KLCC Microbrew Festival

From klcc.org:

KLCC 89.7 FM is a public radio station licensed to Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. With 81,000 watts of power, KLCC 89.7 FM is the most powerful public radio signal in Oregon.

KLCC serves more than 88,000 listeners each week within a 100 mile radius of Eugene. Besides our main transmitter in Eugene, we have translators in four communities throughout Western and Central Oregon (Cottage Grove, Oakridge, Riddle and Sisters), and five sister stations -- KLBR in Bend, KLFO in Florence, KLCO in Newport, KLFR in Reedsport, and KMPQ in Roseburg -- all broadcasting KLCC programming.

Ted and co. pouring the Mutt (I love delicious, fresh cask ale at a festival)

For the past 10 years KLCC has been hosting the Microbrew Festival at the Lane County Fairgrounds, continuing the tradition of the original Easter Seals fundraiser. Proceeds from the event benefit the listener supported public radio station. Entertainment included Ty Curtis Band and Jacob Merlin. 50+ breweries featured over 120 various beers and cider.

Third Place: Block 15 (Corvallis, OR)

Second Place:Silver Moon (Bend, OR)

The festival has included a Collaboration Brew since its inception, this year's was titled "A Session Beer." Block 15, Brewers Union Local 180, Hop Valley, High Street, Ninkasi, Oakshire, Steelhead, Track Town Ales, and Valley Vintner & Brewer participated this year. Each brewer started with a base of Glen Eagle Marris Otter malt then picked a single hop to differentiate their offering. A variety of yeasts were employed amongst the breweries. Valley Vintner produced 4 different beers but the WGV combined with Steelhead's house yeast stood above the rest. Being able to taste and compare the local offerings is a unique treat. Unfortunately, none of the Collaboration Brews contested the People's Choice award. The top 3 spots were swept by Oregon breweries (7 other states and 2 countries were represented at the festival) but Eugene got a rude awakening from their neighbor to the north. Two flavorful stouts, Love Potion #9 from Block 15 and Bourbon Barrel Aged Export Stout from Silver Moon preceded the People's Choice, Flat Tail's Licentious Goat:

Brewed with a ridiculous 3.5 pounds per barrel of Simcoe, Chinook, Amarillo, Sterling, and Zeus hops, this bonafied Imperial India Pale Ale has a massive nose of Grapefruit, Tangerine, and resin. The addition of Damiana and Horny Goat Weed, two of nature's strongest natural aphrodisiacs, add a sensuous layer of Lavender and Hawaiian Ginger. At 8.5% and over 90 IBU's, this is one naughty Goat!

People's Choice: Flat Tail (Corvallis, OR)

Due to the OLCC's recent "interpretation" of state homebrewing policies, the annual homebrew competition was annulled. Instead of announcing those winners, Jamie Floyd from Ninkasi and Tripp Sommer raised a toast to Don Younger for everyone not able to make it to the wake at the Horse Brass.

In addition to the beer, KLCC hosts a music sale over the weekend. I picked up a handful of gems both new and old.

Crate Digging

Kris and Gayle celebrating another great year!