancing a consuming professional routine with a balanced life outside the office.
This perspective and his reference to many local points of interest in Portland and the Northwest made it compelling for me.
A Further Connection?
Further piquing my interest, Dundee – on Highway 18 on the way to the Oregon Coast – is also home of Lumpy’s Landing – one of my favorite bars and one of two dives at which the idea for my Beerchasing journey germinated shortly before my retirement – the other being the Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon (in Idaho)
A Dundee Classic
Reaching Out
Warren Easley gives his e-mail address on his excellent website (Warreneasley.com) so although realizing there was a good chance that he wouldn’t respond, I still sent a missive inviting him to have a beer.
He and his wife had recently moved to Aurora – about halfway between Portland and Salem, and we agreed to meet for a brewski at the Aurora Colony Pub. I love watering holes in old historic buildings and the Pub is a perfect example:
“The building dates back to the 1930’s…originally home to a grocery store, then a barber shop, followed by a small tavern. You will find the original meat locker door in the middle of the main bar seating area which is still keeping our kegs and bottles of beer cold.
The pub is authentic with its sloping concrete floors, tin roof and old American atmosphere.”
“Looking for a stiff drink, the coldest beer in town, or a great meal? The colony pub has you covered.”
We didn’t order food, but looking at the menu where breakfast is served until noon, and reasonably-priced periodic specials include chicken-fried steak, taco bowls and an outstanding looking Reuben-burger with a “slow-roasted prime rib dinner” on Saturday for ($22.99) I vowed a return trip.
The tap list wasn’t robust but suited us fine as did the free popcorn – a fixture which is seen at fewer and fewer watering holes. (#10 – #12)
Warren and I had an excellent chat over beers. Since he mentions local Dundee businesses and eateries – some fictitious such as “Bake My Day”.” (Actual bakeries in London, GoldendaIe, WA and Mobile Alabama…..) – I asked him if he had ever raised a mug at Lumpy’s.
When he responded in the negative, I strongly suggested that we have a follow-up to complete my interview at this great dive – known for signs outside the entrance which state, “Our beer is a cold as your exe’s heart.”
Stay tuned for the whole story!
I was happy that Warren agreed and stay tuned for my next post in which I relate his interesting background and the details of his double career that I gleaned over beers at both the Aurora Colony Pub and Lumpy’s Landing.
Jim Westwood – BOQ 3/28/13 – Jim joins Jack as being regarded as one of the premier appellate lawyers in the Pacific Northwest.
In fact, we deliberately separated the two during the event to avoid them having an animated discussion of Jack’s 1986 victory in front of the Oregon Supreme Court (June v Roberts) involving initiative ballot titles, nuclear energy and Trojan (not the one you’re thinking of….)
Of course, they would have also discussed Jim’s 2005 case before the Oregon Supremes (City of Nyssa v. Dufloth/Smith) involving free speech, nude dancers, prohibited touching and the distinction between the distance of four feet and one foot. (Surprisingly, Trojans were not involved in this case….)
But Jim – one of my most frequent Beerchasing companions – has a story that transcends his legal accomplishments.
(And I’m not talking about being a fellow graduate of Oregon City High School where his mom, Catherine was my Latin teacher for two years, his stint as a fill-in weatherman on KGW television or how he learned Thai when he was in Naval Intelligence). (#4)
“The 415 points scored in their final match ties them for fifth-highest single-game total achieved, and their 1725 points total set a new record at the time and is fourth highest overall.
The March 26, 1965, issue of Time has an article on how the College Bowl victories helped change Portland State’s image as ‘the flunk-out school’ for University of Oregon and Oregon State drop-outs…” (#5)
To obtain some idea of the erudition of this team (Jim describes them as students with GPA’s around 3.0 who were just “nerds.”) take a look at this YouTube link from the University of San Francisco match:
Little Beast started in 2017 in the former quarters of Brannon’s in Beaverton which never gained traction (Kevin Brannon is a former Schwabe lawyer). LB also has a brewing facility in Clackamas.
“The competition is greater and frankly, business is slow….We’ve seen decreasing sales for the last two years.“
Well, Little Beast continues to strive, notwithstanding the competition and perhaps, creativity, excellent beer and outstanding food overcome the struggle for market share. You should find out yourself. (#6)
But he also had a memorable broadcast media career:
“For 13 years, Faust moderated Town Hall, a weekly public affairs television program on ABC affiliate KATU. The program featured discussions, often contentious, between public officials, experts and plain citizens on topics that ranged from serious (child abuse) to light (alien abductions).
It drew high ratings and received numerous honors including national awards.”
Jack served as the Portland Maverick’s lawyer and a good friend of actor Bing Russell, team owner and his son, actor, Kurt. He obtained a notable victory for Russel in an arbitration with the Pacific Coast League.
Besides his intellect, one of the traits that endeared Jack, not only to his partners but the entire law firm, was his keen sense of humor. He was always willing to participate in my schemes to make presentations at the firm’s retreats more interesting.
For example, take the two YouTube videos below – the first being part of a retreat video and the second being the outtakes to produce the final product. Jack is “admonishing” a colleague who has a definite resemblance to former Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter, Art Vandelay.
Amy Faust
Amy Faust – BOQ 4/11/17 – Jack’s daughter (the only father-daughter BOQ) had an extended radio broadcast career. For nineteen years – in two different stints – she was the Amy in the Mike and Amy Show on KWJJ – The Wolf.
At one point, Jack co-hosted with Amy when Mike was gone and did a very credible job – probably feeling as much pressure to perform as when he argued in front of the Oregon Supreme Court…..!
Amy is a talented and creative person with a fascinating career besides her time in radio. This includes stints in documentary film production, freelance writing, authoring advertising copy, producing TV commercials, television production and as location manager for the show Portlandia.
Jim Westwood and Amy having a spirited debate with oversight by Amy’s husband, Kevin.
Jim Westwood
Jim Westwood – BOQ 3/28/13 – Jim joins Jack as being regarded as one of the premier appellate lawyers in the Pacific Northwest.
In fact, we deliberately separated the two during the event to avoid them having an animated discussion of Jack’s 1986 victory in front of the Oregon Supreme Court (June v Roberts) involving initiative ballot titles, nuclear energy and Trojan (not the one you’re thinking of….)
Of course, they would have also discussed Jim’s 2005 case before the Oregon Supremes (City of Nyssa v. Dufloth/Smith) involving free speech, nude dancers, prohibited touching and the distinction between the distance of four feet and one foot. (Surprisingly, Trojans were not involved in this case….)
But Jim – one of my most frequent Beerchasing companions – has a story that transcends his legal accomplishments.
(And I’m not talking about being a fellow graduate of Oregon City High School where his mom, Catherine was my Latin teacher for two years, his stint as a fill-in weatherman on KGW television or how he learned Thai when he was in Naval Intelligence). (#4)
“The 415 points scored in their final match ties them for fifth-highest single-game total achieved, and their 1725 points total set a new record at the time and is fourth highest overall.
The March 26, 1965, issue of Time has an article on how the College Bowl victories helped change Portland State’s image as ‘the flunk-out school’ for University of Oregon and Oregon State drop-outs…” (#5)
To obtain some idea of the erudition of this team (Jim describes them as students with GPA’s around 3.0 who were just “nerds.”) take a look at this YouTube link from the University of San Francisco match:
Little Beast started in 2017 in the former quarters of Brannon’s in Beaverton which never gained traction (Kevin Brannon is a former Schwabe lawyer). LB also has a brewing facility in Clackamas.
“The competition is greater and frankly, business is slow….We’ve seen decreasing sales for the last two years.“
Well, Little Beast continues to strive, notwithstanding the competition and perhaps, creativity, excellent beer and outstanding food overcome the struggle for market share. You should find out yourself. (#6)
I’ll finish below with some final thoughts on LB, but first I need to single out three of my Beerchasing companions. Periodically on this blog, I recognize an individual or group who may or may not have anything to do with bars or breweries but has good story.
In our group at LB, I had three former Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter – Jack Faust – Amy Faust and Jim Westwood – and I want to briefly highlight their stories.
But he also had a memorable broadcast media career:
“For 13 years, Faust moderated Town Hall, a weekly public affairs television program on ABC affiliate KATU. The program featured discussions, often contentious, between public officials, experts and plain citizens on topics that ranged from serious (child abuse) to light (alien abductions).
It drew high ratings and received numerous honors including national awards.”
Jack served as the Portland Maverick’s lawyer and a good friend of actor Bing Russell, team owner and his son, actor, Kurt. He obtained a notable victory for Russel in an arbitration with the Pacific Coast League.
Besides his intellect, one of the traits that endeared Jack, not only to his partners but the entire law firm, was his keen sense of humor. He was always willing to participate in my schemes to make presentations at the firm’s retreats more interesting.
For example, take the two YouTube videos below – the first being part of a retreat video and the second being the outtakes to produce the final product. Jack is “admonishing” a colleague who has a definite resemblance to former Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter, Art Vandelay.
Amy Faust
Amy Faust – BOQ 4/11/17 – Jack’s daughter (the only father-daughter BOQ) had an extended radio broadcast career. For nineteen years – in two different stints – she was the Amy in the Mike and Amy Show on KWJJ – The Wolf.
At one point, Jack co-hosted with Amy when Mike was gone and did a very credible job – probably feeling as much pressure to perform as when he argued in front of the Oregon Supreme Court…..!
Amy is a talented and creative person with a fascinating career besides her time in radio. This includes stints in documentary film production, freelance writing, authoring advertising copy, producing TV commercials, television production and as location manager for the show Portlandia.
Jim Westwood and Amy having a spirited debate with oversight by Amy’s husband, Kevin.
Jim Westwood
Jim Westwood – BOQ 3/28/13 – Jim joins Jack as being regarded as one of the premier appellate lawyers in the Pacific Northwest.
In fact, we deliberately separated the two during the event to avoid them having an animated discussion of Jack’s 1986 victory in front of the Oregon Supreme Court (June v Roberts) involving initiative ballot titles, nuclear energy and Trojan (not the one you’re thinking of….)
Of course, they would have also discussed Jim’s 2005 case before the Oregon Supremes (City of Nyssa v. Dufloth/Smith) involving free speech, nude dancers, prohibited touching and the distinction between the distance of four feet and one foot. (Surprisingly, Trojans were not involved in this case….)
But Jim – one of my most frequent Beerchasing companions – has a story that transcends his legal accomplishments.
(And I’m not talking about being a fellow graduate of Oregon City High School where his mom, Catherine was my Latin teacher for two years, his stint as a fill-in weatherman on KGW television or how he learned Thai when he was in Naval Intelligence). (#4)
“The 415 points scored in their final match ties them for fifth-highest single-game total achieved, and their 1725 points total set a new record at the time and is fourth highest overall.
The March 26, 1965, issue of Time has an article on how the College Bowl victories helped change Portland State’s image as ‘the flunk-out school’ for University of Oregon and Oregon State drop-outs…” (#5)
To obtain some idea of the erudition of this team (Jim describes them as students with GPA’s around 3.0 who were just “nerds.”) take a look at this YouTube link from the University of San Francisco match:
Little Beast started in 2017 in the former quarters of Brannon’s in Beaverton which never gained traction (Kevin Brannon is a former Schwabe lawyer). LB also has a brewing facility in Clackamas.
“The competition is greater and frankly, business is slow….We’ve seen decreasing sales for the last two years.“
Well, Little Beast continues to strive, notwithstanding the competition and perhaps, creativity, excellent beer and outstanding food overcome the struggle for market share. You should find out yourself. (#6)
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and the video at the end of the post and so the narrative isn’t clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post # 1)
My companions always make these outings enjoyable, and this was no exception. I’ve had numerous Beerchasings with the “Faust Clan” – Jack, Amy, and Charlie. (Kevin Frazier, Amy’s husband and Max, Charlie’s son also joined us. Jack’s wife Alice, joined us a number of times in the past and passed away last year.)
Similarly, lawyers Jim Westwood and my former and now-retired Schwabe law colleagues, Dave Bartz and Jim Finn – all three of which had notable legal careers as did Jack were also there. As mentioned, Susan Bartz also was a great companion.
Our server, Preston, did a great job of accommodating us with our own table in a prime spot as well as taking the photo below:
Clockwise Sue Bartz, Thebeerchaser, Dave Bartz, Charlie Faust, Jim Westwood, Amy Faust, Max Faust, Jack Faust and Jim Finn
The Eats
Although Brenda Crow with her culinary background, including a stint at Portland’s Olympic Provisions, has been the guiding hand for the food offerings, Little Beast (hereafter “LB”) entered a partnership with Kevin Koch, the owner of Lawless Barbecue in October 2021 when it became available at the beer garden. (#2)
And the partnership seems to mesh as well as the beer and the barbeque as evident from the pairings available:
“The result is a menu that includes 13-hour smoked prime brisket, burnt ends, spare ribs and pulled pork….
The mains are rounded out by a handful of classic sides, like barbecue beans, loaded potato salad, mac and cheese, and a vinegar-based slaw—dishes that Koch says are carefully crafted from scratch and not just an afterthought.” (Willamette Week 10/27/21) (#3)
Dave Bartz had the Mac-n-Cheese with two pork ribs. “Delish,” he stated. (I was sitting next to Dave and was tempted to surreptitiously dig in but was still remembering his years as my boss as Co-Managing Partner at the Schwabe firm…..)
Sue Bartz enjoyed the burnt ends and Jim Finn took an order home.
I was tempted….
The menu is more than inviting with starters such as nachos, pastrami salad and even Frito pie, sandwiches and inviting sides and the prices are very reasonable.
But let’s look at this 12/10/23 Yelp review which does a decent job of making one want to double his or her dose of statins to partake:
“We were a little hungry so we decided to order from their bbq menu, option for their brisket and potato salad. Both items were chef’s kiss! The brisket was tender and juicy and absolutely melted in my mouth.
The potato salad had nice chunky potato without being mushy. I love that the bbq sauce came on the side so I can choose how much sauce I wanted to eat.“
The Company
I’ll finish below with some final thoughts on LB, but first I need to single out three of my Beerchasing companions. Periodically on this blog, I recognize an individual or group who may or may not have anything to do with bars or breweries but has good story.
In our group at LB, I had three former Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter – Jack Faust – Amy Faust and Jim Westwood – and I want to briefly highlight their stories.
But he also had a memorable broadcast media career:
“For 13 years, Faust moderated Town Hall, a weekly public affairs television program on ABC affiliate KATU. The program featured discussions, often contentious, between public officials, experts and plain citizens on topics that ranged from serious (child abuse) to light (alien abductions).
It drew high ratings and received numerous honors including national awards.”
Jack served as the Portland Maverick’s lawyer and a good friend of actor Bing Russell, team owner and his son, actor, Kurt. He obtained a notable victory for Russel in an arbitration with the Pacific Coast League.
Besides his intellect, one of the traits that endeared Jack, not only to his partners but the entire law firm, was his keen sense of humor. He was always willing to participate in my schemes to make presentations at the firm’s retreats more interesting.
For example, take the two YouTube videos below – the first being part of a retreat video and the second being the outtakes to produce the final product. Jack is “admonishing” a colleague who has a definite resemblance to former Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter, Art Vandelay.
Amy Faust
Amy Faust – BOQ 4/11/17 – Jack’s daughter (the only father-daughter BOQ) had an extended radio broadcast career. For nineteen years – in two different stints – she was the Amy in the Mike and Amy Show on KWJJ – The Wolf.
At one point, Jack co-hosted with Amy when Mike was gone and did a very credible job – probably feeling as much pressure to perform as when he argued in front of the Oregon Supreme Court…..!
Amy is a talented and creative person with a fascinating career besides her time in radio. This includes stints in documentary film production, freelance writing, authoring advertising copy, producing TV commercials, television production and as location manager for the show Portlandia.
Jim Westwood and Amy having a spirited debate with oversight by Amy’s husband, Kevin.
Jim Westwood
Jim Westwood – BOQ 3/28/13 – Jim joins Jack as being regarded as one of the premier appellate lawyers in the Pacific Northwest.
In fact, we deliberately separated the two during the event to avoid them having an animated discussion of Jack’s 1986 victory in front of the Oregon Supreme Court (June v Roberts) involving initiative ballot titles, nuclear energy and Trojan (not the one you’re thinking of….)
Of course, they would have also discussed Jim’s 2005 case before the Oregon Supremes (City of Nyssa v. Dufloth/Smith) involving free speech, nude dancers, prohibited touching and the distinction between the distance of four feet and one foot. (Surprisingly, Trojans were not involved in this case….)
But Jim – one of my most frequent Beerchasing companions – has a story that transcends his legal accomplishments.
(And I’m not talking about being a fellow graduate of Oregon City High School where his mom, Catherine was my Latin teacher for two years, his stint as a fill-in weatherman on KGW television or how he learned Thai when he was in Naval Intelligence). (#4)
“The 415 points scored in their final match ties them for fifth-highest single-game total achieved, and their 1725 points total set a new record at the time and is fourth highest overall.
The March 26, 1965, issue of Time has an article on how the College Bowl victories helped change Portland State’s image as ‘the flunk-out school’ for University of Oregon and Oregon State drop-outs…” (#5)
To obtain some idea of the erudition of this team (Jim describes them as students with GPA’s around 3.0 who were just “nerds.”) take a look at this YouTube link from the University of San Francisco match:
Little Beast started in 2017 in the former quarters of Brannon’s in Beaverton which never gained traction (Kevin Brannon is a former Schwabe lawyer). LB also has a brewing facility in Clackamas.
“The competition is greater and frankly, business is slow….We’ve seen decreasing sales for the last two years.“
Well, Little Beast continues to strive, notwithstanding the competition and perhaps, creativity, excellent beer and outstanding food overcome the struggle for market share. You should find out yourself. (#6)
Since I started this blog in 2011, I never get tired of hearing the amazing stories of the smaller independent breweries that have employed creativity, skill at the craft, grit during economic challenges and wisdom when opportunity knocks to become successful businesses.
I felt a big sheepish that I hadn’t been to Little Beast Brewing (hereafter LB) until this July and based on my experience will definitely return.
My ten-member Beerchasing group loved it and the story is interesting and portends a bright future for co-founders and owners Charles Porter and Brenda Crow. (External photo attribution at the end of the post – #1 – #2)
When I was researching a new brewery to visit, the descriptions of LB beckoned – those on the site itself – and the favorable reviews of beer and food on print and social media as well as the interesting history – founded in 2017.
I was therefore delighted to discover an oasis of sorts – described perfectly by the Portland Mercury
“Its spacious outdoor area is simply one of the most gratuitously pleasant places in the city to sit and sip a beer.“
“The vibe is easy – regulars line the bar trying the latest intriguing tap offering, friends catch up at sun-drenched picnic tables, kids and dog dogs frolic while their people stretch out on the front lawn.”
The structures in which a number of taprooms are housed have fascinating histories. I have seen former auto shops, gas stations, laundromats, whore houses, groceries and taxidermy studios (Montana not Oregon….) which were converted into great brewpubs.
Little Beast is no exception and was:
“…previously a residence that would become home to a fortuneteller – Porter and Crow remade the cramped interior by ripping out booths and building a taproom featuring a walnut-topped bar and a new draft system.
The beer garden outside also features a covered back porch that’s heated and enclosed in winter.”
“If ‘Loveliest Brewery in Portland’ were an award category, Little Beast Brewing would win Gold. This spot has big charm and rich history: Brewmaster and cofounder Charles Porter is a craft-beer rock star, with over two decades of experience at spots like Deschutes Brewery and Full Sail Brewing; he was also the cofounder and head brewer of Logsdon Farmhouse Ales…”
And the space is intriguing with both the beer garden and the interior, having little alcoves and partitioned spaces that allow some privacy although most want to inhale the positive vibe from the energetic crowds that we witnessed.
Rumor has it that they will even provide a blanket for a picnic.
An alcove if you want privacy
Complementary Backgrounds
While some would assert that husband-wife business partnerships are a terrible idea (based on a lot of evidence) it has worked well for Porter and Crow.
He has thirty years of brewing experience (after receiving his degree in biology) starting in Indiana and from there a resume in Oregon that few can match:
“His love for craft beer (and interest in fermentation science *) brought him to Bend, Oregon, where he brewed at Deschutes Brewery and later, at Full Sail Brewing Co.
He went on to found Logsdon Farmhouse Ales and was the architect of many of their celebrated beers.” (Little Beast website)
* “The name – Little Beast – is ‘an ode to the little critters that ferment beer,’ Porter says. ‘The yeast and bacteria’ in the brewery’s mixed-culture beers.”Meunier 6/20/19 (#3)
“An ode to the little critters….”
While Little Beast has won awards for its innovative beers, it also gets outstanding reviews for its food. This is where Brenda Crow’s culinary background made the food offerings at the Brewery a hit when it first started. She graduated from the University of Colorado.
“Brenda is a Portland native, culinary arts graduate and expert in the business of specialty food. Working alongside and promoting farmers, fishermen, and makers, she has passionately followed her belief that great food is the essence of a good life.“
Our Server
You can either order at the bar or through a scanned QR code at each table and your order will be delivered. We were greeted and served well by a great guy named Preston.
He’s worked at LB for three years and was extremely helpful and friendly. He is a great asset to the brewery. And the social media reviews often mention the helpful and friendly staff.
Preston captured the spirit
The Beer
Virtually every review, whether by a beer technocrat or a general reporter, emphasizes the variety of beer at LB and they are overwhelmingly positive. And my one regret is that our group, didn’t take the opportunity to sample a robust tap list.
These include not only their own beers, but some excellent guest taps such as DeGarde’s (Tillamook, OR) “The Nelson” (Dry-hopped Wild Ale) or Dwinell Country Ale’s (Goldendale, WA) “Guesswork” (Blended Spontaneous Ale with Peaches).
For example, take a look at these descriptions of Porter’s beers:
“He began Little Beast brewing classic Belgian and European style beers, including saisons and pilsners, and the taplist is rounded out by IPAs, hazies, sours and stouts — a wide array of beers to pair with your barbecue of choice.” Oregon Live 10/29/21
or
“Its mixed-culture-fermentation beers…, ales aged in oak and foeders (large wooden barrels), dark and dry hopped sours, …and hoppy saisons, and Belgian triples and quads embody a variety of flavors and moods—some are bright and crisp, some punchy and jammy, some brooding and earthy. All are complex and delicious.” (Seriouseaters.com5/24/21) (#4)
The Pinetop IPA was a hit
In retrospect, we should have gotten a few samplers or at least been more adventurous, but all but one of us had the Pinetop IPA (6.4 ABV) – “citrus, tropical, balanced” – a very good beer, but not very daring considering what was available.
Dave Bartz, our former Managing Partner and now Chair Emeritus at the Schwabe Williamson law firm, who was joined by his wife, Susan, had a dark sour and took home a bottle of cherry sour – one of LB’s “rare beers.”
Stay tuned for Part II where I let you know about the great food and also some information about my interesting Beerchasing companions. There’s a lot more to this story!
Clockwise: Sue Bartz, Thebeerchaser, Dave Bartz, Charlie Faust, Jim Westwood, Amy Faust, Max Faust, Jack Faust and Jim Finn
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