Oregon Brewers Break Record Production Numbers

Portland, Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 24, 2008) – Figures released today by the Oregon Brewers Guild show 2007 was a banner year for Oregon's craft brewing industry as production across the state grew at a rate of 8.1 percent. Total beer production for the state was approximately 860,000 barrels, or 285 million bottles of beer. That is an increase of more than 64,000 barrels, up from 796,000 barrels in 2006.

The industry posted strong growth despite increases in hop and barley prices, the two main ingredients in craft beer. Portland, Oregon currently has 32 microbreweries within its city limits, more than any other city in the world. The state of Oregon has 64 brewing companies operating 90 brewing facilities, with strong growth anticipated throughout 2008.

"The impact of the brewing industry stretches far beyond the breweries themselves," said Brian Butenschoen, Executive Director of the Oregon Brewers Guild. "A strong production year supports a variety of local products including barley, hops, yeast and glass producers as well as providing nearly 5,000 family wage jobs and a draw for tourism across the state."

Oregonians don't just love to make great beer, they love to drink it, too. Of the beer brewed in-state, more than 11.4 percent, or 308,000 barrels, were purchased and consumed in Oregon. For draft beer, that percentage is even higher, with Oregon breweries producing 42 percent of all draft beer consumed in the state. This is the highest percentage of local craft draft beer consumption in the country. 2007 marks the first year that Oregon brewers have sold more than 300,000 barrels in state. A barrel is equal to 31 gallons or 13.77 cases or 331 bottles of beer.

"For years we've been producing some of the best and most unique beers in the world," says Oregon Brewers Guild President Van Havig. "No wonder Oregon is known as Beervana and has become a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts."

Oregon's largest craft beer producer is Widmer Brothers Brewing Company of Portland, which produced 283,000 barrels in 2007. During 2007 one of Oregon's smallest breweries to open, the Heater-Allen Brewery in McMinnville, produced 36 Barrels.

The Oregon Brewers Guild is Oregon's non-profit trade association for the state's independent breweries. The Guild, which receives no state funding, comprises 59 brewing companies, 30 associate or supplier members and more than 1,860 enthusiast members or S.N.O.B.s (Supporters of Native Oregon Beer). For more information, see www.oregonbeer.org.

Bridgeport Brewing Company WinsTwo Medals at 2008 World Beer Cup

Bridgeport Brewing Co.

PORTLAND, Ore. – April 22, 2008 – BridgePort Brewing Company, Oregon's oldest craft brewery, recently claimed a gold and silver medal in the Brewers Association (BA) World Beer Cup 2008, a global beer competition that evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers being produced in the world today.

Gold, silver and bronze medals in the competition's 91 beer-style categories were awarded April 19, 2008 during the World Beer Cup Gala Awards Ceremony in San Diego, Calif.

BridgePort Brewery was awarded the gold medal in the English-Style Brown Ale beer style category for its Beertown Brown, a perfectly balanced smooth roasted chocolate and caramel malt flavored ale mixed with the essence of hops and crisp spice. BridgePort was also awarded the silver medal in the Ordinary Bitter beer style category for its Blue Heron Pale Ale, a round soft flavor with a crisp finish created from the blend of Willamette Valley hops and barley grown from the Washington Palouse and the high desert of eastern Oregon.

"The entire brewing team is delighted to get the recognition from the World Beer Cup for our Beertown Brown and Blue Heron,” says Karl Ockert, BridgePort's brew master. "With more than 2,900 entries, it is quite an honor and a privilege to have two of our brews recognized.”

World Beer Cup 2008 winners were selected by an international panel of 129 beer judges from 22 countries. An impressive field of 2,930 entries from 646 breweries in 58 countries made up the competition. More than 3,800 breweries in 100 countries were invited to compete.

Visit www.worldbeercup.org for World Beer Cup 2008 information.

About BridgePort Brewing Company
As Oregon's oldest craft brewery, BridgePort is celebrating its 24th anniversary this year. The brewery has reached this milestone by evolving from a microbrewery to a regional leader in the craft brewing market, while remaining faithful to its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative craft ales. The BridgePort family of ales includes IPA, ESB, Black Strap Stout, Ropewalk Amber Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Old Knucklehead and seasonal beers, Beertown Brown, Haymaker Extra Pale Ale and Ebenezer Ale. BridgePort Brewery is located at 1313 N.W. Marshall St. For more information, call 503-241-7179 or visit www.bridgeportbrew.com.

About the World Beer Cup
The World Beer Cup has been held every other year since 1996 and is presented by the Brewers Association (BA). Based in Boulder, Colo, U.S.A., the BA is the non-for-profit trade and education association for American craft brewers and the community of beer enthusiasts. Visit the website www.beertown.org to learn more. The association's activities include events and publishing. World Beer Cup; Great Beer Festival; Craft Brewers Conference and Brew Expo America; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; American Craft Beer Week (May); The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The BA has an additional membership division of 15,000+ homebrewers, American Homebrewers Association

FredFest 2008 Honors Memory of Michael Jackson

Fred Eckhardt at the 2007 Oregon Brewers Festival

PORTLAND, Ore. — What started as a surprise 80th birthday party for
world-renowned beer writer Fred Eckhardt is coming back around in its
third year as a fundraiser in the memory of fellow beer scribe,
Michael Jackson, also known as the Beer Hunter.

More than 15 rare and unique beers created by some of Oregon's most
celebrated breweries will be on tap at FredFest 2008. The event will
take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 -- the actual
date of Eckhardt's 82nd birthday -- at Hair of the Dog Brewing, 4509
SE 23rd Avenue in Portland.

The beer menu is still being firmed up, but brewers are promising to
pony up something special for the event. The number of beers for
FredFest will increase from last year, according to co-organizer and
chief beer wrangler Preston Weesner. Some of the breweries that
already have committed to the event include: Hair of the Dog (with a
special keg of Jim 07), BridgePort, Deschutes, Widmer, Hopworks Urban
Brewery, Rogue and Firestone Walker.

Attendees will be treated not only to a rare assortment of
hand-selected beers, but also light fare including pastrami cured with
Hair of the Dog Fred ale and a birthday cake -- complete with a round
of "Happy Birthday" -- for Eckhardt. Cheeses, chocolate, candy and
even cereal will be offered in abundance so attendees can experience
some of Eckhardt's famed beer-and-food pairings.
Cost for the event is $50 in advance and includes a souvenir glass,
free ticket for a raffle of bottled specialty beers and four hours'
of sampling, sipping and story-telling with Eckhardt.

Admission is limited to 200 attendees. Judging from previous years,
the event is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are available
through Pay-Pal. E-mail fredfest@comcast.net to purchase tickets.

Additionally, this year, a silent auction featuring bottles of rare
beers running in conjunction with FredFest, allowing Fred fans across
the country to be a part of Eckhardt's birthday and the FredFest
celebration and fundraiser.

As always, proceeds from FredFest and the related online auction will
go to a charity of Eckhardt's choice. This year, Eckhardt named
Parkinson's Resources of Oregon, the local affiliate chapter of the
National Parkinson Foundation, as the featured charity in memory of
his longtime friend and fellow beer writer Michael Jackson, who died
in 2007 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Bridgeport Brewing Company Unveils its First Fruit Ale -- Stumptown Tart

Bridgeport Brewing Company

Pucker Up for the Debut of the Next 22-Ounce Big Brew, an Oregon Marion Berry Belgian Style Infused Ale, at the Stumptown Tart Release Party April 24th

PORTLAND, Ore. – April 7, 2008 – BridgePort Brewing Company, Oregon's oldest craft brewery, is unveiling its next limited-edition 22-ounce Big Brew Stumptown Tart, a Belgian Style Ale infused with Oregon Marion Berries. BridgePort's Stumptown Tart, at 8.3-percent ABV (alcohol by volume) is more than just a pretty face. She's a stong beer with a pink hue and packs a refreshing tart finish!

BridgePort will host a Stumptown Tart release party Thursday, April 24 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the BridgePort brewpub + bakery in the Pearl at 1313 NW Marshall St. Free and open to the public, attendees can be among the first to try free samples of the new brew while supplies last and purchase the limited-edition 22-ounce bottles of Stumptown Tart. Guests will also be given the opportunity to have their bottles signed by the featured bottle model on the label who will be guest appearing at the event.

About BridgePort's Stumptown Tart Belgian Style Ale
At 8.3 percent ABV, Stumptown Tart is a lightly hopped ale that is blended then aged in French Oak Pinot Noir Barrels. This Marion Berry Infused Belgian Style Ale created and brewed from Northwest Cascade Hops, is a perfect indication that summer has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. With 1,800 cases being brewed, BridgePort's Stumptown Tart Ale will be sold at BridgePort brewpub + bakery, BridgePort Ale House and at select retail grocery stores throughout Oregon and Washington.

BridgePort's Stumptown Tart Stats:
IBU's: 8
ABV: 8.3%
Color: Pink/Purple
Ingredients: Northwest Pale Barley Malt, Northwest Cascade Hops and Oregon Marion Berries
Description: Belgian Style Ale infused with Oregon Marion Berries. This strong pale ale is blended with berries so it has a tart, sour finish.

About BridgePort Brewing Company
As Oregon's oldest craft brewery, BridgePort is celebrating its 24th anniversary this year. The brewery has reached this milestone by evolving from a microbrewery to a regional leader in the craft brewing market, while remaining faithful to its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative craft ales. The BridgePort family of ales includes IPA, ESB, Black Strap Stout, Ropewalk Amber Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Old Knucklehead and seasonal beers, Beertown Brown, Haymaker Extra Pale Ale and Ebenezer Ale. BridgePort Brewery is located at 1313 N.W. Marshall St. For more information, call 503-241-7179 or visit www.bridgeportbrew.com.

Spring Beer & Wine Fest People's Choice Awards

Sorry for the delay on this one. Here's the official press release for the People's Choice Awards at this year's Spring Beer and Wine Fest:

Bitter Bitch Makes It A Double (IPA) In Spring Beer & Wine Fest
People's Choice Awards

PORTLAND, OR -- For the second straight year, Astoria Brewing Co.'s Bitter Bitch Double IPA has grabbed the People's Choice Award at the Spring Beer & Wine Fest.

Despite the brew's bitter name, the win is an especially sweet one for owner Steve Allen, who lost his brewer right before the Spring Beer & Wine Fest. Allen was considering having to miss the fest this year after he learned that they didn't have enough of the award-winning beer for the festival. But in true "beer community" spirit, a Portland-based brewer from another brewpub, Vasilios Gletsos, stepped in and brewed up a batch of "the bitch" just in time for the fest!

The competition was a tight one this year, with many beers garnering numerous votes. Bitter Bitch only beat the second-place winner, Hopworks Urban Brewery's Survival Stout, by three votes!

The People's Choice Award is the result of ballots fest-goers submit as they are sampling among the more than 80 beers at the Spring Beer & Wine Fest.

The 15th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest is slated for April 10 & 11, 2009 at the Oregon Convention Center -- always Easter weekend.

21st Annual Oregon Brewers Festival Official Press Release

Scene from last year's Oregon Brewers Festival.

PORTLAND, Ore. - March 26, 2008 - In 1933 the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution repealed the 18th Amendment, which had mandated nationwide Prohibition. Since the Oregon Brewers Festival turns 21 this year, the event finds it fitting to celebrate the ratification of the 21st Amendment during its four-day course. One of the nation's longest-running and best-loved craft beer festivals will take place July 24 through July 27 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. Hours are Noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Seventy-two craft breweries from 18 different states will each send one product to serve at the event, hailed by many industry experts and beer fans alike as the premier craft beer festival in the nation. A 73rd beer, Collaborator, is a joint project between members of the Oregon Brew Crew homebrewing club and Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. More than 60,000 beer connoisseurs annually travel from around the world to sample the vast number of beer styles, which highlight the influences that different regions have on the brewing process.

Joining the breweries are industry exhibits by hop growers, homebrewers, breweriana collectors, and national beer writers. Four days of live music showcases the best high-energy talent the Northwest has to offer. Food booths sell meals and alternative beverages, while the Crater Lake Soda Garden provides handcrafted sodas free of charge to minors and designated drivers. Minors are allowed into the event when accompanied by a parent.

Admission to the festival grounds is free; however, a 2008 souvenir mug costing $5 is required for consuming beer. The mug is good for all four days, and mugs from previous years will not be filled. All beer is purchased with tokens, which cost $1 apiece. Patrons pay four tokens for a full mug of beer, or one token for a taste. Sales of mugs and tokens cease 1/2-hour each evening prior to the close of the event.

Alternative modes of transportation are encouraged, with free bicycle parking available each day. The main entrance at SW Oak Street and Naito Parkway is located one block from the MAX Light Rail line.

The Oregon Brewers Festival takes place during Oregon Craft Beer Month, a celebration of craft beer by Oregon's specialty breweries. A variety of special events will take place at craft breweries throughout the state, culminating with the Oregon Brewers Festival.

The Oregon Brewers Festival was founded in 1988 as an opportunity to expose the public to microbrews at a time when the craft brewing industry was just getting off the ground. Today, that industry has succeeded, especially in Oregon, and particularly in the city of Portland. There are currently 89 craft brewing facilities in Oregon, and 32 breweries operating within the Portland city limits - more than any other city in the world. The Portland metropolitan area boasts 40 breweries, making it the largest craft brewing market in the United States.

For more information about the Oregon Brewers Festival, visit www.oregonbrewfest.com or call 503-778-5917.