Brewmasters Corner: Update from the brewery

On the eve of the Ducks first battle of 2010, I realize the transition from Summer to Fall is truly upon us. I thought I’d take a moment and update you on all things beer at Oakshire, especially for those who have not been out to visit us in a while.

We had a great summer festival season and our summer seasonal, Line Dry Rye was a smashing success. So much so, that when we decided to shut it down and start making fall beers, the demand grew even greater and as a result we ran out of draft two weeks ago. Bottles are still finishing up and you should see them in stores into September.

Luckily, we were ready on the Harvest Ale draft and have been very successfully selling that in and around Eugene and Portland. We’re calling it a PNW Festbier, all the things you love in an Oktoberfest, but with a touch more hops and a cold fermented ale yeast. You seem to enjoy it, because we sold out the first double batch (30 barrels=930 gallons) in about 10 days. That prompted us to brew an unplanned third double batch, so the total production on this one will be 90 barrels. Look for bottles of Harvest Ale to arrive 9/8-And a Wet hop version of Harvest ale to arrive on draft in mid Sept.

Speaking of single batch beers, the Oregon hop harvest began in August and continues as I type. We made a version of HarvestAle with American Hallertauer hops (as opposed to German Hallertauer) that were grown in Mt. Angel Oregon. Look for this beer and a second wet hop ale as Sept turns to October. They will appear at the Fresh Hop Tastivals in Hood River, Portland and Eugene.

Also on the single batch series front, we are down to the end of Perfect Storm, Collaborative Evil, and Belly of the Beast. Get ‘em while you can. The next out is a Smoked HellesBock. This is a light colored lager (the first at Oakshire!!) with an alcohol % of 6.6 and a mild smoky aroma and flavor from 18% German smoked malt. This should provide just enough toastiness to remind you of an Autumn campfire. We should also be making one or two more lagers this fall/winter.

The next update is to our facilities. Jeff and Joe have been working hard to continue the facilities expansion and install the augers, move the mill, install the hot liqour tank, and oversee the building of a new wall separating the brewhouse and the tasting room. The increased efficiency in the brewhouse is surely going to allow us to crank out much more tasty beer for you all. Come by and see the changes on any Saturday from 12-4.

Finally, Jeff, Dana, and I will be off to Denver and the GABF in a little over a week. I am judging the competition again, and Dana attends for the first time, so we will certainly have a great time defending (or improving upon) our silver medal won last year for Overcast. The beers we are entering this year include, Amber, Overcast, Wheat, Imperial Red, Collaborative Evil, Line Dry Rye, Chocolate Porter and Very Ill Tempered Gnome. Wish us luck!!

Once again, I’d like to invite you out to see us at the brewery. Saturdays from 12-4 is a great time to get a tour and tasting or take some beer home with you. Or just find us at one of the many events we have going around Oregon. Those of you in Central Oregon or Southern Oregon who have had a hard time finding Oakshire should see us popping up a little more in you local area. We’ll be continuing to spread across Oregon as we grow and improve.

Cheers!

Matt