Lompoc Holiday 2012 Beer Release – @lompocbeer

Lompoc Brewing LogoSidebar is one of Portland Brewpubs favorite place to enjoy a beer tasting, cozied up on the overstuffed leather sofa, next to a warm fire, drinking delicious delicious beer…does not get better than this! And once again, the boys of Lompoc, and of course Irena, release their winter brew lineup, which proves to be a good one…

 

 

 

 

 

Jolly Bock  (7.3% ABV)

“This lager was brewed with a generous amount of Munich malt to develop the deep amber color and rich malt flavor. The malty profile is balanced with a spicy hop bitterness.”

This beer is still “lagering” and therefore, not quite ready. It’s good, balanced, excellent effort by new brewer, Josh.


8 Malty Nights (6.5% ABV)

“This Chocolate Rye beer features a roasted chocolate flavor and a sweet finish. It’s dark brown in color and lightly hopped with English style hops. Raise a glass and toast, l’chaim to Portland’s first and only Chanukah seasonal.”

This is Lompoc’s “Jewish beer” and will be available in finer bottle shops. PBP is 50/50…one “thumbs up,” one “so so”


Franc’ly Brewdolph (7.6% ABV)

“This Belgian style red ale has a malty and creamy body. It was brewed in October 2011 with the Belgian Ardennes yeast strain and aged for a year in Cabernet Franc barrels. This will also be served at this year’s Holiday Ale Festival, Nov. 28 – Dec. 2 at Pioneer Courthouse Square.”

Neither of us love a Belgian beer, but this one has promise. At release, it had just been blended, was warm, and not yet carbonated, but we both agreed it’s going to be good. Only available on tap.
C-sons Greetings  (8% ABV)

“C-sons Greetings is a higher alcohol version of our popular C-Note Imperial Pale Ale, brewed and dry-hopped with even more of the seven “C” hops – Crystal, Cluster, Cascade, Chinook, Centennial, Columbusand Challenger. It features a deep copper color with a piney, citrusy, floral and resinous aroma. A rich caramel malt finish balances the full hop flavor and endless developing hop presence.”

Jerry’s favorite – and ours – this is what C-Note was supposed to be, “but 8% is not good for a bar owner when it tastes this good.” Hoppy, goes down easy, and now with a new label…enjoy!
Old Tavern Rat (9.4% ABV)

“This dark, amber colored barley wine was aged for almost a year prior to its release. It has a strong bitterness that is balanced with the sweetness of caramel and toffee flavors.”

You saw that right – 9.4%! If you like big strong beers, you’ll like this one. Will not be available in bottles, but Jerry is entertaining the idea for next year, no promises made. 
Bourbon Barrel Aged Wee Heavy (7.5% ABV)

“Brewed in Dec. 2011, this not so wee Wee Heavy spent nine months in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels. Dark and smoked specialty malts, along with 50 pounds of molasses, offer a deep malt base for this big beer. Overlaid with a pleasant bourbon aroma, this beer finishes lightly sweet with a warming sensation on the way down. We couldn’t have done this one alone, and must thank our partners, The Ladies of Lagers and Ales, aka LOLA, for this collaboration brew.”

If you are not a bourbon fan, you probably won’t love this, but as usual, we recommend trying everything once because you never know!
Blitzen (4.6% ABV)

“This spiced golden ale is infused with cinnamon, clove, lemon zest and fresh ginger. It is bright gold in color with a strong cinnamon aroma. The flavor mixes bready wheat malt character with underlying ginger notes and a hint of citrus.”

Not available until the night of the release…we can’t wait to get to Lompoc after November 27th to get a taste!

 

At our last visit to Sidebar, owner Jerry Fetcher spoke passionately about the closing for their first location on NW 23rd. This time he was equally as excited about the reopening spring 2013. Fetcher assured eager bloggers that many of the favorite décor from the demolished site will be back, including the “toilet,” some photos, and the “blue collar feel.” They will not be brewing at the new space as it is not cost efficient. Fetcher also informed the crowd they will not be bottling Kick Axe during the winter (boo). Thankfully we can always fill a growler until it returns to stores this spring.

C Sons Greetings and 8 Malty Nights with new Lompoc brewer Josh in the background.

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