Following up on Stephen Beaumont’s lament on “me too” pubs.
John Foyston (Warning: reading a blog about the Portland, Ore., beer scene may leave you severely depressed unless you live in Portland) reports that long beer journalist- publican-brewer Jim Parker and brewer Lorren Lancaster are opening a new brewpub called the Green Dragon Ale House & Bistro.
It’s in an area with four microdistilleries, three brewpubs and a bunch o’ good pubs. Just a typical Portland neighborhood.
Here’s the nut:
“Being a publican is a higher calling than just being a barkeep,” Parker said, “and I’m telling distributors that I don’t want flagship beers, I want the beers they’re having the hardest time selling. If you can get the same beer down the street, I don’t want to pour it because I want Portland’s smartest beer drinkers to come to my place. If I serve them just the standard beers, I’m not giving them any credit for their knowledge and sense of adventure…”
The pub is due to open in June. Parker is looking for people to join the Founders Club: Loan him $2,500 for five years and you get your own barstool and a guaranteed place at the bar; and your first beer free and 10% off your bill on every visit.
Um. That sounds kinda awesome!
Ya, Portland is indeed a sigh-producing exception to my lament. And not only in terms of beer selection; the Rose City is also one of the few places on this continent where almost every fine dining establishment offers at least a few domestic or imported craft beers for those wishing to enjoy an ale or lager with their meal.