New brewpub to focus on two-wheeled culture

Portland’s bike-loving beer guru and Oregonian reporter John Foyston (seen here at the Puppet Parade Bike Move), mentioned a new brewpub in his “Brew News” column today. Here’s the bikey bit from his column:

“Laurelwood brewmaster Christian Ettinger is opening his own place in the former Sunset Fuel Co. building at 2944 S.E. Powell Blvd. He plans on catering to Portland’s two-wheeled culture — bicyclists, scooterists and motorcyclists are all welcome. Watch this space for more.”

[Thanks to beer-loving mountain biker Roger Louton for this tip.]

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Caroline
Caroline
17 years ago

I dare say Christian brews the best beer in town! Well, he has the awards to prove it, too! Exciting news!

Kevin
Kevin
17 years ago

Fantastic, not only does Christian brew some great beer, he is also a blast to ride with.

Scott
Scott
17 years ago

Nice idea, but I wouldn’t exactly consider that an ideal location to cater to the bicycling crowd.
Scott

mike b
mike b
17 years ago

that’s nice, and it’s great that laurelwood co-sponsors a local racing team. their beer may taste good, but if you are a vegetarian, DON’T DRINK it. all of their beers contain gelatin, which is “created by prolonged boiling of animal skin, connective tissue or bones” (wikipedia).

there is no good reason to use gelatin in brewing and most local breweries don’t (see link below).

http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/downloads/vegbeer.pdf

Zach
Zach
17 years ago

good thing I’m not a vegetarian….

anyway, hopefully the market will convince him to change his methods.

as for this not being an ‘ideal location,’ it’s in the heart of SE portland, a short ride away from just about anywhere….

Andy
17 years ago

Mike,

I called Laurelwood, and you’re right – they do use gelatin specifically as a fining agent. I had no idea brewers were still doing that. I thought most brewers hand changed to isinglass or irish moss because the results are generally comperable.

Cecil
Cecil
17 years ago

Zach said: “as for this not being an ‘ideal location,’ it’s in the heart of SE portland, a short ride away from just about anywhere…. ”

it may be in the heart of SE PDX and a short ride from almost anywhere, but it is also smack in the heart of really bad driver territory . . .

Tim
Tim
17 years ago

Isinglass (fish swim bladders) and Irish moss are not used for the same purpose in brewing. Isinglass is used in finished beer as is gelatin. Irish moss is a kettle fining which does not eliminate the need for fining later with another product. Larger breweries may not use gelatin to clear beer but they often filter with diatomaceous earth. This is the crushed and fossilised remains of organisms living in the sea- not vegetarian by any extreme. All of these substances are existent in finished beer in very limited supply- low parts per billion- no more than the blood of an earthworm that may have been killed in the harvesting of vegetables. So what’s your point? Practical or political? It is nearly impossible to be a hardcore vegan/vegetarian and be a beer drinker. Sorry.

Christian Ettinger
17 years ago

I plan to use a sheet filter to clarify the beer-no gelatin or isinglass will be used. All of our beer brands will be Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. This means we will use 100% certified organic barley malt. Organic hops are only available from New Zealand and Germany so ‘food miles’ must be weighed against ‘organic values’ as well as the flavor compatability of these hops with our distict northwest style of beer. I have found SE Powell no more difficult to navigate than any other busy thoroughfare. We plan to be a “premier” bicycle destination with great parking, free air compressor, tubes and energy bars behind the bar, and some of the best pizza in town. Thanks for the time and cheers!

Shane Walz
Shane Walz
17 years ago

Congratulations Christian! I look forward to reaping the rewards of your organic endeavours. You can expect to see me via two-wheeler once the taps are pouring. You’ve been great support for my own brewing and wish you the best the brewing community can offer.

Farmboy
Farmboy
17 years ago

My family and I live in the neighborhood near the location of the new pub and we are anxiously awaiting the grand opening. Any info on when it will be opening? What is the name of the pub?

It will be a welcome change for the neighborhood since the area seems to have been attracting mostly cash stores and strip clubs in the last few years. Looking forward to the tasty brews, pizza, and friendly fellow bikers! Cheers!