Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos so the narrative is not clipped or shortened.(External photo attribution at the end of the post #)
I’ve mentioned previously that my affinity for dive bars transcends breweries and brewpubs because they generally have more character and history. There are exceptions. For example, check out the Beerwanderers blog published by my friend, Rich Carbonara in Munich, Germany.
Rich is an American living in Munich with his wife, Doreen. He’s the founder of the beer hiking tour guide service Beerwanderers. His first book is Beer Hiking Bavaria which details 50 great hikes from all around Bavaria.
Each hike features a brewery and a suggested after-hike beer. When Janet and I return to Germany, one of Rich’s tours will be a top priority for our trip. (#1 – #2))
Rich and Doreen
Let’s view one of numerous examples of the breweries Rich features – Stefansbräu Brewery – it’s in Dinkelsbühl – an historic walled medieval town dotted with half-timbered houses and intact tower gates in Central Franconia, a region of Germany that’s part of the state of Bavaria. (#3)
Stefansbräu Brewery
Unfortunately, we haven’t traveled to Bavaria, but just looking at the photos and descriptions of the quaint, picturesque and often historic breweries in Rich’s blog makes me yearn for some of that ambiance in the Pacific Northwest where breweries often are in modernized and sleek quarters without much personality.
There’s a new one on my list and we had a wonderful visit there two weeks ago. Pfriem Brewing is a great story – opening in 2012 in Hood River on the beautiful Columbia River. Janet and I love their beer and their facility. As stated on their website:
“In 2011 Josh Pfriem was well on his path to becoming a master brewer, but that path veered dramatically the day he was introduced to Ken Whiteman and Rudy Kellner at a child’s birthday party. The three went on to form the brain trust that would eventually create pFriem.”
What began as a small company has garnered a big reputation throughout the Northwest based on their excellent beer. Most recently they were awarded three gold medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup for their Hazy IPA, Cold IPA and Pale Ale.
The World Beer Cup, held in Indianapolis on May 1st, is one of the most prestigious competitions in craft brewing where “a panel of 265 judges from 37 countries evaluated 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries.”Brewers’ Association
And in the 2025 Oregon Beer Awards, they were recognized as both the Large Brewery of the Year and the Regional Brewing Company of the Year for Central Oregon. (#4 – #5)
Pfriem Brewing’s New Milwaukie, Oregon Tasting Room
The City of Milwaukie, in the 2020 census, had a population of 21,119 and was founded in 1847 on the banks of the Willamette River (one of the few major rivers in the world besides the Nile, that flow north) It’s a suburb of Portland – located six miles south of downtown Portland.
Perhaps I’m biased, but notwithstanding the glowing description in the “Visit Milwaukie” website below, it is not a location one would target for a visit. Quite frankly, the downtown is not very vibrant and it doesn’t have the rich history and geography of Oregon City – down the Willamette River about seven miles south.
“Discover the hidden gem of Oregon—Milwaukie, a vibrant community brimming with local charm, diverse businesses, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, Milwaukie has something for everyone. From unique shops and delicious dining to exciting activities, explore what makes our community special.” (#6 – #7)
The Willamette River at Milwaukie Bay Park
After eighty-five years, the City outgrew the structure housing City Hall, the library and its fire station – built in 1947 for approximately $32,000…with the aid of a $13,800 grant by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
The plan was to transform it into a brewery, a restaurant, and a bakery. Milwaukie selected Henry Point Development for the project. (#8 – #9)
The NewThe Old
A new City Hall about two blocks from the original was dedicated in October 2023. The July 2024 opening of Pfriem and Keeper Coffee “dedicated 87 years to the day of the original building”(according to New School Beer) will perhaps be a renaissance, of sorts, for downtown Milwaukie.
Keeper Coffee is a woman-owned cafe selling local coffee and house-made pastries founded by Brittany Huff in 2019. The Milwaukie shop is their second location and they get great social media reviews such as this recent Yelp review:
“Their southeast PDX location is great (and) this provides so many more seating and space options. The baked goods and coffee are some of the best in the Metro and the staff are awesome! Put this spot on your list of places to check out.” (#10 – #11)
The riveting attraction of the new Priem location is that it encompasses essentially four + different establishments – each with a different feel (meaning it beckons you to return….) As described in a 3/25 post in Brew Public:
Three bars with 20+ taps pouring pFriem’s celebrated core beers, seasonal releases, and exclusive small-batch offerings.
Five handcrafted pFriem specialty craft cocktails and Son of Man cider on draft.
A spacious outdoor patio with a pergola-covered seating area.
An upstairs event space for future brewery events, tastings, and community gatherings.
A cozy retail and bar area inspired by pFriem’s beloved Bear’s Den in Hood River, complete with a piece of original art reflecting the surrounding area.
Besides the attractive quarters of Keeper on the first floor, the building is festooned with historic photos, art and niches which make it an adventure to explore. In fact:
“….during the retrofit, one big surprise was the discovery of a time capsule snuggled in the corner of the building, installed by the city and local Masonic Lodge in 1938.” New School Beer
Siren Call?
While the siren call in Greek mythology refers to a powerful force that attracts someone to something, often with the implication that it may be dangerous or misleading, you won’t see Odysseus here saving his crew’s lives from the alluring vocalization. Instead, the idea of good food and beer in a warm and interesting environment is irresistible! (#12)
A newer beckoning call
That said, one can imagine the many times that City firefighters responded to that resonance while occupying the upper floor in the old City Hall and slid down the fire pole to get to the trucks below.
And that image is preserved, in part, by the focus on historic preservation by Pfriem, the City of Milwaukie and the developers:
“Meanwhile, a fire pole from the original firehouse will be repurposed into a one-of-a-kind beer tap system.
Rudy Kellner (co-founder of Pfriem) says they had an overwhelming response and request from the city and the community to salvage the fire pole and use it in some way in the building. So, they repositioned the original fire pole to land on the 1st and 2nd floor bar tops and adapted it to accommodate tap lines.
‘So we’re going to be pouring beer out of a fire pole. I think we’re probably the first tap room in the world to have beer in a fire pole,’ he says.” (New School Beer)
“….the brewery ran two glycol-chilled tap lines around the bar and up the shiny brass tube, where they meet a pair of handsome Czech side-pull faucets, which give bartenders more control to pour the perfect pint.” Oregon Live
Food for Thought….
Janet and I were joined at Pfriem by our friends John and Kim Limb. I serve with John on the Abbey Foundation of Oregon Board where he is the Immediate Past President and he has been Beerchasing with me on several occasions in the past.
One review described the menu at the Tasting Room as “A thoughtfully curated food menu to complement pFriem’s beer lineup.” The menu is not expansive and essentially standard pub food at reasonable prices. Kim, Janet and I had delicious grilled chicken sandwiches while John enjoyed a pimento cheeseburger. They went well with the Pfriem West Coast IPA.
The new tasting room and coffee shop are both Keepers. Give them a try.
Welcome to Thebeerchaser. If you’re seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post – #1 – #2)
I loved Baerlic Beer Compnay
During my fourteen years of Beerchasing, I have visited a lot more bars than breweries. Many of the newer brewpubs don’t reflect the character of a dive bar or neighborhood tavern. Baerlic Beer Company’s Ranch which houses its brewery and taproom is an exception.
Baerlic has a great story – founded 2014 by Ben Parsons and Richard Hall – two home brewers who became entrepreneurs and have won numerous beer awards.
They’ve expanded their operations to three locations, contribute to the community, successfully self-distribute and have shown creativity throughout their eleven years. The slogan of Baerlic reflects the owners’ enthusiasm for their craft:
“The Beer Here is Near and Dear“
What the Heck is Baerlic?
I’m always interested in the derivation of a brewery’s name and Baerlic’s website states it clearly:
“First things first, where does the name of this Oregon brewery come from? Baerlic (bear-lick) is an old-English adjective meaning ‘of barley.'”
I’ll tell you below about some of their awards, but it takes more than good beer to make my list of favorites and Baerlic hits the mark on all the criteria. That said, my assessment is just based on visiting The Ranch – the original brewery and taproom.
It will take return trips to experience the other two locations – the Barley Pod in NE Portland and the Northeast Alberta Taproom both of which look great. (#3 – #4)
Barley Pod Alberta Taproom
The Space
The Ranch is not overly impressive from the outside, but the interior is laid out in a long and interesting manner. There are different sections – some with booths, individual picnic tables (also on their attractive patio in the front) and an expansive area with community tables around an inviting woodstove surrounded by stools after you pass a long and attractive bar.
Upon entering you see an area of individual picnic tables in front of a giant mural which appears to be an aerial shot of Portland International Airport. The style is basic – exposed ceilings, ventilation and rafters with bulb lighting and concrete floors and it fits the ambiance quite well.
The Beer
Ambiance and character are meaningful, but of paramount importance is the beer – and Baerlic doesn’t disappoint. It was identified as one of the best Portland breweries in The Oregonian’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards which stated:
“Baerlic offers well-crafted beers that effortlessly span styles….Readers love their IPAs as well as the variety of styles Baerlic offers while delivering consistently high quality brews.
“Baerlic is one of the most reliable breweries in Portland, and they always have an interesting selection….their IPA game is one of the best in the city—and I consider their Helles Chill, to be a true Portland classic.”
The Ranch had sixteen beers on tap plus their “On Cask Rotating Tap” and their “On Nitro Night Howler Imperial Stout.” They also have cider and wine on tap plus Kombucha and a “Mela Watermelon Water” which one of our party tried and said was “ripe for the sipping.”
Some of Portland’s Best Beers
And Doug, our friendly and helpful bartender, was very accommodating while informing us about the options and letting us sample them. Three of us rated the Pioneer Pale Ale as a great pour and another companion had a good reaction to the Noble Stout.
Baerlic is a repeat winner in major beer competitions such as the Oregon Beer Awards and the World Beer Cup – the Olympics of Beer – in 2024 its Night Howler Imperial Stout won a silver medal in the WBC and they also brought home a silver in the Oregon Beer Awards for its Fresh Hop Splishy IPA.
Beerchasing Companions
While I try not to let who joins me at a particular watering hole overly influence my opinion, I admit to a slight bias. You will note below that five of the eight people in the photo from 2025 on the right (wife Janet, David and Kate Dickson, Roy Lambert and Mary Maxwell) also joined me at Wayfinder (a favorite listed above) in 2023. Doug Blomgren and Chris Hamm were great additions.
Creativity, Confidence and Innovation
Many hospitality businesses didn’t survive the pandemic, but Baerlic came through and the example below from a 2020 Willamette Week article shows why they are still thriving:
“Baerlic Brewing was among that inspired group of entrepreneurs that looked at the cracked, gray parking lot behind its building and somehow saw a socially distanced party.
Although it took several days of cleanup and construction, the crew managed to turn the 6,000-square-foot space into the Bavarian-inspired drinking lawn the owners envisioned—despite the fact that the only original vegetation were weeds filling in the cracks in the pavement.
‘We really wanted to create a beer garden,’ says Baerlic’s co-founder, Ben Parsons, ‘so we had to bring in the green.'”
It’s gone now, but they use the moniker for the event space adjacent to the taproom. (#5)
Where else in a Portland beer place can you walk up to a vending machine and get Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood for $5, a plastic mustache $3, a mystery pack entitled “Find Your Inner Animal” $3, fake dentures $8 or “mystery socks” $8. (I may have to return to find out what was in empty bins A5 $7and D2 $5.)
Find your Inner Animal!
And if you want to add to your vinyl collection, you can do that in another little nook below some items such as a Rubik’s Cube or The Mummy’s Hand by Weirdest – an action figure – (“The severed hand of horror, long detached from its hideous host, single-handedly searches for someone to gratify its evil grip.”)
If your tastes are more refined and want to buy a classic album, pick up a platter by such groups as The Linda Linda’s – an all-female LA rock group formed in 2018, whose 2021 hit, “Racist, Sexist Boy” went viral (although unfortunately, I missed it…) (#6)
The Lindas
Smart, Adaptive and Customer Oriented Owners
Their space, their beer selection and quality as well as the trappings are refreshing and almost a bit irreverent – refreshing in these days of somewhat sleek, modern and formulaic brewpubs and taphouses.
It bespeaks confidence in their mission, staff, product and business approach. I loved the example from Yelp, where I was impressed because co-owner, Ben Parsons takes the time to politely respond to reviews which are critical or find fault with some aspect of service.
One doesn’t often find this approach – in part because some Yelp reviewers have the common sense of a new college grad who decides that importing/exporting is a good career option.
Ben’s reply to a woman named Lisa R from Anaheim California was admirable – the best I’ve ever seen. It’s rather lengthy, but worth reading:
Original Response from Ben: “Hey Lisa R., thanks for your feedback! We take all reviews seriously so that we can take the appropriate steps to rectify issues as they arise.
Just so you know, as a business that serves alcohol, we are required to be licensed with the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and must comply with their rules or risk fines and/or suspension of our license and our ability to operate. And one of the OLCC’s top concerns is serving alcohol to intoxicated persons…cause you know…liability. ….To claim that you were discriminated against is not only a red herring, but also patently untrue…as outlined above. Falsely accusing our staff of discrimination is not only dangerous, it’s also not fair given your actions when you visited.
The good news is that the OLCC has no specific rules against serving idiots. (emphasis added by Thebeerchaser) So had you come in and just been an idiot—and not proclaimed that you were drunk after admitting you were tipsy—then we could have served you no problem and I’m sure you would have had a great time with your friends, you know cause…that’s what drinking at a brewery is for. Cheers! (#7)
Ben Parson’s and Rik Hall – Creative Management
UPDATE 3/17/25: Your crew came in and you announced that you were drunk when attempting to order an alcoholic beverage. This is what you removed from your original review: ‘ALTHOUGH I told the girl … I was drunk.’
Then when my bar staff stated that they were not comfortable serving you based on state laws, you go online and falsely claim racial discrimination—which you conveniently forgot to mention in your follow-up. That is completely unfair and frankly, idiotic to claim. If you decide to own your mistakes—and apologize for falsely claiming racial discrimination—then we’d love to have you back! Cheers! Ben”
A Community
We enjoyed the comradery – not only of our own group, but that permeating the space. There were families and groups sitting at community tables, people at the bar chatting with Doug the bartender and even a couple sitting at the woodstove – she reading a novel and he doing a Rubik’s cube.
Drink and Draw –I even talked to a great guy who was set up in the space near the entrance with Wacom – evidently a corporation that sells digital art supplies which had a Drink and Draw event at Baerlic – and you could even bring your kids until 9:00.
“Join us for the first Drink & Draw of 2025! We’re partnering up with our friends, the Digital Dabblers, for a fun night of doodles, sketches, and community. So, dust off that sketchbook — traditional or digital! — grab a friend, and let’s get creative.” (#8)
Woodworker Holiday Market – A very successful annual event and brilliantly tied into their business is summarized in the following paragraphs:
“A few times a year, we design and brew beers destined to lead double lives—first as a brewery fresh beer and second as a beer that will age in oak barrels for months or years at a time. This working of the wood, the evolution of liquid and solid, is the foundation for our ongoing WoodWorker Beer Series and the inspiration for The WoodWorker Holiday Market.
The WoodWorker Holiday Market is a celebration of all things inspired, made and evolving from nature’s most honest material—wood. From furniture to housewares; syrups to aged cheeses; jewelry to pizza; coffee to beer, wood has inspired scores of artisan makers in and around Portland. This is a celebration of them.” (#9 – #10)
A popular December event.
Dream Vest Friday –“We don’t know about you, but on Fridays our crew hangs tuff and gets all fancied up in our favorite Denim Vests to celebrate DENIM VEST FRIDAY!!
The Food
I’ll close with the food, which although limited to pizza at Baerlic’s Ranch, is a real plus. It’s an arrangement with Ranch Pizza – another progressive Oregon company which has grown substantially since its inception – “We’ve been cutting corners since 2017.”
They are known for coating their pizza with Ranch Dressing and you could get a side of Ranch for $1.50 or a pint for $9.50, but we were content to get their sausage and ricotta cheese which was thick and delicious.
At the Barley Pod, they have multiple and varied food trucks including Flew the Coop Fried Chicken, which beckons me to visit. At the Northeast Alberta Taproom, they have two food carts.
After visiting over four hundred establishments in my almost fourteen years of Beerchasing, I don’t often get overly enthusiastic about a new one, but “Bear”lic sank its claws into me….
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 so the narrative is not clipped or shortened.(External photo attribution at the end of the post #1 – #2)
West Linn is a suburb of Portland, Oregon – about twelve miles south – a wonderful community as I related in my last blog post – “Thanksgiving Thoughts.” We’ve lived here for the last forty-two years.
With a population of 28,000, it’s an ideal place to reside. I’d never have believed that when I played sports at Oregon City High School in the mid-60’s, that West Linn (our arch cross-town rival) would become my home for most of my life.
In fact, as reported in Oregon Live, the rivalry has a rich history
“The (West Linn) Lions and (Oregon City) Pioneers will try to win the ‘Battle for the Bridge,’ a rivalry that started in 1921. The game is billed as the longest continuously played high school football rivalry west of the Mississippi River.”
“With an all-time series deadlocked at 50-50-1 after 101 historic meetings, anticipation is at fever pitch. ” (Greatamericanrivalry.com) November 2024
(Last year West Linn won 52 to 13 and in 2024, it was a 63 to 0 shellacking in 2024.)
Some high school seniors used to walk across the arch on the historic bridge on the day of the game. (Perhaps some of the Pioneer footballers are now tempted to jump……#3)
The Oregon City Bridge, also known as the Arch Bridge, over the Willamette River.
Now, when I was in high school, the two schools were fairly evenly matched. The highlight for me came in my senior year at OCHS. When our basketball team played West Linn at home, we were leading the TYV League, but West Linn had a very good team.
As we took the court for warm-ups in our cracker-box gym, the Pioneer’s five-person Pep Band, perched on a precarious platform off the balcony, blared out “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (No.1 by The Tokens in 1961). The crowd went wild.
We went on to soundly beat the Lions and won the 1966 League Championship – the first time in twenty-one years and went on to the State Tournament. In the last ten years, however, West Linn has become an Oregon sports powerhouse.
Boys Basketball: 1997 (4A), 1997 (3A), 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Boys Swimming; 1948
Boys Track and Field: 1996, 1997, 1998
Boys Tennis: 2003, 2004, 2023
Choir: 2019, 2022
Dance/Drill: 1989, 1991
Football: 2016, 2022, 2024
Girls Golf: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016
Girls Swimming: 1950, 1951
Volleyball: 1998, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2021
Wrestling: 2023
Those who follow professional sports will recognize the names of these WLHS Alumsall within the last ten years:
Payton Pritchard (Celtics – NBA), Alex Forsyth (Denver Broncos – NFL), Jayden Grant (Las Vegas Raiders – NFL) and Elijah Molden (LA Chargers – NFL) – all WLHS alums – Clockwise below: – Pritchard, Forsyth, Grant and Molden. (#4 – #7)
But I Digress…
While most of the bars and breweries I’ve reviewed are in Portland or throughout Oregon, I have a few West Linn favorites including the Salty Rhino and the Nineteen 33 Taproom.
I revisited an establishment just last week, however, in the heart of the historic district of Willamette which merged with the City of West Linn in 1923.
I made my first trip to the Ale and Cider House in 2018 and returned on a recent Saturday night to hear our friend of many years, Charlie Rose, and his group, Parkwood play some great tunes. (more about Charlie below)
“This district stands out due to its exceptional collection of Victorian and early-twentieth-century American architectural styles, which have remained largely intact. Its period of significance extends from 1895, when the first residences were erected, to 1929 when construction activity declined significantly, mainly attributed to the onset of the Great Depression and a dwindling supply of available building lots.” (#8 – #9)
The establishment opened in early 2018. As stated in their website:
“The Ale and Cider House (A&CH) blends the charm of a traditional English-style public house with modern amenities. Originally established in 1915, the building underwent a complete rebuild and remodeling in 2018.
The warm and inviting atmosphere of A&CH….makes it the perfect backdrop for creating nostalgic memories with your loved ones.”
And it has an appealing ambiance with a number of nooks and crannies, a great long bar and a small area for bands and entertainers. Behind the taproom is an event center and also an expansive beer garden – the entire operation is 16,500 square feet. It’s an amazing part of this community.
They have a robust selection of beers, ciders and wine Their website states:
“Our e-commerce platform allows for our customers to order bottles from our International bottle shop and 32 oz crowlers or 32/64 oz growlers from our 42 taps of craft beer and cider to-go.“
An expansive selection of drafts
Enhancing this establishment is the fact that it is a local family-owned business (7Bev Corp). I talked to General Manager Toney Chay, son of his co-parent owners (Ann and JC) and they’ve thrived since inception in 2015 with exciting plans for the future:
“7Bev is a vertically integrated beverage company engaged in real estate development, farming, production, and self-distributed sales and marketing of alcoholic beverages.” (#10 – #12)
The Chay family supports the West Linn and surrounding communities and the Ale and Cider House has become a local hub and gathering place. The A&CH doesn’t brew its own beer (although that’s planned in the next year) but their flagship brew is Queen Orchard Base Brut French Dry Cider.
“….with a light, refreshing taste that’s perfect for solo sipping or creating delicious cocktails. Its delicate flavor, reminiscent of Brut Champagne, makes it ideal for any occasion – from special celebrations to casual gatherings.” (#13)
Events
With their spacious facilities, they can host both large and small groups and enthusiastically support non-profit groups. The reviews are great as evidenced by these two from Yelp on 6/11/24 and 1/21/23 respectively:
“The team at the A+CH helped us organize and execute a truly special night for our 2024 WLHS graduates. They talked us through food and beverage options and were so easy to work with! We had approximately 200 people celebrating- we had music and games and everyone loved the fun casual atmosphere. The location is truly special with a beautiful outdoor area and minors are welcome.”
“I found this gem of a place in West Linn. Wow, what a great place to hold a company party, a family gathering or other events. This is a fantastic venue for any party!
The A&CH has live entertainment on most Fridays through Sundays ranging from rock, jazz, R & B, country western and folk music. Every Thursday is an Open-Mic night.
We loved listening to Charlie Rose and Tim Walker’s group Parkwood on a Saturday night. Their rendition of “Into the Mystic” was the best I’ve heard other than Van Morrison himself. Their tunes range from Chicago to the Eagles and even the Judds. Great sounds and they return on December 20th. (#14 – #16)
With the Melnichuks in 1980
A Rose is a Rose…
Now this is not only a blog about bars and breweries, but also about people – interesting and talented ones and that’s why I’m finishing with a profile of Charles Rose II.
I can make the case that Charlie is a Northwest version of the Renaissance Man although he doesn’t paint and have as full a beard as Leonardo Di Vinci.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at Portland State University and worked for PacifiCorp for four years before opening his own firm – Rose Technical Graphics where he and his team have produced computer-aided design services (two and three-dimensional technical graphics) for thirty-eight years. (#17)
Design services since 1987
Charlie was a high school athlete, and besides his musical talent, is the type of guy who can build and fix anything from woodwork to video technology. For many years, while his sons attended West Linn High School, Charlie filmed and edited the WLHS football games video for post-game analysis by the coaches.
But where I most saw Charlie shine was in the outdoors – years of Father/Daughter backpack trips. Mr. Rose always shouldered the heaviest pack because he carried all the maps as well as the tools to accommodate and dispose of our waste needs environmentally in the National Forests where we adventured.
One of the most memorable treks was our 1997 climb of the South Sister – at 10,358 feet, Oregon’s third highest peak. The daughters and their dads camped at Green Lakes, before reaching the summit the next day and walking five miles out to our cars by flashlight that night.
I still have memories of the rich, dark coffee that Charlie brewed for us that evening at Green Lakes – also lying awake in the tent we shared until 2:30 AM because of the resultant caffeine high.
These annual hikes had a lasting impact both on the fathers and daughters.
In closing, I might add that those remarkable girls – all WLHS graduates and now in their late thirties – continued their ascents – academically and professionally:
Their careers include an athletic trainer, a pediatric emergency department nurse, a teacher including a stint in Teach for America, a speech therapist who opened her own clinic, a surgeon and a marketing professional who formed and eventually sold her nutrition-focused company.
One month ago, they held their 20th WLHS reunion where they and their classmates enjoyed the festivities at the Ale and Cider House event center. Go figure! (#18)
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
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post. #1 – #2)
Adam Milne is an optimist. He had a vision as a youngster. And now he has another vision.
As I’ve related in two previous posts about Old Town Brewing and Old Town Pizza, Adam first became enamored with Old Town Pizza when he visited at the age of nine in 1979 when it was owned by the Accaurdi family. They originally opened it in 1974. He then purchased it when he was thirty-three in 2003.
I’ve mentioned how Adam’s unceasing optimism kept his business going after some significant challenges in the early years, during his trademark fight with the City of Portland and as the global pandemic raged in the last few years shuttering many business – especially those in the hospitality sector permanently.
And when I say optimist, it’s not a frivolous compliment. From my previous encounters with Adam, given his buoyant spirit, I would not be surprised to see him start a new diet the week before Thanksgiving.
He’s so positive about the future, he’s probably committed to stay in Portland during the NBA Western Division Playoffs to see the Trailblazers – 14th out of 15th in the West with a current record of 19 – 49.
Okay, you get the idea, but possibly the following quote from one of Oscar Wilde’s plays is most appropriate to explain his new vision:
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”(#4)
Looking to the Stars….
Take a look at some of the articles about Portland’s downward spiral in the last few years – not only Oregon publications, but in major papers throughout the country. They single Portland out among major cities for lingering pandemic related issues.
“Downtown in distress: Portland’s core is unsafe and uninviting, residents say in new poll, threatening city’s recovery.” Oregon Live 5/24/21
“What’s the matter with Portland? Shootings, theft and other crime test city’s progressive strain.”Los Angeles Times 2/10/23
“Fighting for Anthony – The Struggle to Save Portland Oregon.” New York Times 7/29/23 (#5)
But That’s Not Adam’s Mentality
The pandemic decimated many breweries who either closed permanently or shuttered to comply with State mandates or just because there were few, if any, patrons. Old Town Pizza was no exception:
“At one point in late 2021, his receipts in the original location for the day were $17 and he made the difficult decision to temporarily close that location. After eighteen months, it reopened five days per week in 2022. The NE Pub continued to operate during that hiatus.”
Old Town Pizza located in the historic Merchant Hotel Building in Old TownThe Brewery and pub in NE Portland
Carson Bowler, a Sigma Nu fraternity brother of Adam’s at the University of Oregon and a Portland lawyer and I joined Adam for a beer in Old Town in July 2023 to hear about Adam’s new vision.
Carson was almost giddy – not just at seeing his old friend – but at the opportunity to down a Shanghai’d IPA – one of their most popular seasonals and consistent with the historical ambiance in which we raised mugs:
“A Toast to Portland – Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels, an eerie section of which lie beneath our Old Town Taproom. (about 14,000 square feet of it – see photos below)
Lore of unsuspecting laborers being kidnapped via these secret tunnels and sold to ship captains for a crew in the late 1800’s lives on today.”
An impeccably balanced malt-driven ale with notes of sweetbread and caramel partnered with a medium hop bite and finish. (#9 – #10)
Adam told us at that one point during COVID he thought that his dream and his enterprise might not come back. “Can I recreate a career at 50?” But he restarted incrementally and continued to rely both on his marketing talent and his positive outlook.
The Old Town location had been down 60% from pre-pandemic sales numbers; however, the pub and brewery in NE Portland had done better.
“But Milne is a self-described and unapologetic optimist, and where some see a reason to turn out the lights, he sees motivation to add wattage.
I wanted to come out of the pandemic and really be a part of the solution to making Portland better,’ Milne said. ‘So we started with that. How can we be a positive voice for Portland?’” The Oregonian 2/22/23
Unlike many of the elected officials and non-profit managers who seem to offer more bombast than action, however, the article sets forth concrete steps he’s taken to help not only his own business, but fellow merchants and the entire City.
He extended his lease in Old Town by at least seven and up to twelve years.
He reopened the underground tunnel tours in the basement space below his building which gives an amazing historic portrayal of Portland’s rich past – especially in Old Town.
He gave us a tour of the chambers below which required some careful navigation of old staircases, (the ancient elevator is not in working order at the present) but was fascinating including an old bar and drinking area.
For those who have any interest in authentic historical settings, the Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour is a must. And for $38 you get a ninety-minute tour plus some extras – what a deal:
“Learn about Portland’s dark history and hear stories about our resident ghost, Nina. Finish up with a special tasting and 1 pint of our internationally award-winning beer.”
Adams recovery actions continue:
He initiated a re-branding campaign for Old Town Brewing
“…that focuses on Portland and the images and symbols that have won the city and region affection for decades.
A new line of beer cans will prominently display the leaping stag of the widely recognizable ‘Portland Oregon’ sign along the Willamette River and each of Old Town’s five core beers will highlight recognizable images and symbols and present a unique toast to each.”
Milne stated, “We believe in our city, and want to be a part of the solution in making Portland even better. That’s why our new cans celebrate the city we love, capturing some of our favorite aspects of the city.”
The Stag is still on the front of the cans as Adam views that as a symbol of unity and pride in the City. (#11)
The Brewery is now working with area non-profits, most notably Word is Bond, an organization helping young Black men with citizenship and leadership training.
Adam will host fundraisers and provide food for their programs and is working with visionary Founder and Executive Director Lakayana Drury..
Drury came up with the slogan “Believe in Portland,”which graces the shirts available on the Old Town website and in stores. $10 of every shirt sale will go to a local nonprofit, with a different one getting the money every month.
Next up was Central City Concern, a neighbor of the restaurant in Old Town. (#12 – #13)
Patrons can partake of customized three-course meals throughout March, the traditional period when Portland Dining Month took place:
“Better yet: The breweries are sweetening the deal by throwing in one beer, house wine or non-alcoholic beverage and a $10 voucher for use between April 1 and June 30—a perk you didn’t find at Portland Dining Week.” (#14)
And after wandering through the Old Town’s downtown space and marveling at the alcoves, historic pictures, I checked their website and also discovered that Old Town:
“…. has a beautiful, open lofted level with several semi-private spaces for groups of between 10 and 60 people. Book an event with us and enjoy a full service, buffet-style dinner in the historic Merchant Hotel, plus even more space available at our NE brewery.”
Their Facebook page shows some great pictures of weddings and receptions held recently.
There was no room charge, the space was well-suited for our group and the pizza and beer were a hit with all nine of us there.
So what can those of us who love Portland do to support Adam and his compatriots’ vision for restoring Portland to its beauty, vitality and reputation as a prime vacation spot?
Well, you can pay a visit to either the Downtown or NE Portland location, order some beer on-line, buy a t-shirt from the Old Town website, take a Shanghai Tunnel Tour, book an event or just send this Portland leader an e-mail reinforcing what he is trying to accomplish. https://www.otbrewing.com/contact-1
And to End this Tome on a Note of Positivity
Speaking of major career decisions, here’s an ending toast to Carson Bowler. My former colleague and friend for many years is not only a superb lawyer, but a wonderful human being.
A leading Portland mediator, several years ago who moderated an all-day session in which CBo (as we affectionately called him) represented one of the parties told me the next day:
“Don, that Carson Bowler is the real deal!
Congratulations to him for leaving the large-firm environment at the beginning of 2024 and starting his own firm – Law Office of Carson Bowler. (#15 – #16)
On his ninth birthday, Adam first visited Old Town Pizza which was owned by the Accaurdi family who opened it in 1974.
“It was in the historic Merchant Hotel in Old Town and a hub for like-minded people with a radical agenda. It stood as a beacon for the local community; a place to break bread and enjoy your neighbor.” (Old Town Brewery website)
(#1 – External photo attribution at the end of the post)
As stated in my first blog post:
“That visit had an impact and demonstrates this young entrepreneur’s vision since he bought Old Town Pizza in 2003 when he was only in his early thirties – 33 to be exact.
…..He subsequently expanded to NE Portland on NE Martin Luther King Blvd in 2008, where he built the brewery and pub. Assistance came in the form of a low-interest loan from the Portland Development Commission in its effort to promote enterprise close-in NE Portland.” (#2)
In those posts, I didn’t cover the initial location in Portland’ Old Town, and in light of some recent developments at the original site along with Adam’s own goals, I’ll tell you about them in two new posts.
But first a little background from my prior visits with Adam at the NE Portland location in 2019. Two Oregonian articles in early and mid-2023 and an interview I had with Adam at the spot last July expand on the story.
I was joined on that visit by his fraternity brother from the Sigma Nu house at the University of Oregon for four years – Carson Bowler. (You will hear more about this outstanding environmental and natural resources lawyer later.)
Carson was a colleague for many years when we both worked at the Schwabe law firm.
Thebeerchaser, Carson and Adam in July
Have things been easy for this guy who is now in his early fifties? Adam’s example is similar to many craft brewing owners – ups and downs and long hours to both become and stay successful. Many have not made it. Adam has!
From the prior blog post:
“In 2003, to raise the capital to purchase Old Town Pizza, Adam mortgaged the equity in his home and sold a rental house to make the down payment. Only one month into the new venture, their primary refrigerator went out – they had no cash to replace it.
He had to buy all new refrigeration and new pizza ovens. When I asked how they resolved it, Adam chuckled and said, ‘I suppose that’s what credit cards are for!’” (#3)
A deal – on credit!
Then there was the fire upstairs at the NE brewpub in 2012, which resulted in closure of the pub for about three weeks. (He continued to pay his staff during the closure.)
And, as evidence that the City of Portland’s questionable decisions did not just start with the pandemic, in Old Town Brewing – Part II | Thebeerchaser, I chronicled, in part, Adam’s unbelievable battle over the trademark issue:
“….an example of bad judgment on the part of the City – an ill-advised bureaucratic foray which drew the ire of the micro-craft community, business groups and those who value common sense….. (#4 – #5)
Many citizens wondered why Portland was taking on this small business when Old Town Brewing had applied and been granted the image for its logo by the US Patent Office. Moreover, Milne had come to the City offering to compromise before the fight escalated.”
Adam said that he views the stag logo as a symbol of unity and pride. Intellectual Property law can be very technical but for an interesting and detailed account of the legal issues involved, check out Jeff Alworth’s blog Beervana:
“Have you heard the one about the big brewery that sends the little brewery a cease-and-desist letter for trademark infringement? Of course you have….A little brewery owned a valid, long-standing trademark, but a deep-pocketed large city refused to acknowledge it and told the little guys they planned to license the disputed image to AB InBev.”
Adam and the City settled in 2018 and Old Town can continue to use the logo for five years and the agreement will have to be renewed to avoid future litigation.
Things were going well in 2018 and 2019, as Adam stated on their website:
“2018 was incredibly fun and certainly the most memorable year for us to date. We kicked off with a major rebrand of our company, canned our first brews, made it through a dispute that brought our community together and forever changed the way we hold our love and admiration for this industry.
We started our videos series, collaborated with some of the most amazing and talented people, drank amazing beer and celebrated…“
Beer Awards
OTB had received numerous awards for its beers in previous years. The honors continued in 2019 with three medals at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in Bend where brewers from 33 states competed.
The list of awards for OTB beer is extensive and the styles of beer garnering awards very diverse as can be seen from this link:
And not only did they have excellent traditional beers, but their experimental beers gained a lot of attention – OTB’s Mushroom Ale. Take this review from Ratebeer.com.
“Not only does this beer give you an experience that I can guarantee you’ve never had, it also tastes amazing. Like drinking carbonated maple syrup with a touch of umami character. Amazing.” (#6)
Adam has a tradition of thinking outside the keg. For example, OTB started delivering beer by bicycle in 2012:
“We were the first brewery in America to do that based on our research. I had the idea and called the Oregon Liquor Control Commission who expressed doubt it was legal. They called back and said they all met and couldn’t find a reason it was illegal.”
But Adam joined the ranks of countless small business owners – most notably those in the hospitality industry in 2020. That’s when the global pandemic hit small businesses, but especially those in the hospitality sector, like a contagious sledge hammer.
At one point in late 2021, his receipts in the original location for the day were $17 and he made the difficult decision to temporarily close that location. After eighteen months, it reopened five days per week in 2022. The NE Pub continued to operate during that hiatus.
So how did Adam react to that setback and what are his plans for the future – not only for his own enterprise, but for the city he loves:
“But Milne is a self-described and unapologetic optimist, and where some see a reason to turn out the lights, he sees motivation to add wattage.
‘I wanted to come out of the pandemic and really be a part of the solution to making Portland better,’ Milne said. ‘So we started with that. How can we be a positive voice for Portland?’” The Oregonian – Andre Meunier 2/22/23
Stay tuned for the next post of Thebeerchaser and you will find out the encouraging answer(s) to that question. (#8 – #9)
Great beer and great food!
Oh yes, one parting shot:
Unfortunately, Adam Milne and Carson Bowler are both U of O Ducks. Go Beavs! Go PAC2!
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 so the narrative is not clipped or shortened.(External Photo Attribution at the end of the post #1)
Five years ago, my family and a number of friends had a wonderful experience at Migration’s original pub and brewery operation at their Northeast Glisan Pub at a “70-30 Party.” (I had turned 70 and my son-in-law, Ryan Keene, hit 30.)
The Glisan location is known as a great place to gather and for hosting events and we were thrilled with the result – beer, food and environment.
“The Migration journey all started here in 2010 and is still where we make small batch and experimental beers. With one of the best beer patios in town” (#2)
I had followed Migration’s impressive growth and culture since then and was anxious to see the Williams Avenue Pub opened in 2021 which they advertise as:
“One of the best beer patios in town, award-winning beer and an elevated food program, it is a true Portland craft beer.” (#3 – #5)
Now since I had never heard of a group or individual named “Porchello” and David has an excellent, dry sense of humor, I made him confirm that he wasn’t talking about one of the “luminaries” below:
Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers baseball pitcher, Massimilian Porcello, famous retired German Italian soccer midfielder or possibly Sam Porcello, noted Nabisco food scientist who did pioneering work on the Oreo Cookie. (This included inventing the white cookie cream filling.) (#6)
“For the kid in all of us!”
All of these would have been interesting except that the Oreo guy died in 2012. And while the Oreo is known as “Milk’s favorite cookie,”David was, in fact, talking about a wonderful musical ensemble named Porchello in a Saturday evening performance entitled, “Cellos and Fresh Hop!”
Porchello – the Real Deal
I have to admit that I’ve not been to many breweries which feature music at their pubs or taprooms. Based on my research and experience, there aren’t that many that offer it and the ones I’ve experienced usually have amateur musicians entertain you – they often play just for tips and at a volume that drowns out conversation.
But Porchello, and its musicians individually, have outstanding backgrounds and musical skill and it was a wonderful evening. The four of us will definitely see another performance when we can. I have a lot more to tell you about the cellists below, but first some more on Migration Brewery. (#7)
Migration – “Every beer we make has the power to ignite a conversation!”
The last five years have been a nightmare for the hospitality industry and the list of brewery closures has loomed large. A number of the independents such as 10 Barrel, Widmer and Henry Weinhard’s and most recently, Ecliptic, have been absorbed by the giants such as Anheuser-Busch Inbev or Molson Coors.
Thus, it is refreshing to see how four entrepreneurs took a major risk in 2010 and have hit what appears to be a home run in the craft brewing industry. What makes the story more attractive can best be summed up by an excerpt from “Our Story” on the Migration website:
“On a sunny day in the Fall of 2008, we found ourselves sharing beers and engrossed in a conversation that began about starting a business but quickly delved into personal values and visions of the future.
The four of us quickly realized that we shared more than a passion for great beer; we shared a value set about life and the role that beer plays in it.” (#8)
For seven years, Migration took the hard road of self-distribution, but in 2017 they partnered with a major distributor to take over distribution and opened a 20,000 square foot production brewery and pub in Gresham.
“Over the past three years, the company has become one of the fastest growing breweries in Oregon with distribution in Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, Nevada, Thailand, and Japan.”
The expansive Gresham brewing operation and pub came to life with an incredibly rapid build-out which was accomplished with the cooperation of the City of Gresham. Migration owner’s have made it a goal to connect with the community. Co-founder, Colin Rath articulates this well in a website video. (#9 – #11)
Recent Developments
During a period when many breweries are consolidating their losses, Migration has shown remarkable innovation as evidenced by two recent openings and a Strategic Partnership with Bend’s Silver Moon Brewing.
Wells Fargo Center – As reported by Oregon Live’s Beer Columnist, Andre Meunier:
“Migration is the latest brewery to declare its love and belief in Portland and back it up with action.”
The Brewery put a tap room in the Wells Fargo Building – the tallest skyscraper in Oregon. (#12)
Motivate to return to the office downtown
On the first floor of the building, they established a taproom for office workers – seating forty and including a patio. Opened in August of 2023, the concept was so successful that the summer experiment was expanded beyond the original time period ending December 31st. Willamette Week reported that:
“Migration’s owners also plan to host everything from live DJs to special food pop-ups to holiday-themed events to bring in new clientele throughout the rest of the year…. There are10 taps for beer and wine as well as canned cocktails along with food by Addy’s Sandwich Bar. 3-8 pm Tuesday through Thursday.”
Rooftop Patio on the Canvas Building – Migration reopened its rooftop patio on the ninth floor of the Canvas Building across from Providence Park where the Portland Timbers and Thorns play. It’s a wonderful patio with spectacular views that opened in 2020 during the summer months until 2022. After a year hiatus, it reopened this July.
“We’re excited to get the Rooftop back in action,”says MigrationCEO and Co-Founder McKean Banzer-Lausberg, in a June 11 Brew Public article: “As a company we really value local partnerships and have always enjoyed working with Urban Renaissance Group. This will be a truly unique craft beer experience.” (#13 – #14)
And That Gets Us Back to Porchello
Originally the Porchello concert was to be held at the Canvas Building patio, but the weather turned sour and it was relocated to Migration’s Williams Pub – also a wonderful venue for a musical event with a large, heated patio.
Now my perception of cello numbers was from esoteric and non-melodic classical scores such as 18th century famed cellist and composer Ridolfo Boccherini, but Porchello had its audience captivated the entire evening – first with upscale classical music, but then offering a diversified mix of classic rock, Big Band favorites, Beatle tunes and movie showpieces. (#15 – #16)
And the good news is that you also have the opportunity to see them even later this month as they will have a repeat performance at Migration on November 30th and then Christmas shows on the Willamette Shore Trolley on Dec 19th and 20th.
Who Are These Guys?
Since my Beerchasing journey began in 2011, I have been to over 400 bars and breweries throughout Oregon, in many regions of the US and even a few internationally. Although I haven’t heard a lot of music during these visits, the groups I’ve heard have usually been amateur musicians – garage band variety.
Well, Porchello pleasantly breaks the mold – the four musicians (three cellos and an upright bass) are all classically trained and collectively have almost a one-hundred years of performing experience. I’ll briefly describe them below, but first a bit about the group itself and the leader, Dieter Ratzlaf.
And I might add that Porcello and Migration Brewing have a lot in common. They are both involved and giving to their communities, creatively entrepreneurial evoking memories of reading “The Little Engine That Could” – a story of optimism and hard work. Migration was the first brewery in which Porchello performed.
Porchello was formed in May 2020. Dieter and his wife Erin, were freelance musicians, cello instructors and performing with the Vancouver Symphony (where they both met in 2006).
All of their scheduled performances were canceled so to give back to the community, they gave a spontaneous porch performance. (I didn’t ask Dieter if he and Erin or the attendees wore masks…)
This well-attended “concert” and the thanks of their neighbors for some joy during the darkest days of the pandemic, motivated them to do more and even live-stream. (#17 – #19)
Realizing that they could attract larger audiences, they recruited another cellist and a contrabass and formed Porchello. Rather than just offer classical pieces, their repertoire included pop, movie and rock numbers.
“We believe the cello and Porcello can bring great joy to many with its versatility, virtuosity, soulfulness and deep expression.”
Before I tell you about the others, let’s look at Dieter’s history and why I asked him how he got along with what had to be only three or four hours of sleep each night starting in high school. (#20)
He was an athlete at Portland’s Grant High School, not only playing basketball, tennis and golf, but concurrently a member in the prestigious Portland Youth Philharmonic – the oldest youth orchestra in the United States – conducted by the legendary Music Director Jacob Avshalomov. He went on tour with the PYP in 1989.
An Amazing ExperienceSan Francisco Conservatory of Music
Dieter was appointed principal cello of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2005 and the Hood River Philharmonic in 2012, positions he currently still holds. And to ensure that he does not sit idle, he also has a practice as a residential realtor for Prudential.
Erin Ratzlaf, although a member of Porchello, did not play the night we were at Migration, but is also a professional musician playing in the Vancouver Symphony and instructing at the Ratzliff Cello Studio. She graduated from Northwestern University and received her MS in Counseling at Portland State.
In addition to her musical work, Erin is an outpatient crisis counselor and provides crisis counseling, urgent intake assessments, mental health evaluations, individual therapy and access and referral to adults. She also served on the Board of Portland Chamber Music. Erin and Dieter have three children. (#24)
And to complement the musical pedigree of the Ratzlafs, let’s look at the other two members of Porchello:
I assume the auditions for these ensembles based on his training – he attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music – were not nerve racking. While studying at Oberlin he was appointed as 3rd chair bass with the Canton Symphony (OH). He plays an Alessandro Gagliano double bass made in 1713, generously on loan from Mr. Bill Ofstad. (#25)
Jonah Thomas – He also performs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and as a chamber musician for Portland Chamber Music. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in cello performance from the Juilliard School. Jonah is also a composer of chamber and solo piano works. (#26)
Just reviewing the abstracts of their careers, I was amazed at how close knit and connected the community of classical musicians is in the Northwest. Before the music began at Migration and seeing that he and his wife played with the Vancouver Symphony and his association with the Eugene Symphony and the Portland Ballet Orchestra, I asked him if he knew my oboe instructor, Kelly Gronli.
Kelly was one of my Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter and put up with my attempts to master this double-reed woodwind for over six years. I texted her a picture of Porcello getting ready to play and Kelly had a one-word response “Dieter!” (#27)
To Finish!
Perhaps because of all the other background, I didn’t adequately cover Migration’s Williams Pub, but suffice to say, the food was great (wonderful hamburgers), the beer selection robust (try the Cannonball Northwest Red), the environment was family and pet-oriented and bright and the patio was a superb setting to listen to music for which there was no cover charge. (#28 – #30)
Now you also have a chance to see Porchello perform in both November and December with three dates scheduled currently and look for others during the Holiday Season. We will probably try the Willamette Shore Trolley trip – which is a great ride in December even without good music. (#31)
Migration Williams Pub on November 30
Several new pieces including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and others.
Witness some holiday film magic. Porchello will be debuting several new pieces including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and others. Migration is a family friendly venue, serving beer, wine, cider and food. Arrive early for best seating.
Willamette Shores Trolley on December 19 – 20 (Make your reservation now) (#32 – #33)
#16. Wikimedia Commons (Music_cello_note.JPG (156×81) (wikimedia.org) The copyright holder of this file allows anyone to use it for any purpose, provided that the copyright holder is properly attributed. Redistribution, derivative work, commercial use, and all other use is permitted. Author: The original uploader was Ofeky at Hebrew Wikipedia. 12 June 2005.
From Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post.)
In my first “episode” of “Summer Simmers” I stated that I was going to end some future posts with three items from my vast collection – bar jokes, lawyer jokes and quotations. Well this one ends with a combined “story” of each of these three elements.
It’s courtesy of my friend of more than fifty years, attorney Mark O’Donnell, who is one of the best business, land-use and real estate lawyers in the state. His robust practice also includes legal work for non-profit organizations. Besides his skill as a lawyer, Mark is also a wonderful human being.
He’s a guy who shows compassion, a dry and sophisticated sense of humor and an ethic which involves helping others on a daily basis. (I realize that these traits apply to most attorneys….) (#1)
“Mark is an inspiration for many, and the support of his friends, family, and colleagues at the event made it clear that he has made an impact in our community,”
In September 2018, the Northwest Pilot Project presented him with the Agency Impact Award to commemorate his service to the organization, which provides affordable housing to seniors in Multnomah County:
O’Donnell’s commitment has prevented 450 low-income seniors from becoming homeless.” …He also partners with SE Works, De Paul Treatment Centers and other organizations that serve at-risk kids and low-income seniors.”
Stay tuned below for the closing story, but first some quick news about two watering holes:
It was a great little pub and brewery in SW Portland and I enjoyed a beer with my friend, David Kish, who had a distinguished career in public service both for the State of Oregon and the City of Portland including serving as Portland’s Director of General Services under legendary Mayor Bud Clark.
David Kish – a distinguished career in public service
And Sasquatch has a great story:
“In 2012 (Tom) Sims – former weld-grinder, former beeper salesman, soon-to-be former homebrewer – opened Sasquatch Brewing, and the brewpub quickly caught on in the Hillsdale neighborhood.
It proved to be such a hit that in 2017 Sasquatch’s owners opened a second pub, returning to Sims’ roots in Northwest Portland, where the co-founder had years earlier plied his trade.” (Oregon Live)
David and I talked to Tom, a fellow Oregon State grad (David graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst) and based on his initial success, he had plans to expand – these came to fruition.
Will be back in business
After the closure news late last year, I was then happy to see just a couple of months later, Willamette Week’sstory:
“Sasquatch Brewing Will Start Producing Beer Again at Its Hillsdale Flagship.”
Experienced brewer, Nick Scandurro, plans to be “…brewing in Hillsdale this fall and have at least 12 in-house beers by spring 2024.”
Tom Sims made heroic efforts, but the pandemic, cost of materials and related issues made it impossible to continue. I hope he continues brewing in some capacity.
Celebrates its 100th Birthday in 2023
The Sandy Hut – A Portland dive icon that I visited in the early days of my Beerchasing journey – epitomized why I started this retirement pursuit.
Known by regulars as “The Handy Slut”, this excerpt from “Willamette Week’s 2008 Bar Guide” (that was three years before I started Beerchasing) will convey why it’s so well loved:
A classic resource for Thebeerchaser from 2008
2008– “The Handy Slut, as regulars and the bar’s merchandise call it, is a lurid, windowless utopia. It looks like it once housed the Rat Pack—and hasn’t cleaned since the party ended.
The drinks pack enough alcohol to fuel a racecar, and often mere eye contact constitutes consent. The east side loves you, Sandy—you dirty little slut.”
My first foray was in 2014 with one of my favorite attorneys and frequent Beerchasing companion, John Mansfield. John has never been shy about having his photo appear in this blog and the second photo shows him with Kevin, a friendly regular we sat next to at the bar.
He welcomed us and stated he has frequented the bar since 1979 when he moved from Phoenix.
JM in front of the iconic Al Hirschfield exterior
I was thus very concerned about the rumor shortly afterwards that The Slut was going to be demolished and become a high-rise condo.
It was purchased in 2012 by two of Portland’s dive bar saviors, Warren Boothby and Marcus Archambault. And as with their other acquisitions, they went to work
” And in 2018 restored an Al Hirschfield mural of celebrity caricatures, uncovered a glass brick wall by the old entrance and improved the food and drink menu with recipes nodding to the establishment’s Mid-Century glory days, when it was known as The Wolf’s Den.” (Oregon Live 7/18/23)
And as it celebrated it century year in August, does it still have a community following? Well, take a look at the photo below and the description of the event and it’s obvious:
“I’m so in love with this portland community. thank you so much for supporting sandy hut and helping to make portland a great place to live. no arguments, no fights. just 2000 folks showing up to have fun, rock out, and be present. thank you to the vendors, staff, and food carts that made this event a success! ….we love you all!” (#3)
And as Promised Above – The Story and Mark O’Donnell
Mark, being a compassionate guy and believing in contrition has forgiven me for my letter after I first met him in 1979 when I worked for the Clackamas County Commissioners in Oregon City.
He was appearing before the Board on behalf of a client who needed a conditional use permit for a mobile home on an expansive rural property. (At that time, they were labeled “house trailers.”)
Fortunately, I had worked with a number of lawyers in the DA’s Office who were were known for their well-honed cynical, sarcastic senses of humor. I speculated, with some risk, that Mark might share this same trait.
So with an elevated attitude of righteous indignation, I sent him a letter castigating him for trying to turn the park across from my Mom’s residence and most of my Oregon home town into a massive trailer park. (#2)
“Trailer Home!”
Mark responded, in kind, and this started a long-term friendship where we debated everything from religion to politics to land-use planning at periodic lunches.
Our relationship was characterized by letters and e-mails that many (most notably the secretaries who opened my mail) would view as acrimonious. All of these missives are still in my collection of “treasured” documents and I’ve included a few examples below.
In a letter to me dated 2/21/1979 to the Local Government Personnel Institute (my then employer) he again referenced my “concern” about my mom’s residence, he stated:
“(Your mom) called us bleeding liberals and said she agreed with every policy decision of her “former” son. (In the preceding paragraph, he asserted that Mom disclaimed ever having a son.) I then apologized for my single issue approach and we had a nice talk.
In the course of leaving the premises, she mentioned to me that while she always agreed with your great plans for our society such as clean air, transit malls, snow-capped mountains, clean water, mediocre schools, demise of the family unit, open space and farmland, she did miss the feeling of self-respect, dignity and independence.”
When I started work as the Business Manager at the Oregon State Bar, he did not disappoint me as you can see by the address on the envelope below:
Of course, Mark wanted to raise the standard higher and got one of his firm’s associate attorneys involved. I knew Martha Hicks from her work as a Deputy DA in Clackamas County when I worked for the County Commissioners. (Ironically, she now works as an Assistant Disciplinary Counsel at the Oregon State Bar!)
In a letter dated 8/7/1979, Martha wrote, in part:
“Attorney Mark O’ Donnell has forwarded to me your letter. He has also explained to me in detail your views on land use planning, government expenditures, tax relief and continuing support for elitist goals.
I have explained to Mr. O’Donnell your ‘spoon-in-mouth’ childhood, education and employment patterns. I have also admitted to Mr. O’Donnell that this does not excuse you, but that he should show more compassion and appreciation for your views.
I suggest you consider the following:
‘From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.'” (#3)
The first time I received a letter quoting Karl Marx
This initial series of letters culminated with Mark’s correspondence to me dated 7/11/1979. It was in response to a check I sent him for $1.07 for “legal services in kind.” The final paragraph in his letter stated:
“The El Gazebo Saloon has the finest super nachos that I’ve ever tasted. Please call me so that we may discuss these important matters over a plate of super nachos and large amounts of beer.”
He enclosed the following correspondence to Ms. Sharon Imholt, the Proprietor of the El Gazebo:
When we met for super nachos and mugs of beer, Mark gave me credit for $1.07 and paid the remainder of the bill. The El Gazebo went out of business long ago and has been resurrected several times since.
The structure that houses the bar has a long history as you can see by the photo below. It’s ignominious history may have come to a halt, however.
It became known as the Route 99 Roadhouse and closed temporarily in February 2021, when the Oregon Liquor Control Commission suspended its license for COVID violations:
“Per Gov. Kate Brown’s guidance, restaurants in ‘extreme risk’ counties cannot allow any form of indoor dining; in addition, all counties in Oregon must wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines when in restaurants or bars.
“The OLCC says it had reached out the bar before the in-person visit with educational information about the state’s safety protocols. According to the OLCC, inspectors who visited the bar for the follow-up evaluation found Route 99 packed with customers and staff, many of whom were maskless inside the bar.” (PDX Eater 2/5/21) (#4 – #5)
A watering hole with a long history including a meeting over super nachos and beer
It reopened, but the last Facebook post was in December 2021 indicating it was closing for good and the listed telephone number has been disconnected.
Objectively speaking, the above letters may appear like a foolish waste of time by two guys who don’t have enough to do, but they started a friendship that has endured for decades and transcends trite banter.
Mark followed our last lunch two weeks ago by sending me a booklet with David Foster Wallace’s essay:
Wallace was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and university professor of English and creative writing who died by suicide at the age of forty-six in 2008.
The text originated from a commencement speech Wallace gave at Kenyon College on May 21, 2005.
“The speech covers subjects including the difficulty of empathy, the unimportance of being well-adjusted, and the apparent lonesomeness of adult life. It suggests that the overall purpose of higher education is to learn to consciously choose how to perceive others, think about meaning, and act appropriately in everyday life.
Wallace argues that the true freedom acquired through education is the ability to be fully conscious and sympathetic.” (Wikipedia) (#5)
The essay was controversial, as was its author, but received great acclaim. I could write another post on both of these, but I want to finish with my favorite part of the work below, and as I promised, it involves a bar!
“Here’s another didactic little story. There are these two guys sitting together in a bar in the remote Alaskan wilderness. One of the guys is religious, the other is an atheist, and the two are arguing about the existence of God with that special intensity that comes after about the fourth beer.
And the atheist says: ‘Look, it’s not like I don’t have actual reasons for not believing in God. It’s not like I haven’t ever experimented with the whole God and prayer thing. Just last month I got caught away from the camp in that terrible blizzard, and I was totally lost and I couldn’t see a thing, and it was 50 below, and so I tried it: I fell to my knees in the snow and cried out ‘Oh, God, if there is a God, I’m lost in this blizzard, and I’m gonna die if you don’t help me.’
And now, in the bar, the religious guy looks at the atheist all puzzled. ‘Well then you must believe now,’ he says, ‘After all, here you are, alive.’ The atheist just rolls his eyes. ‘No, man, all that was a couple Eskimos happened to come wandering by and showed me the way back to camp.'”
And In Conclusion
Cheers to Mark O’ Donnell and as he would advise you:
(External photograhps (#) attributed at the end of the post)
In my last Beerchaser post, I mentioned an article that bemoaned the fate of seven Portland breweries which have recently closed or been put up for sale. This led to a perhaps overly ominous question in a headline entitled “7 Portland Breweries and Taprooms are Closing. Is Peak Craft Beer Over?
But there have been some real success stories including Crux Fermentation’s new SE Pub which I reviewed in that same post.
Now to focus on two “B’s” for they are among the “Best” breweries encountered on my twelve year Beerchasing journey. They’ve attracted many loyal patrons. Neither has a long history, but both have made their marks.
Beachcrest Brewing Company – Gleneden Beach
Beachcrest Brewing came to my attention in early 2019 – shortly after they opened. I wrote the following review:
“In seven years of Beerchasing, I’ve been impressed with the number of brewery owners who started homebrewing as a hobby and ultimately became micro-craft entrepreneurs after diverting from their original career paths. They have ranged from lawyers, teachers, accountants, contractors and public servants to former bartenders.”
Below is some information from their website:
“Beachcrest Brewing Co. started as the dream of lifelong musicians Matt and Amy White who spent many summers visiting the enchanting Oregon Coast. After years of dreaming of living on the coast the duo made the plunge and relocated to the central coast to follow their passion of combining beach life, craft beer and great music.”
They partnered with Megan Leesley – a CPA who does the Brewery’s accounting and Sean Sissel, a contractor, who spent five months in 2018 building out the brewery. Both still live in Colorado and will be working in the brewery periodically.” (#1)
I interviewed Matt and Amy (on the left of the photo above) to get info for my post and they were a wonderful couple – passionate and enthused about their dream. We have a vacation home in nearby Lincoln City and I was concerned, however, given the competition, how they would do.
The Brewery is across from Salishan Lodge in a small commercial development. Salishan, at one time one of Oregon’s premier destination resorts, was struggling and going through ownership changes. A number of other small businesses in the same mall had gone out of business or were struggling to get customers.
And, of course, one year later, the pandemic was upon us.
Four years later, I’m happy to report that they appear to be thriving?
Our deck in Lincoln City often sees Thebeerchaser down a Beachcrest brew….
So without reviewing their financials, how do I conclude that they are flourishing?
Well, every time we make a visit, the expansive taproom and patio are hopping. The setting for the patio on the back nine at Salishan is beautiful and they’ve transformed part of the patio into an all-weather tent which regularly features jazz and a variety of other musical offerings. (After all, Matt and Amy are professional musicians.)
“My absolute favorite thing about this place was the ambiance. We sat with a nice view of the golf course, kind of hidden away from other guests. It was convenient for our dog. They have a 70s and 80s soft rock hits playlist that creates the perfect vibe. I’ll definitely come back.” (Yelp 6/14/23) (#2)
Although a number of new businesses have opened in the mall, there is still ample parking. Beachcrest has a robust tap list and the beers are varied and great quality (especially the Lincoln City Logger (Helles Lager) (5.5% ABV16 IBU).
They’ve regularly offered new and creative beers such as their Strawberry Milkshake IPA released on June 7th. One can also order wine, cider, a margarita and the unforgettable Rogue Root Beer.
Beachcrest does some of the most creative and attractive labeling I’ve seen on the Coast. (#3 – #4)
While the menu is not expansive it has some delicious salads, a tasty jumbo beer pretzel with cheese sauce and mustard and nine pizza options – the reviews are very positive. And don’t forget the chocolate cake for dessert.
“Best wood fired Pizza on the Coast and their beer is outstanding! Friendly staff makes it a joy to eat and drink here. They have a very open air feel to the whole place. The price point makes it a great value. It’s our favorite brew pub in Oregon.” (Yelp 6/5/23) (#5 – #7)
Matt and Amy White have created a “community” in their four + years of operating with many loyal Central Coast fans. Their establishment is family and dog friendly.
Besides their live music every Saturday at 6 pm and Sunday at 4 pm from July through September they also have Trivia Night every Wednesday.
The staff is friendly and efficient and they seem to reflect the same values as the owners which is emphasized on their website. Even on very busy days, the wait-time is minimal.
And while not trying to demean another good Oregon Brewery (Pelican) which recently opened an expansive brew pub just south of Lincoln City (about three miles away) you will pay substantially more for beverages and food and usually face a wait-time.
(I just checked with Google Assistant and on this August Sunday afternoon, the wait-time for a party of four was 120 minutes!) It should be noted that Pelican does have a robust pub menu.
Besides the patio, you will also find that Beachcrest has a beautiful taproom.
Benedictine Brewery – St Benedict, Oregon
Dating back to 1887, the Mount Angel Abbey Hilltop is one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in Oregon. It is home to the Benedictine monastery, the seminary and college, and also features a book shop, museum, a majestic chapel and beautiful guest house for retreats. People of all faiths or no faith are welcomed.
The Alvar Aalto Library designed in 1970 by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – which garners international recognition – has manuscripts dating back to the twelfth century. (#8)
“Mount Angel Abbey strives to be a place where all can ‘seek things above’ in peace and solitude. The Abbey keeps vital the ancient traditions of Divine Office, love of learning, and hospitality.” (#9 – #13)
The Abbey’s rich history percolates throughout the Hilltop and in 2018 another ancient monk tradition dating back to the Middle Ages became a reality – the opening of the Benedictine Brewery and St. Michael Taproom.
“The beer brewed now at Mount Angel follows the early monastic tradition and is “crafted for a higher purpose.” It’s likely the only beer in the US that receives a priestly blessing at every stage, from raising the hops to pulling the tap. Mount Angel Abbey’s Benedictine Brewery and Taproom is one of a very few monastic breweries currently operating in the United States.”
Saturday, August 26, the Fifth Anniversary of the Brewery will be celebrated. It will be open for the regular Saturday hours (1 to 8 pm) but from 2 to 4 pm, five years of operations will be celebrated with monastic art displays, an ice cream cart, cornhole, live music, and of course, your favorite Benedictine Brewery beer. (#14 – #16)
And I have been blessed to be associated with the Brewery and its Head Brewer, Fr. Martin Grassel, since 2016.
I remember well the cloudy day in November 2017, when we started with a cement slab and through the efforts of about 125 monks, priests, seminarians and volunteers, ended with a framed structure.
It’s now become a gathering place of exceptional fellowship and cheer.
I’ve witnessed Fr. Martin – who as a monk prays five times each day and has primary financial duties at the Abbey as Procurator, become a skilled brewer and manager. (He gets by with minimal sleep!)
He’s expanded the variety of beers, recently added barrel aging to the repertoire, garnered a regional following of beer enthusiasts and run a profitable business that helps further the Benedictine mission and values in addition to drawing many people to explore the entire Abbey Hilltop and meet the monks and priests.
He efforts have made the Brewery’s motto “Taste and Believe” a reality.
Come out on Saturday and wish Fr. Martin and the Benedictine Brewery Happy Birthday. (And by the way, the Hair Shirt IPA (7% ABV – 56 IBU) is superb and will not make you feel guilty about ordering a second pint!) (#17 – #20)
For seven years, Migration took the hard road of self-distribution, but in 2017 they partnered with a major distributor to take over distribution and opened a 20,000 square foot production brewery and pub in Gresham. 
Thebeerchaser 
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