Part 2: Pacific City, OR

I knew that the beer would be good in Pacific City, but not nearly as good as it turned out to be. With fresh Pliny on tap at Twist Wine Co.  it was hard to stay in the water as long as I did. Despite Pliny being one of the most sought after beers, it is a personal favorite of mine and one of the few beers that lives up to the hype. Every time I am within the distribution zone, I wholeheartedly enjoy that beer as much as possible...knowing it could be another year until I get to have that IPA goodness again!

One strange book to go along with an excellent beer. Fresh Pliny the Elder at Twist Wine Co.

Aside from the dangerously drinkable PtE, there were a ton of great beers being poured between the box that I brought and my Pelican/BA buddy's cellar. Some were enjoyed on the beach along side a raging campfire (both legal on the beach in Oregon!), while most were consumed while discussing international travel, but mostly beer geek banter. Here are a couple of the highlights, that were just too good not to mention!

The Pelican's limited release Barleywine was rich and incredibly Bourbon forward even with a year of age on it. Mother of all Storms; 13.5%abv.

An incredibly rich, roasty, and surprisingly balanced Imperial Stout despite the high alcohol content. Voodoo's Black Magik; 15.5%abv.

It was my intention to do a miniature brewery feature on Fort George Brewery for two reasons. One, I was able to try a couple of their beers in tall cans that were stellar, and two because their brewery resides in the little town known as Astoria...home of "The Goonies". Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to visit their brewery and their website has less information than I would have liked. Regardless, their beers were a pleasant surprise and needed to be shared!

A "pre prohibition" style Lager, this was a hoppy little treat that I would highly recommend (if you can find it)

The can may read "IPA" but at 7.7%abv and full of citrus and floral hop character, it's borderline Double IPA!

After 5 days of some solid surf and great beers, it was unfortunately time to pack up an head back to Washington. I couldn't have asked for a better trip to round out the summer and keep me busy until I can start making my way back to Paris.