Local beer served next to one of its key ingredients, Cascade hops.
July is officially Oregon Craft Beer Month, and the breweries in Washington County are joining in the fun with special events, releases and tastings. My summer beer pick looks to be the Apricot Cream Ale on tap at Vertigo Brewing in Hillsboro.
Here’s the rundown of when and where you can find equally tasty locally brewed beers and beer-centric events to mark the occasion this year:
July 1-7
McMenamins is marking Oregon Craft Beer Month by offering all its IPAs at happy hour prices all day at all Oregon locations this week–and they have nine locations in Washington County.
Friday, July 6
You’re invited to a beer collaboration release party at Big Al’s in Beaverton, where they’re featuring a Belgian IPA developed with Fort George Brewing of Astoria, Oregon.
July 8-14
McMenamins offers all its fruit beers at happy hour prices all day.
Saturday, July 14
The “Plate and Pitchfork” gourmet farm dinner at Smith Berry Barn in Hillsboro features beer from Widmer Brothers Brewing paired with each iteration of the 4-course meal prepared by two Portland chefs. Advance tickets are required.
July 15-21
McMenamins offers all its wheat-style beers at happy hour prices all day.
July 22-28
McMenamins offers all its Cooper Moon beer at happy hour prices all day.
July 29-31
McMenamins offers all its 50/50 blend beers at happy hour prices all day.
Ongoing
Every Thursday, 4-6 p.m.: This is the window of time each week that Ambacht Brewing is open in Hillsboro, where you can taste the classic Ambacht Golden Farmhouse Ale, or the others currently available: Dark Farmhouse Ale, Golden Rye, Golden Rose, G++, Matzobraü, Pie Cherry Pale and Pie Cherry Dark.
Every Friday: Vertigo Brewing & Taproom in Hillsboro is offering $3 pints from 4-8 p.m. Choose from unique offerings ranging from High Dive Rye to Razz Wheat and Arctic Blast.
Every Saturday: Ambacht Brewing serves up its signature Belgian-inspired beers at the Beaverton Farmers Market. Farmhouse Ale, anyone?
Every Saturday: Vertigo Brewing & Taproom is open noon to 6 p.m. with $3 pints from noon to 2 p.m.
I also recommend imbibing on the patio of the Old Market Pub & Brewery, where the Gravelberry Ale is a must.
Keep track of what local beer you’ve sampled with the new Oregon Craft Beer Month badge on UnTappd on your mobile device, or using the Twitter hashtag #OCBM. Cheers!