Beer lovers brace for a frothy weekend in Portland as the much-anticipated Zwickelmania event is making its return to Montavilla Breweries on February 17th. Montavilla.net reports that Montavilla Brew Works and Threshold Brewing & Blending will open their doors for the occasion, offering behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive tank pours directly from the zwickel, a valve traditionally used by brewers for sampling beer during fermentation. This annual event marks a highlight during Oregon Craft Beer Month, orchestrated by the Oregon Brewers Guild.
Meanwhile, StormBreaker Brewing isn't just coasting on hops and high times. They're ringing in their 10th year with a celebration that's both a nod to the past and a toast to the future. The North Portland fixture, whose origin story began as Amnesia Brewing, will party at its original location at 832 N Beech St, as noted by NewSchoolBeer.com. In a business where the taprooms come and go, a decade of creating craft brew relationships serves as more than just bragging rights; it's a milestone that showcases adaptability and grassroots connection.
"A lot of really good breweries and brewpubs have come and gone during that time period, so to be here at year ten is a testament to this community and the support it's shown us from our opening through now," Rob Lutz, StormBreaker Brewing's brewmaster and co-owner, relayed in a statement obtained by NewSchoolBeer.com. Their dedication to quality and community is clear, as echoed in their expansion with a secondary location in St. Johns and a roaming beer truck in NE Portland.
According to a recent interview by OregonLive, the co-founders are not strangers to the hardships facing the brewing industry amid a tough economic climate. Malech expressed determination to evolve with the times, saying, "We're gonna celebrate this one and be happy with it in the now." Their tenacity mirrors the dynamic spirit of Portland's brewing scene—and their resolve to continue is a sentiment likely shared by beer enthusiasts and fellow Portland brewers alike.
