Portland207

Greendrinks on Tuesday at return host O’Naturals.  A little after its year anniversary, Portland Greendrinks is celebrating with a spankin new website designed by the socially consciousness crew over at SOAP.  Planned Parenthood is involved this month, so there are free condoms with the free beer.

As we enter further into the depths of winter, solace can be found in the form of free oysters and cheap beer at J’s and Dogfish, respectively.   From 4-6pm all Feb. long, the salty wait staff at J’s Oyster Bar sling paper plates of oysters for happy hour patrons to enjoy.  They set aside a limited quantity of free mollusks, so get there on the early side.  Starting next week, Dogfish Bar & Grill (on Free St.) launches its $1 draft Mondays, $2 draft Tuesdays and $3 draft Wednesdays during happy hour.  As you can imagine, attendance is strong.

MSN gives a nod to Allagash in their line-up of top summer beers.  The Belgian style beer that Allagash cooks up seems to be growing in popularity.  The tastes are definitely a departure from the standard American crap, and the ABV is certainly compelling.  Allagash has a few events lined up for August and September to show off their beers.  On the 12th of August, they will be at Evangeline from 6 to 8pm, supporting The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.  $10 and space is limited.  Contact Allagash for info: info@allagash.com.  On the 23rd of this month, the Alligashians will be at Vignola from 2 to 4pm, for a Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital fundraiser.  This year’s Fluxus will be on display.  On September 25th, the Great Lost Bear is holding an Allagash event from 5 to 9pm.

Novare Res held the first of several brewer meet and greets last evening.  The bearded dudes of Allagash were on tap to talk about the 10 or so varieties of Belgian-style beers that they brought along.  These were far from the ubiquitous Allagash White that can be found in most bars this time of year.  The brews included several barrel-aged beers, such as the Curieux, which is a Tripel aged in Jim Beam barrels for a couple of months, and the Odyssey, which is aged for 6 months both oak and stainless steel.  Also on site was the last barrel of Rosalare, which was aged in white wine casks.  There is no mistaking this beer when you sample it.  They also introduced this year’s Fluxus, which is released for the anniversary of Allagash.  This year’s is a double white with a bit of ginger.  Each beer had a suggested cheese pairing, which could be had for a mere $1.  The turnout was impressive; resulting in a staff that was a bit overwhelmed and overworked as they tried to sling beer and cheese as fast as they could.  Patrons were in good spirits, satiated by the boozy Belgian beers.  Most are up around 8% or 10% ABV.  The good times continue when the owners and brewers of Dogfish Head stop by Novare Res next Tuesday.  The folks from Rogue are in the queue for late August.