Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

The beer club met at Rock Bottom brewery for the May gathering. The weather was nice so we opted to sit outside. The MAX train stops right in front so people watching is very diverse.

Our waiter, Iggy, was attentive and the food was great. Steve and I sampled the Nachos while we waited for Rob and Scott to arrive. Two of us tried the Bourbonzola Burger, one Blackened Shrimp Taco and one Mahi-Mahi special. All the food was great an highly recommended.

And now for the Beer.......with 4 guys ordering 1 sampler tray each we did not hit any resistance and they handled the request with style. Sampler glass carriers and an easy to ready chart simplified the order.

1. Swan Island Lager - Everyone was pleased with this little lager. Steve - "light and refreshing", Rob - "full body", Scott - "breakfast beer", Todd - "complex lager". This style of beer is not normally prefered but this one ranked high on the list of lagers.
2. Volksweizen Wheat - This beer starts out soft and then hits you with ginger. A little different than your standard wheat beer but our group though the taster was enough.
3. Sunny Day IPA - Scott says it "smells like an IPA". This IPA is not too bitter and has a good flavor.
4. Florial Golden - Rob said it "hit the mark for being true to style. It is Belgian and floral. The beer was a little creamy but slightly odd.
5. India Red Ale - Steve had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use this comment, "moderately neat-o". This one tasted like a blend between an IPA and Amber. I'm sure we could all drink a pint.
6. Hoppy Days - This IPA is a better blend of flavors and tasty. Rob felt the flavors packed a good punch but could be a little smoother.
7. Oregonic Amber - Steve thought it was a little bland but okay. Todd thought it was an okay amber but nothing unique. Everyone thought it was very drinkable.
8. Maltnomah Porter - This porter has the flavors we expected and tasted pretty good. For a porter the body was a little thin with a weak finish. A good summer porter.
9. Morrison Street Stout - (spring dry Irish stout) A little confusing because this stout changes face with the seasons. This spring stout is pretty light. The flavors were nothing special and it seemed a little watery. Probably thirst quenching on those rare hot spring days in Portland.
   

After the tasting and food we popped inside since it was getting a little chilly outside. We ordered another pint while watching the end of the Laker-Denver NBA game. I ordered the Swan Island Lager. It started out just fine like I remembered it. About half way through my fondness wavered. I generally lean toward darker beer so I ordered a half-pint of the Porter. Ahhhh....that hit the spot. The Swan Island started in my top three but the extra pint bumped it to number 4.

So what were the favorites:
Steve - 1. Hoppy Days 2. Swan Island Lager 3. Sunny Day IPA
Rob - 1. India Red Ale 2. Swan Island Lager 3. Sunny Day IPA
Scott - 1. Swan Island Lager
Todd - 1. Maltnomah Porter 2. Inda Red Ale 3. Oregonic Amber

Overall a pleasant experience was had by all at Rock Bottom.
Cheers,
Todd