Features
Belgium’s Poperinge Beer District
This Flemish area of Belgium, nicknamed “Hoppeland,” is nestled against the French border and, in a country known for more than 800 beers, has the distinctive honor of being called the “brewers’ corner of Belgium.” There, five breweries are located less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Poperinge: the reclusive Trappist brewery of St. Sixtus, […]
Does Washington Lack Hometown Spirit?
When Gary Heurich decided to revive Washington, DC’s brewing tradition 20 years ago, the eager 29-year-old with the handlebar mustache figured he would have his own brewery up and running by 1988.
Waves of Grain
Temperatures rise. The ocean beckons. Baseball bats crack. Porch swings creak. Kids chase each other around the back yard. Fireflies dot the night darkness. Ah, must be the season of the wheat. Stop! Rewind. Did they say wheat? Yes, friends this is the season of the fabulous wheat, wheat beers in all their glory and […]
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
For many years, baseball has been my constant companion. Our friendship dates back to when I was six and—stop me if you’ve heard this before—my father took me to see a game at Yankee Stadium. After what seemed like an endless journey up stairs and ramps and back down some more stairs, we found our […]
Brooklyn Cheers an Artful Dodger
Jackie Robinson was one of those rare athletes who towered over their particular game, and sports in general. He became a truly larger-than-life figure not only because of his exemplary baseball skills, but because he was the first black player to play in the major leagues. Robinson opened the door for countless other athletes of […]
Ballpark Nomads
As you can tell from this article, writer Paul Ruschmann is a certified beer traveler and a certifiable baseball nut—but he’s not alone in those twin passions. In an excerpt from a 2005 online review originally posted on his web site, Ruschmann took stock of the ramblings of two other ballpark nomads, as documented in […]
Soccer Collecting: A Real Kick!
The 2006 World Cup begins on June 9th, 2006 and runs for one month, through July 9th. Unfortunately, many Americans will find themselves feeling completely left out of this truly worldwide event. Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, but it does not exert the same drawing power here as […]
Columns
Portland: Your Summer Beer Destination
I may be prejudiced, but the Portland area is shaping up to produce some of the best beers and brewers in the world. Our pubs are interesting and well managed. They often serve a wide-ranging selection of draft craft beers, accompanied by good food. Craft beer sells well in these parts, with sales in the […]
The Facts on Fares
Public transportation is mostly free in the downtown area. Beyond “Fareless Square,” Portland’s excellent public transport is modestly priced, and each fare is good in any direction (for at least two hours) and is valid on busses and trains. That’s enough time to visit, have a beer, and return to your hotel (www.trimet.org).
Hotels: A Place for You
The following list recommends good hotels in the Festival vicinity. From any of them, one can easily walk to catch FREE public transport anywhere in downtown Portland’s “Fareless Square” area, near our light rail (MAX) lines. Some of these hotels are across the Willamette River, which extends the Fareless Square light rail line to the […]
Another Goodbye to Another Good Friend
One of my favorite bars burned to the ground yesterday: Schnitzel’s Tavern, in the little upstate Pennsylvania town of Bellefonte. It was a German restaurant with authentic atmosphere, a nice little bar and stone-patio seating along Spring Creek. Now it’s a heap of smoldering, stinking bricks and rubble… and I’m diminished by its passing.
Departments
Maibock: To Helles and Bock
Seasonal brews can be many things: annual releases, even vintages, or some style that fits the season based on its strength. Some seasonal brews are steeped in tradition, born during the fermentation-friendly months, with an eye to the period when they will be served. Amid the winter warmers, summer wheats and festbiers, one is often […]
Pittsburgh’s Iron City Lights
Three Rivers. The Steel Curtain. Heinz ketchup. Pete Flaherty. And now, Da Bus… But would you think of beer if someone yelled out “Pittsburgh”? We were pleasantly surprised recently when we visited the Iron City on a trip across Pennsylvania.
with Rudi Ghequire
How did you get started in brewing? I entered the brewery in ’82 as the purchaser. In ’93 the position of technical production director became free. From being the purchaser, I knew the raw materials very well. Also, we had lived for twelve years in the brewery—so when there were problems in the brewery, they […]
Beer Talk
Shipyard’s Export Ale
Available: AL, CA, CO, CT, DL, FL, GA, IN, IL, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI
De Prouf’s Slaapmutske Triple Nightcap
Available: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI