Pelican Brewing’s Spring Seasonals

A 4-day trip to the Oregon Coast has to include at least one stop at Pelican Brewing for a taste of what’s new and some bottles to take home. And what’s a greater reward for a 1,200ft ascent up Cascade Head than a refreshing local craft beer?

I had their Riptide Red, which was a more traditional take on a red ale than most local breweries might offer. Not bitter or hoppy, this red had some rye notes to the finish and a solid bready malt flavor. It’s medium-bodied, fairly light on the palate, and not at all sweet. There’s a hint of clove and spice in the flavor, but nothing overwhelming. This is definitely a red you’d drink after a hard day’s labor. It was perfect on a warm yet overcast coastal day, just as the Irish would like their red ale.

Kathy had  the Nestucca ESB, which was completely different than I’d expected. The aroma is strongly green hop, very bright and fresh, nearly grassy. But after that green hop aroma comes a malty, bready flavor that washes away any astringent hop notes. There’s some caramel and toffee in the finish, but it’s well-balanced so the final flavor isn’t at all sweet. It has a medium to slightly fizzy body, a hint of esters in the flavor, but winds up crisp and refreshing without being overhopped. I thought I’d hate this ESB, but it was really good! If growlers at Pelican weren’t so expensive ($15 with your own bottle, $23.50 if you need a new bottle) we would have gotten one of the ESB.

Drop by Pelican Brewing some time this spring and give their offerings a try! They’re also working on some Belgian styles that are bound to be interesting. We’ve got a 22oz bottle of Saison du Pelican that I can’t wait to taste.