There are two things that Portlanders can’t live without. Coffee and beer. And now there is a festival that combines both. That’s right. Coffee and beer, living together, in the same growler. And you thought life couldn’t get any better.

NW Coffee Beer Invitational beers on parade

The NW Coffee Beer Invitational, (sounds a bit like a uniquely GNW golf tourney don’t you think?) is the brilliant creation of Dave Fleming. Dave is the head brewer for Kell’s Brew Pub and a singular visionary. Entering into its second season, the NW Coffee Beer Invitational gives the enviable duty of combining beer and coffee to sixteen of Portland’s premiere craft brewers. And boy howdy, do they come up with some amazing concoctions of hops and caffeine.

NW Coffee Beer Invitational Mocha Banana Split beer

The Mocha Banana Split is one of the festival beers that comes with whipped cream (if you ask) and a Maraschino cherry. The creation of Alan J. Taylor of Pints Urban Taproom Brewery, The Mocha Banana Split is a Bavarian weitzen dopplebock that has the flavor and aroma of banana bread. The mocha aspect comes from infused cocoa nibs and includes a Maraschino cherry in the glass.

The names given these specialty brews are nearly as interesting as the beers themselves. Onward Caravan Turkish Coffee Ale is another of the beers you will find at the NWCBI. Brewed by Drew Phillips and Dan Black of McMenamins Crystal Brewery, this beer is combined with Turkish coffee and crushed green cardamom seeds. The cardamom seeds are added just before flame-off. This event makes the entire block around the brewery smell like cardamom.

The 2015 NW Coffee Beer Invitational is sponsored by the Goose Hollow Inn, Ristretto Roasters, and Willamette Valley Hops. The event will be held at Portland’s iconic Goose Hollow Inn (1927 SW Jefferson St), Saturday, January 24 from Noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $15. Live music will be provided by Logger’s Daughter from 3 till 6 p.m.

Listen now as Steven Shomler and Ken Wilson talk with Dave Fleming, Drew Phillips and Alan J. Taylor about their being part of the 2015 NW Coffee Beer Invitational.

PRP
Latest posts by PRP (see all)