Brewer’s Name:
Eric Wathen
Brewery:
Alameda Brewhouse
1) If you were stranded on a deserted island, and you could only choose one pound of either hops, water, barley, or yeast, which would it be, and why?
Clean water to survive and possibly make beer with!
2) What is the best aspect of NW beer drinkers?
Palate versatility.
3) What is your favorite beer style, and why?
Pale Ale, for its tradition, drinkability, and availability.
4) What is the first beer you brewed that was worthy of a name?
A Belgian Golden Strong Ale Called “Lucky Devil”.
5) Where do you get your inspiration from when creating new beers?
Research and experimentation.
6) What is the most misunderstood aspect of being a professional brewer?
The time and physical work involved.
7) What characteristics of Portland make this area so popular for brewers, breweries, and consumers?
Great water to brew with, a great climate for growing essential ingredients such as hops, and a population ready to drink what is created.
If “Northwest Ale” was added as a new style of beer, what would it be?
Heavy on the hops!
9) What is the most underrated hop?
I don’t know if it is underrated, but I love Simcoe hops.
10) What are the relationships like between competing brewers? Is there a sense of community, friendly competition, etc.?
There is a sense of community with brewers that I believe rivals any other competitive industry.
2 Comments on "10 Questions with Eric Wathen of Alameda Brewhouse"
I really like Amadeda’s beers, but I wish they would do something new and exciting. It seems like they are content to stay with their usual lineup and 1 seasonal per season. If nothing else, give us a bourbon barrel aged (or pinot) version of the Black Bear XX.
When you did the interview, did you get the sense that anything new was on the horizon?
Unfortunately, I didn’t ask anything outside of the ten questions. I’ll see what I can dig up.