Mother's Day Beer from Ft. George: Illuminator Doppelbock

by John Foyston, The Oregonian May 05, 2008 09:45AM

The Fort George Brewery + Public House releases its new Bourbon Barrel-Aged Doppelbock this Mother's Day, May 11th --- which coincides with the start of the Astoria Sunday Market, so moms who are out and about downtown are encouraged to stop by and try the Fort George's latest creation.

Doppelbock is a strong German-style lager, traditionally brewed in the winter to be consumed in the springtime. The monks of St. Francis of Paula originally brewed this style of beer, calling it Salvator, which means savior. Other German brewers began making the beer, of which there are now about 120, all with the suffix, -ator. (blogger's note: As you might imagine, the incorporation of the -ator suffix is an occasion for much brewerly ingenuity... my favorite is Walking Man's Somnabulator, or sleep walker...)

Now, after months of fermenting and aging their brew in Jim Beam bourbon barrels, Fort George brewers are calling their Doppelbock Illuminator, which reflects the experience of drinking the beer.

Mom-tested tough: (From Left) Tracey Erfling with son Toveri and Zetty McKay with daughter Amelia...

"Warm and inviting, the beautiful, dark brown color sparkles as it catches the light. Illuminator tastes rich and malty, with an intriguing hint of bourbon, and a nice dry slightly hoppy finish to balance it out," said Chris Nemlowill, of the Fort George Brewery + Public House.

Fort George Brewery & Public House, 1483 Duane Street Astoria, 503-325-PINT

April's Brewer's Dinner on the 16th

Five homebrewers have been chosen to provide five different beers, which will be paired with different styles of food for a unique taste experience. They are: Dan Hamilton—Red ESB with Chicken-Fennel Apple Sausage; Chris Gustafson—Still Finnish Sahti with Lemongrass-Leek Soup; James Sullivan—Bourbon and Oak Aged Porter with Smoked Albacore Salad; James Bunnell—American Style IPA with Spicy Lamb Kabobs; Anthony De Luz—Bourbon and Oak Blended Stout with Dark Chocolate. Call to reserve your seat now! 325-PINT Tickets are $50 all-inclusive. Hope to see you there!

Welcome Amelia to the world!!

On April 1st Amelia Isis Nemlowill was born at 2:35 PM. She was 7lbs. 1 oz. and 21 inchs long. Both baby and mom are healthy and doing well. Congratulations Chris and Zetty. It's just a matter of time before Zetty can enjoy her first glass of our very special Coffeegirl Imperial Stout that she has been waiting so patiently for.

April's Poster

Fort George to feature Lovell Lager at first anniversary party

Astoria businessman Bob Lovell will tap his namesake beer, Lovell Lager, for the Fort George Brewery and Public House first anniversary celebration from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9. The Lovell name is well-known in the area, with a family legacy that includes a Chevrolet dealership in Astoria as early as 1910. The event is open to the public.

To thank the community for a successful first year in business, the brewery will have special deals, raffles and door prizes, including Fort George apparel and gift certificates all that day. Live music with Colin Spring and the Naugahyde Nights starts at 8 p.m.

The Lovell Lager is the first commercially produced lager made in Clatsop County since Prohibition. Lager is a difficult beer to make. It is cold fermented and takes six weeks to produce versus only a couple of weeks for ale. Fort George brewers describe the Lovell Lager as a Pacific Northwest-style lager, golden straw in color, crisp and smooth with enough of a hop kick to balance it out.