Chili Beer, Calapooia Brewing

This is a beer unlike any other that I've tried. It's incredibly tasty and unlike other chili beers, it is actually somewhat spicy. The heat is not too great, but it lingers for a long time, even after the rest of the flavor of the beer is gone. The flavor seems to be a combination jalapeno and other peppers. The scent is incredible as well and really lends strength to the entire taste. This is a beer that is definitely worth making the stop for. I have to try the other beers at this brewery sometime soon. This may soon be my favorite brewery in the Corvallis area. 

Location: Albany, OR
Rating: 9.2

Eight-Ball Stout, Lost Coast Brewery

This is a very tasty stout. It has a nice coffee flavor and a quick finish without any lingering taste. Unlike many coffee stouts, the flavor is not at all overwhelming and complements the rich chocolaty flavor. I would recommend this to anyone. This beer may not be the most original in flavor, but it is done very well. 

Location: Eureka, CA
Rating: 9.0

Chainbreaker White IPA, Deschutes Brewery

This is an IPA unlike most IPAs. It is incredibly flavorful and refreshing without the bitter flavors of most IPAs. It's hoppy, but the flavors are mostly sweet and flowery. I would recommend this beer to anyone, even non-IPA lovers.

Location: Bend, OR
Rating: 9.0

Monkey Face Porter, Cascade Lakes Brewing Company

This is pretty hoppy for a porter and the taste does seem to linger. Considering the type of beer, the flavor is not particularly strong and the beer itself is not very smooth. It isn't a bad porter, but it is not one of the best I've had. I would definitely drink this beer again but it is not one I would seek out. That said, I do like the label and the name. 

Location: Redmond, OR
Rating: 7.3

Porter, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

This is a pretty solid porter. It is dark and tasty. For a porter it is pretty smooth (though still doesn't reach stout status). The taste is rich and full but fades quickly with little to no aftertaste. Despite being dark and rich, this beer manages to be fairly refreshing. This would be great for a cold winter day after a long day of work or exercise. 

Location: Chico, CA
Rating: 8.4

Ill Tempered Gnome Winter Ale, Oakshire Brewing

This is a very good Winter Ale. It has a strong nutty flavor that verges on the brink of coffee. It is smooth, isn't very carbonated, and the flavor is fleeting, making you want to drink more as quickly as possible. This is a bit heavy and wouldn't be something for a hot summer day, but it is perfect for a cold winter night. I must emphasize again that this is a very good beer.  

Location: Eugene, OR
Rating: 9.0

St. Peter's Cream Stout, St. Peter's Brewery Co Ltd

Strong rich flavor. Very creamy but at the same time fairly tangy. Slightly bitter aftertaste, but overall it is very sweet. In fact, it almost has a rum and coke taste to it. I am not a huge fan of cream beers of any type and this one is one of the better ones that I've had, but I will still rate it lower just based on my opinion of the type...

Location: UK
Rating: 6.4

Oatmeal Ellie, Seven Brides Brewing

This is actually one of the better Oatmeal Stouts I've had, which is saying a lot since I seek them out. There is a good strong oatmeal flavor to it, and it is smooth as well. Even with the oatmeal flavor though, it isn't nearly as strongly flavored as other types of stouts (chocolate and espresso in mind). Definitely a stout worth having and one that would not get old on a daily basis. That said, it isn't one I would choose for special occasions or anything.

Location: Silverton, OR
Rating: 8.4