Zach Beckwith (formerly of New Old Lompoc) is debuting his own lineup of beers at Pints Brewing Company THIS FRIDAY. Pints has been flying under the radar as a small scale Northwest beer bar for a while, and is sure to gain attention now with the unveiling of hand-crafted "old school Northwest and British-inspired ales". After struggling for a half hour with NW Portland parking problems, I had a chance to preview the initial draft line-up and tour the brewery. I'm not sure what I expected from someone adamant about brewing "beers readily recognizable as beers, not tinctures", but my feelings were overall mixed.
Did the beers showcase an expert level of craftsmanship? Yes. Beckwith offered up an ESB, a pale ale, a stout, and an IPA. All were solid and drinkable, showcasing the fruity/earthy contrast of American and English ale yeast strains. The ESB and stout had the most rounded flavors, while the IPA tried too hard to be bitter and the rye fell short of showcasing the spiciness of its star ingredient. My favorite beer of the night was the collaboration Witbier made with Lompoc, a sessionable flavor bomb which featured a pleasant, balancing spicy-sweetness from the inclusion of candied ginger. The problem for me is that I don't think this type of beer will be the norm at Pints. Expert, yes.. did the beers speak to my personal tastes? No.
After speaking with Beckwith for a short period, I understand that he's going to be filling a necessary hole in the Portland beer scene. Traditional flagship beers, finely-tuned, with a seasonal beer to round out the lineup (these include a red ale and a session IPA, for example). Pints is the anti-Breakside. If you are the guy who is frustrated with the oversaturation of experimental beers at your local brewpub, this will be the place for you.
Additionally, Pints brew space is a very interesting one and worth checking out. It is reminiscent of Block 15's labyrinthian basement brewery, with files, computers, and workspaces integrated amongst grain sacks and other brewing miscellany. The 3.5 barrel batches will ensure fresh beer and the busy neighborhood will ensure hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifigh turnover. Beckwith's passion is evident, although hearing from the "Real Estate Development Company" guy who runs the joint was a little spirit-crushing. I suppose that's the real world, though, and breweries would not exist if they weren't making someone money.
Financial issues aside, Pints has some nicely crafted beer, and I recommend you give it a whirl on Friday.. Especially if you're the guy who's constantly complaining about the latest Hoppy Hoppy Nano Beer.
Pints Brewing Company
412 NW 5th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
The photo of the tanks is beautiful. I appreciate Zach and his vision. I am a little surprised that there were parking issues in the evening. I hope people take advantage of Trimet to go to PINTS when possible. I have had a few of Zach's new beers and I was happy with them. I am excited to try the stout. Is Zach wearing a Hawaiian Print shirt or did you photoshop that?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you put the link to the "Beer Geek Meets Girl" video. I was thinking of the same thing hearing Zach talk about how he wants to brew everyday beers.
ReplyDeleteI hope your soul recovers from being crushed; someone's got to come up with the buildings and the funding for these things.
I think the business is still growing up to this day. Kudos to you, guys! For starting businesses like this, it's best to consult small business coach (they are available also online) just for some advises for blooming businesses.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the things a company can do as part of its employee motivation is throw a beer and music party. I believe many employees will be motivated by this.
ReplyDeleteGood days are running for PBC eh? I hope they got more branches, and I'm hopeful that it will be next to my makati apartment soon!
ReplyDeleteI think being on the wine or beer business is a great idea. Aside from getting money out of it, you enjoy the perks of drinking what you are selling.
ReplyDeleteWorking in that brewing company on my opinion, is a good job. I hope that someday, I can be employed in any brewing company.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love their new beers. They do speak to my personal taste. It's actually one of the best beers I've had, aside from the one I drank in during my cousin's wedding in Gansett Green Manor. The taste is quite distinctive from the rest.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about establishing my own business. I know it will really take a lot of courage, knowledge and dedication for it to be successful like this Pints Brewing Company. Also, knowing how to properly register the business you are starting to make is also an advantage.
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