Belgian Tasting - Today Only

Go.

Nine breweries; ten Belgian-style beers; one yeast: Wyeast 1762. There's gotta be a math joke in there somewhere... But what there might be, actually, is the beginning of a new tradition in Portland's tight-knit brewing community, as nine brewers make different beers each using the same yeast strain, which Oregon's own Wyeast Laboratories describes as " Belgian Abbey Yeast II. High gravity yeast with distinct warming character from ethanol production. Slightly fruity with dry finish, low ester profile. Flocculation - medium; apparent attenuation 73-77%. (65-75° F, 18-24° C)"

No, I don't know what all that means, either, but I have every confidence that the brewers from Amnesia, BJ's, McMenamins Concordia Brewhouse and Crystal Brewery, Hair of the Dog, Lucky Lab, The New Old Lompoc, Rock Bottom Brewery and Roots Organic Brewery have the situation well in hand and have made good, distinctive beers. Judge for yourself next Tuesday, April 10th when all ten beers will be pouring: 4-10 p.m. at Rock Bottom, 206 S.W. Morrison St. Cost is $4 for a full beer or $1 for a taster. 503-796-2739.

I have plans, so you must drink in my stead.