Finding a slot in our beer cooler here at the SW Portland Market is not always easy. But it does happen on occasion, so a couple of weeks ago, I decided to bring in Stone’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. While I hadn’t tasted this one before, I am a fan of Stone’s beers, and with the Black IPA/Cascadian Dark Ale trend that we’ve been seeing, I figured this was a good choice. But the suspense of not tasting this beer was killing me.

So I decided to treat myself to a 22 oz. bottle, which I was delighted to drink this past weekend. Lightly toasty, with the body of a Pale Ale and the hops of an IPA, I was in heaven with this perfectly balanced beer. The description on the label is, like most Stone beers, a full-blown novel, but basically says that it was brewed in 2007 as their 11th Anniversary Ale and was so revered that they decided to bring it back as a limited year-round release. And thank goodness for that!

While I’m not sure if the “Cascadian Dark Ale” category name will be migrating to Southern California, I’m of the opinion that whatever they want to call it, I’ll be drinking it. Pick up a bottle for yourself the next time you’re at Market of Choice and you, too, will feel the self-righteousness. 6.29 + dep

After their triumphant return from the 2010 Brewers Association World Beer cup in Chicago just a couple of weeks ago, I tasted a few of the Firestone Walker Brewery beers, and was happy with the results.

At this year’s World Beer Cup, which just became the largest commercial beer competition with 642 breweries entering 3,330 beers from 44 countries and 47 states, Firestone Walker took home a total of seven awards, including the prestigious Champion Brewery and Brewmaster, Mid-Size Brewing Company.

In addition, their Pale 31, which I have just brought into the store for your tasting pleasure, won a gold for American-Style Pale Ale. This ale has a crisp floral hop aroma, medium body, and a clean finish, and I find it quite tasty. $4.29 for a 22 oz. bottle

Not to be overshadowed, the Firestone Walker Union Jack is one delicious, hopped up IPA. While it’s not Pliny the Elder, it’s a good substitute while we wait for our next shipment from Russian River. Showing citrus, pineapple, and a full malt profile finish, this IPA has over 70 IBUs and is 7.5% alcohol by volume. $5.39 for a 22 oz. bottle

Finally, available only in 6-packs, we have just welcomed Solace, an unfiltered wheat beer with citrus, clove and malt flavors. A refreshing brew, this is a perfect beer to enjoy the warm summer weather we will be seeing shortly. $8.99 for a six pack

We’re also working on setting up a Friday night tasting with Firestone Walker, so check our events page for upcoming information. See you soon!

After last week’s spring tease and gorgeous weather, it appears that the rain is back and has plans to stay awhile. What better reason to gather some friends and kick back on the couch with a few of our new arrivals:

Rogue Double Dead Guy, $12.89
This strong ale won a Silver award at the 2008 World Beer Championships. It is a deep amber color that has peanut brittle and orange blossom on the nose, with a rich, fruity body and roasted grains and spice on the palate. Pair with pork or hot and spicy food. Look for it in the bright red painted bottle.

Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout, $10.99
Infused with espresso, this beer combines the vanilla characteristics from the oak with the strong roasted malts and bold hop flavors. Great Divide’s Web site suggests you drink it with breakfast burritos or eggs benedict, but we’ll let you decide if you want beer for breakfast. 9.5% ABV

Wandering Aengus Wanderlust Cider, $7.19
This semi-dry cider is styled after the fine ciders of Somerset, England. With a rich body and long, ginger finish, this cider shows notes of dried fruit, ripe pear, citrus and green apple. A great pairing with fish, poultry, pork, barbeque, or by itself on the porch (if it ever stops raining).

Sierra Nevada’s 30th Anniversary Fritz & Ken’s Ale, $9.99
The first in the series of 30th Anniversary beers, Fritz Maytag, owner of Anchor Steam Brewing Company, agreed to be the guest brewer for this project. A rich and roasted ale, this stout is perfect for aging or enjoyed right now in a snifter. 9.5% ABV

Back in stock:
BrewDog Storm Islay Whisky Cask Aged IPA

Having just joined the SW Portland Market of Choice team, I look forward to keeping you up-to-date about our ever-changing beer selection. Several new arrivals have hit the shelves in the last week:

Boulevard Dark Truth Stout – For this week’s festivities, we have a number of stouts, including the old standbys, but have also brought in this new one from Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, MO. This stout shows espresso, roasted fig and cremé bruleé, along with a plum-like fruitiness and spicy, herbal notes. Great paired with sweets like dark chocolate or caramel, or even poured over ice cream. $8.99

Seven Brides LPA (Lauren’s Pale Ale) – You’ve probably seen Seven Brides beers around town on draft, but they have just put out a few 22 oz beers in a bottle, so we picked up the LPA. With generous amounts of hops and malt to balance, this beer is about 5.5% alcohol and 45 – 50 IBUs. $4.49

Fire Mountain Bad Henry IPA – The newest release in 22 oz bottles from Fire Mountain Brewery in Carlton, the “Bad Henry” IPA was named for their owner/master brewer Henry Gorgas. This IPA is bright and hoppy, but really balanced. $5.39

We still have a few bottles of the 2009 vintage of Deschutes The Abyss, courtesy of our Willamette store in Eugene (our distributor here in Portland has been sold out for several weeks), so come grab them before they’re gone!