Name: Oakshire Brewing
Location: Eugene, OR
Website: http://www.oakbrew.com
Type: Production Brewery
Available in DC Market: No
What you need to know: Founded in 2006 by brothers Jeff and Chris Althouse, Oakshire Brewing has consistently proven to be one of the most interesting SAVOR participants since we first came across them a few years ago. They brew a healthy set of more standard style beers (IPA, amber ale, rye pale ale), while also delving deep into experiments with wild ales and blending. For example, their Skookumchuk wild ale (a sour blend) was one of the standouts for many of us at DCBeer when we stumbled across it in 2012. Though their operation is fairly small – a 15 barrel system – their beers have proven time and time again to be exceptional. Put them on your list.
Beer #1: Hermanne 1882 (American Wild Ale / 6.6% ABV)
In Their Own Words: No commercial description available.
Food Pairing: Lemon Flatbread Crisp with Anchovy Butter and Spicy Cress (Lemon flatbread crisp with anchovy butter and spicy cress)
Our Thoughts: When Oakshire does wild ales, I always show up. This particular beer is a golden ale that has been blended with Muller-Thurgau grapes (a varietal created by Hermann Muller in the late 1800s by blending Riesling with Madeleine Royal), dosed with Brett, and then aged in Pinot Noir barrels for a year. Expect something light, crisp and slightly tart from the grapes. The flavor profile of a golden, mid-alcohol wild ale should play nicely with citrus flavors and the briny funk of anchovies.
Beer #2: Overcast Espresso Stout (Oatmeal Stout / 5.8% ABV)
In Their Own Words: “Gray skies are a regular part of life in Western Oregon. Overcast Espresso Stout is a dark, silky oatmeal stout that is rich, smooth and full of coffee flavor and aroma—quite nice on a gray or sunny day!”
Food Pairing: Smoked Brisket on Yucca Chip (Tender smoked brisket served on fried yucca chips with pickled green tomatoes.)
Our Thoughts: This is a stout for people who drink black coffee. Smooth, but not thick, with an almost charred and smoky flavor, Overcast Espresso stout is a solid take on American Coffee Stout style. Shot through with the flavor of coffee grounds, this beer should provide a healthy foil to the richness of smoked brisket. I’m not sure how the flavors here will play with the pickled green tomatoes, but the meat and beer should feel well integrated.
This profile is a part of the DCBeer.com SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2014 SAVOR participants.
