Thirsty Monk Portland Taps Crooked Stave Collaboration, BBR IPA
BBR is the first of several Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave collaborations to tap in Portland in coming weeks and months.
PORTLAND, OR— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world- recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, will tap the first of several collaboration beers with Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project at its Portland location today. This collaboration, the Brett Brut Rose IPA otherwise known as BBR IPA, is available on draft only while supplies last.
When Crooked Stave owner and founder Chad Yakobson visited Thirsty Monk in Denver to taste beers before this collaboration, the Brut IPA was his favorite. Thirsty Monk’s Head Brewer Brian Grace worked at Crooked Stave as Head Brewer for several years, and he’s excited about the opportunity to continue to work with Yakobson and crew.
“We talked about the Brut style and how we both thought that using German hops instead of the typical IPA hops that people are using would lend a more wine-like aroma and make the style more along the lines of what we like to drink,” Grace says. “The hibiscus and rose petals were something that Chad and I have talked about using over the years when I worked at Crooked Stave so we went for it! These additions, along with Hallertau Blanc, Huell Melon, Mandarina Bavaria, Centennial and Amarillo give the beer a pink hue and floral, citrus and berry-like aromas. Naturally, any collaboration with Crooked Stave should include Brettanomyces.... the conversations continued from there and this beer was born.”
BBR is the first of several Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave collaborations to tap in Portland in coming weeks and months.
For more information about Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave’s collaboration beers, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park and now Monk’s Flask), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s expertly-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT CROOKED STAVE
Founded in Denver, CO in late 2010 as an artisan beer project, Crooked Stave is the culmination of brewmaster and “Brettanomyces Guru” Chad Yakobson’s open source master’s research, The Brettanomyces Project. Crooked Stave’s progressive approach to brewing blends science and art through creativity and passion. The resulting creations, most of which use Brettanomyces yeasts and mature in oak, are beers of extraordinary complexity. The brewery has also started receiving accolades of late for it’s non-sour beers, specifically its new line of “Private Reserve” barrel-aged Imperial Stouts. Learn more at crookedstave.com.
Thirsty Monk To Celebrate Grand Opening in Portland Friday, June 15
Thirsty Monk’s Head Brewer Brian Grace visited Portland to brew the company’s first Oregon-brewed recipe with Portland brewer Carston Haney.
photo by Ryan Wheaton
PORTLAND, OR— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, will debut its Portland location on Friday, June 15 with a tapping of the first Portland-brewed Thirsty Monk brew.
Thirsty Monk is located in the former Bazi Bierbrasserie space, which joined the Thirsty Monk, Inc. family of breweries and pubs in December 2017. Thirsty Monk has since renovated the space, adding Monk touches such as wooden pew benches, artwork of Monks and monasteries, comfortable wooden swivel barstools, and a statue of Brussels’ famous Manneken Pis which will feature rotating game-day soccer scarves to honor Bazi’s Soccer Bar history and patrons.
“While Thirsty Monk expanding across to the Northwest might sound like a far reach, it actually feels more like coming home,” says CEO Barry Bialik about the Asheville-born company that also operates a brewhouse in Denver, Colorado. Bialik designed the original Thirsty Monk Belgian Bar in downtown Asheville based on his favorite Northwest pubs from his years spent living in Seattle and Anchorage, Alaska, and his wife moved to Asheville after 17 years in Portland. “Some of our nearest and dearest friends live here, and my brother and his family moved here to manage the Thirsty Monk,” continues Bialik.
Thirsty Monk’s Head Brewer Brian Grace, who is based in Denver, recently visited Portland to brew the company’s first Oregon-brewed recipe with well-respected Portland brewer Carston Haney. This beer, a flagship Abby Blonde, will be on tap along with nine other Thirsty Monk beers to celebrate Thirsty Monk’s Portland grand opening on Friday, June 15 at 4pm. Thirsty Monk Portland will also be debuting its new Food Menu featuring our expertly beer-style paired burgers and Food Flights.
For more information about Thirsty Monk, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, Thirsty Monk in Denver, and the former Bazi Bierbrasserie just off Hawthorne Street along Southeast 32nd Avenue in Portland, OR. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Portland's Bazi Bierbrasserie Joins Thirsty Monk Family
Portland’s premiere Belgian and European beer bar announced today its plan to join the Thirsty Monk, Inc. family of breweries and pubs.
Photo by Stephanie Yao Long via the Oregonian
PORTLAND, OR— Bazi Bierbrasserie (1522 SE 32 nd Ave – Hawthorne District), Portland’s premiere Belgian and European beer bar announced today its plan to join the Thirsty Monk, Inc. family of breweries and pubs.
“It is with much delight that I announce Bazi Bierbrasserie will be joining the Thirsty Monk family, an organization that shares the same passion for Belgian beer and values a sense of community” says Bazi Owner Hilda Stevens. “This provides an opportunity for my employees’ growth aspirations in the service industry while also aligning with an institution that embraces crafting exceptional Belgian-inspired beers and providing a superior customer experience."
Over the past six years, Bazi Bierbrasserie has become a Belgo aficionado oasis, quickly receiving recognition in hop-centric Portland and at the national level. Bazi Bierbrasserie was named “Top 100 Beer Bars in America” by DRAFT Magazine for three consecutive years, “Top Beer Bars in Portland” by the Oregonian and Thrillist, “Portland No. 1 Soccer Pub” by the Oregonian, and “SE Portland Best Happy Hours” by Willamette Week.
"Bazi and Thirsty Monk have been on such similar paths since inception, with the experiences we offer patrons and seats on the same “Top 100 Beer Bars” lists," says Thirsty Monk CEO Barry Bialik. "Hilda’s values, attention to detail, and compassion towards her employees resonates strong at Bazi, and those are all shared values of Thirsty Monk that make this additional of them to our family feel even more natural."
Stevens will stay on staff at the Portland Thirsty Monk to help though the transition to ensure clientele continues to receive the same level of customer service they've come to expect at Bazi. "I’ve lived in Portland for 20 years and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to grow a business in such a welcoming community, but after Hurricane Harvey my priorities have changed personally. My intention is to eventually head south to be closer to my siblings and parents in Houston," she says.
Bazi will officially become part of the Thirsty Monk family in mid-December, and the space will take on the Thirsty Monk name in early 2018. Plans include adding a small batch brewhouse in Portland.
Thirsty Monk is also expanding to Denver, Colorado. Read that press release here.
For information about this news, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales in Asheville, NC, a world recognized craft beer destination. Thirsty Monk currently operates Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk craft cocktail bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, all in Asheville. Thirsty Monk is expanding its brewing operation to Denver, CO later this year. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT BAZI BIERBRASSERIE
If Monks lived in Portland, this would be their watering hole. Bazi brings centuries of Belgian-inspired beer and food under one roof plus a premium liquor selection. Explore with a nationally recognized Bier-Cocktail or simply sip on a glass of wine. As a Euro-centric establishment Bazi embraces bringing community together through sports. The bar is an official Thorns, Timbers, Liverpool FC and American Outlaws partner, and showcase these and other events on our 114" HDTV with surround sound. Named “No 1 Soccer Pub” by The Oregonian 2016, “Top 100 Beer Bars in America” by DRAFT Magazine 2014, 1015, 2016 and “Top 10 Best Beer Bars in Portland” by The Oregonian, 2014. Located in the heart of the Hawthorne District, tucked away just off of SE 32nd Avenue. Find Bazi online at bazipdx.com.
Asheville’s Thirsty Monk To Expand into Denver and Portland
Asheville, North Carolina-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, is expanding into Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon.
DENVER, CO and PORTLAND, OR— Asheville, North Carolina-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, announced today its expansion into Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon. Brian Grace, former Crooked Stave Head Brewer and Jolly Pumpkin Production Manager, has been hired as Head Brewer of the entire brewery group to assist with this growth. He will be based in Denver.
“Denver and Portland will be much more than just second homes to Thirsty Monk,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “We will embrace the beer, food, and craft cultures in each of the cities, and operate as a true local brewery and pub. Thirsty Monk has always been about sharing beer knowledge and the European pub culture. Being in Denver and Portland will help us learn from some of the country’s best craft beer markets, and to design beers influenced by all the communities we call home.”
Asheville brewing operations will remain under the tutelage of Norm Penn, who has been promoted to Vice President of Thirsty Monk. Thirsty Monk Downtown and Biltmore Park will continue to serve the growing selection of Thirsty Monk beers along side curated, rotating guest taps. “As our Brother Noah Belgian Chocolate Stout is brewed in Asheville using chocolate nibs from our friends at French Broad Chocolate, Brother Noah brewed in Denver will utilize a local Colorado chocolatier and Brother Noah brewed in Portland will be made with local Oregon chocolate. “Imagine that vertical tasting!” says Penn.
DENVER, COLORADO
Thirsty Monk will close on the purchase of a 12-Barrel existing brewery in Denver this month and will start immediate beer production there. Plans include a remodel of the existing taproom, slated for grand opening after Thanksgiving 2017. Head Brewer Brian Grace will be based in Denver, brewing Thirsty Monk beers and spearheading the creation of open fermentation, barrel aging and sour programs.
Brian Grace began his brewing career with Moylan’s in California before heading to Jolly Pumpkin in Michigan and then Crooked Stave in Denver. “We are so excited to have Brian join our Monk family, not just because he’s a well-respected Head Brewer, but also, he’s a creative and kind person. Good people make better beer,” says Bialik.
PORTLAND, OREGON
In November, Thirsty Monk will close on the purchase of a well-known Portland beer bar. Operations will continue under the Portland location’s existing name until sometime early 2018, when it will shift to serve Thirsty Monk beers out of Denver. Thirsty Monk also plans to install a small batch brewhouse in its Portland location, and serve a selection of guest taps while brewing operations get going.
“We’re expanding Thirsty Monk in a whole new way, linking a network of localized brewing hubs. Smart growth, craft-style. No need to sell the soul to expand. Our soul, creative spirit and community roots are what we and our beers are all about,” adds Bialik.
For more information about Thirsty Monk’s expansion, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales in Asheville, NC, a world recognized craft beer destination. Thirsty Monk currently operates Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk craft cocktail bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, all in Asheville. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Beers Made By Walking and Forest Park Conservancy Announce New Hikes with Portland Crafters
Now in its sixth year, Beers Made By Walking (BMBW) returns to the Pacific Northwest with a new series of public hikes with brewers and cider makers in Portland’s Forest Park.
PORTLAND, OR— Now in its sixth year, Beers Made By Walking (BMBW) returns to the Pacific Northwest with a new series of public hikes with brewers and cider makers in Portland’s Forest Park. BMBW invites brewers to go on nature hikes and make beer inspired by plants found on the trail.
The 2017 series of hikes are organized by Forest Park Conservancy. Each hike is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required. Hikers are accompanied by a local brewer who must create a hike-inspired beer/cider in the summer. A list of hikes and sign ups are available below.
These place-based beers serve as drinkable, landscape portraits of the trails that are walked. Tapped during special events at each respective brewery, the beer and cider proceeds are donated to the Forest Park Conservancy. The full list of beers will be published after the hikes are finalized, but you can go to the Beers Made By Walking website if you would like to see the tapping dates in advance and add them to your calendar.
May 06, 3pm - Springville Trailhead
Breweries: Hopworks Urban Brewery and Base Camp Brewing
June 03, 10am - Germantown Road and Leif Erikson Trail
Breweries: Lucky Lab Brewing and Breakside Brewery
June 10, 10am - Tunnel Trailhead
Brewery/Cidery: Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider and PINTS Brewing
ABOUT BEERS MADE BY WALKING
Beers Made By Walking (BMBW) is a program that invites people to step outside and see the place they live in a new light. We invite brewers to take nature walks and make beer inspired by the plants identified on the trail. Since 2011, we have worked with more than 100 breweries throughout the country to create over 200 place-based beers. Hiking and tasting events act as educational and fundraising programs for environmental organizations in the regions they serve. Additional info is available at beersmadebywalking.com.