Occasionally, a product comes along that is truly outstanding. Apple, for example, has generated a number of excellent products, and even managed to convince me to carry around yet another electronic device, an IPad. This post, however, is not about Apple. While I typically - as in never - duse the blog to promote local products, a little diversion on Sunday can be forgiven. With that introduction, I invite readers to enjoy a taste of my new local favorite: The products of Ninkasi Brewing Company.
I am stunned at how quickly Ninkasi has dominated my beverage choices. More so given the seemingly overcrowded craft beer market. For many years, I was a devotee of the Deschutes Brewery. I can recall seeing the odd, severely overpriced Black Butte Porter at the Georgetown Whole Foods in 1999, and willingly, if not eagerly, paying $13 for a six pack. I still enjoy Deschutes products, such as this summer's Hop in the Dark, a black IPA. And the Mirror Mirror is a spectacular beer, but pricey at a retail of $11.79 for a 22oz. bottle. I really won't touch it at that price, but have bought it by the case at $5.79. Indeed, it appears to be just sitting on the shelf at the local brew stop at the higher price - funny how demand curves slope downward.
But my long love affair with Deschutes has been tempered with the rise of Ninkasi. To be sure, their lineup is not as deep, but the quality is unbelievable. Their first offering I explored was the Believer Double Red Ale, initially offered at the teaser price of $2.79 for a 22oz. bottle. I was instantly hooked on the clean, deep flavors. Family members like the Tricerahops Double IPA, but my passion is the seasonal lineup. The spring and summer see a succession of spectacular beers - Spring Reign, Radiant Ale, and Maiden The Shade:
My favorite is the slightly darker Radiant Ale, but all are complex yet easy drinking on a summer night. Retail prices range from $3.79 to $5.79.
The Ninkasi lineup makes the warm season beers enjoyable rather than just bearable. I say bearable because my preference is the dark seasonal beers only available in the fall and winter. And it is in the winter that Ninkasi has truly stolen my heart, with their Sleigh'r Dark Double Alt Ale. If there ever was a beer to stave off the wet and chill of a Pacific Northwest winter, this is it. It quickly supplanted my long time - 20 year! - favorite, Snow Cap Ale from Pyramid Brewing Company. I plan to grab up at least three cases of Sleigh'r (only in 22oz. bottles) when it hits the shelves this winter. It goes quick. It is even better on tap, but I think you need to visit Oregon for that treat.
Bottom Line: While it is easy to feel down in a weak economy, it helps to remember that there are still good people doing good things. The employees of Ninkasi Brewing Company are just such people. I hope you are able to sample their products. I dare say it is even worth a trip to Eugene. In the winter, no less.
Please drink responsibly.
