Review: 2012 Portland Cheers To Belgian Beers

Oregon Brewers Guild director Brian Butenschoen makes an announcement

Yesterday's 2012 Portland Cheers To Belgian Beers seemed to be an unbridled success, and my guess is it was also the highest attendance ever. It was shoulder to shoulder in Metalcraft Fabrication's warehouse for much of the day, though it was hardly ever difficult to get a beer. Outside, the sun was shining and it was almost too hot to bear being in the direct heat, which left many people standing around inside. The beers may have been the best from any PCTBB so far. Crowd favorites seemed to be The Commons' entry, and I would give it a nod for the win, except the keg kicked early, which could be a good and a bad thing for people to get a chance to drink and vote on it for People's Choice. I also enjoyed Solera's entry. Similar to a Berliner-Weisse, it seemed to split people between love it or hate it. It had that distinct cereal, lacto sour mash flavor that turns some off, but I found it tasty and refreshing this day. Some other entries, like those from Oakshire Brewing and Block 15 Brewing, while well-liked, were too strong and perhaps too bold for many with the 80 degree weather. I know I was definitely not feeling the dark beers. I'm looking forward to hearing the results hopefully on Monday.