Port Halling Brewing Company hosted the first all organic beer festival ever held in the country on Sept 13th. The event was sponsored by Briess Malt, Hop Union CBS LLC, yeast USA, F.H. Steinbart C., Airgas and The Goodfoot Lounge, Pacific Coast Container and KNRK Radio. Over 2000 attended the festival.
Twenty-five breweries either brewed a special beer or brought their Certified Organic offerings to the event. Wolavers, Pinkus, Ukiah Brewing, Butte Creek, and Fish Brewing Co. brought their organic beers that are available year round, while Deschutes Brewery, Portland Brewing, Full Sail Brewing Company, and Hair of The Dog made special Organic Ales for the event.
Brewpubs such as Pelican Brewpub, McMenamins, West Brothers Lucky Labrador, Alameda Brew House and Bill’s Tavern, BJ’s Pizza & Brewery, Big Horn Brewing, and Rock Bottom also brought organic beers.
Port Halling’s Brewmaster, Craig Nicholls goal is to see every brewery with at least one organic beer in their lineup. He proved it is possible to brew great beers organically. The Styles ranged from Kolsch, Belgian Wit, Dopplebock, Stout, and Red Ales and of course IPA.
The Brewfest benefited The Oregon Tilth, My Father’s Place, and The Johnson Creek Watershed. Vendors brought organic fruit & Vegetables from local sources and co-operative grocery stores, Organic Cotton clothing and Belmont Station was there with great brewery paraphernalia.