Great Pacific Northwest Beer
Being a current resident of Portland, I am proud of Oregon's beer. I just plain like beer. I feel Oregon has some of the best beer in the country. Just yesterday, a Washington brewery stopped me in my tracks. I feel I have betrayed my love for Oregon beer and my S.N.O.B membership. Who is the magnificent brewer? Elysian Brewing Company.
Thursday afternoon, Teresa and drove to Seattle. We had tickets to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds with the Dali Lama as part of the Seeds of Compassion festival. The show was early on Friday afternoon -- a 430pm start time. The early schedule allowed for a question and answer dialog between the Dali Lama and Dave Matthews. We decided to drive up early to spend Friday walking around Seattle. Our hotel was located in the Capitol Hill district.
I had found a few potential places for dinner, but picked the ear of the helpful front desk. We were directed to Elysian on Pike. It was a short walk, and Pike is lined with many boutiques, restaurants and bars. We poked in and out of a few stores. We almost picked another place for dinner because Elysian was at the far end of the strip. I am so glad we didn't deviate from the given advice.
As the name suggests, the Greek Gods and Goddesses theme ran thick through the entire brewery. Beers have names like Perseus Porter, and they used Pandora to play music. The space appeared to be a transformed warehouse or factory, but the transformation was eclectic and stunning. As soon as we grabbed bar stools, but friendly staff was ready to help. We promptly ordered a tasting tray, and my love affair began.
There wasn't a single so so brew on the tasting tray. The bartender was even so kind to provide a few more that weren't in the original lineup. Here is a quick rundown of my first impressions:
- The Immortal India Pal Ale: A surprisingly light flavor IPA without an overly hopped taste
- The Wise Extra Special Bitter: A very drinkable ESB that didn't overpower all your senses
- Perseus Porter: Very smooth for a Porter without sacrificing strong flavor
- Elysian Fields Pale Ale: A great citrus flavor with not too much bite
- Elysian Fields Wit: A spin on the traditional Wit with a smooth finish and nutty aftertaste
- Avatar Jasmine IPA: Its name breaks away from the Greek theme, but this is fitting. The beer is none like I've ever tasted. A hint of Jasmine tea is mixed with an awesome IPA to form something wonderful. This one is up there with my favorites in the region like the Amnesia Sleigh Jerker and New Old Lompoc LSD.
As we enjoyed our brews, I noticed the community atmosphere around the bar. It seemed the barkeeps knew everyone that sat in stools. Even the patrons were engaging in conversation as old friends. I hadn't seen this since the Thirsty Dog in Baltimore. Surprisingly enough, its been hard to find a bar with a true community feeling in Portland. I've kind of seen it, but its never had the entire package or beer, food, people and setting. There always seems to be one element lacking.
If I were to live in Seattle, I'd love to make Elysian my home base. I would have liked to stay all night, but we had a long day planned for Friday. I am hoping to find their beer exported at least to Portland. When I make it back to Seattle, I'll have to make time for this brewery. Its outstanding. I really hope to find a place like this in Portland. The only thing thats come close might be Amnesia Brewing. Elysian is one of those places that just feels right at your first experience.
