Blog Author: Ian Seniff

I arrived early. I brought the notebook. I was prepared. I was going to do a write-up on a beer event and do it the right way: taking notes and documenting every detail in beautiful prose that would bring me admiration from all who read it. Yes, that was the intent. Here is what really happened: My insights are on the right and my friend Andy's are on the left but as time went on... Read More »

Well, it is the end of 2009 and, as is customary at the end of any year, the media has thrown at us 2009 year in review after 2009 year in review. Recaps of the past year's events fill almost every television station, every website and every newspaper. Covering everything from the year in celebrity gossip to the year in natural disaster gossip, these 365 day highlight reels come at us with almost punishing frequency.... Read More »

In years past I have taken the Holiday Ale Festival for granted.  Sure, it has always had a phenomenal selection of beers and I always enjoy myself, but for some reason in my mind it was always overshadowed by the plethora of summer festivals.  I have often unfairly equated "summer" with "better" and this notion probably stems from my school days when summer actually meant something. Hundred degree temperatures and hay fever did not matter... Read More »

Occasionally my job is horrible.  It is high stress and low pay and I often find myself wishing I had gotten a degree in something that would have given me a job inside a cubicle, locked away from the public who I increasingly disdain with every passing hour.  As my feet ache more and more from the constant standing and my capacity for dealing with inane questions reaches its breaking point, I am able to... Read More »

How do you make a night of local music, printmaking demonstrations, inanimate works of art being serenaded by minstrels, video installation viewing and endangered language preservation better? Well, much like everything else, you add beer. The answer of “adding dinosaur boxing” would have also been acceptable. This Saturday (9/19) the Portland Art Museum will host a unique event entitled Shine a Light. From 6pm until midnight, for the cost of only 12 American dollars, you... Read More »

Paradise at Amnesia Brewing. One of my favorite statements of all time is "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is." This is a quote from Kurt Vonnegut that is actually a quote from his uncle Alex. Vonnegut encourages us, as his uncle did, to make this statement whenever we notice we are happy. Depending on who you are, the moment that would warrant the utterance of this phrase will vary from something as... Read More »

I drew a chicken wing. Has this ever happened to you?You are sitting at home, pondering going to Fire on the Mountain for amazing chicken wings and high quality beer. Sadly, you have a problem. You rented 5 films, possibly Godzilla based, and today is the last day you have to watch them before you get nailed with those late fees. "That's how they get ya'" your father once told you. Only now do you... Read More »

Hopworks Sasquatch Strong Ale [February 2009]Way to go Hopworks, three beers of the month in a row. How did you do it this time? You collaborated with Eugene area brewers to honor Glen Falconer, AKA "Sasquatch", using Glen's own recipe from his days at Wild Duck brewery in Eugene. I did not know Glen or even know of Glen before trying this beer, but I feel I can safely say that HUB honored the man... Read More »

Concordia is hosting Beer Brawl II starting Feb 25th. Oregon vs Washington vs California. If only all competitions were this great. . . . It is 2pm on Thursday and my friend Andrew and I are sitting at the Concordia Ale House. This is the earliest I have ever been in the establishment and it is the first time ever for Andrew. Formally The Pink Elephant, Concordia's layout acts as a perfect gathering spot. Even... Read More »