UPDATE: We’re running at StormBreaker Brewing on August 21, 2021! MUCH has changed both at StormBreaker and in the world, but we thought it would be fun to turn the clock back and reshare this interview from 2017. ENJOY!
When Rob and I spoke, StormBreaker just celebrated its 3rd anniversary. So I had the opportunity to sit down with Rob Lutz, co-owner, and brewmaster, to learn more about this outstanding brewery on Mississippi Avenue in North Portland.
In many ways, Rob’s story is that of the American dream. Always wanting to be involved in the beer industry, Rob started at the bottom, scrubbing kegs and working his way up, constantly learning as he went. He held many beer-related jobs, but when an opportunity arose to purchase what is now StormBreaker, he called on longtime friend Dan Malech, and together they opened a place of their own.
After a beautiful remodel of the space (from “beer hall to ski lodge”), creating a solid food menu, and adding fun whiskey pairings, StormBreaker has become a local watering hole for neighborhood residents and a destination spot for tourists.
Watch my full interview with Rob to learn more about StormBreaker, and then register for our 5k fun run on August 21, 2021!
Video
About the Beer
Rob treated me to three beer tastings during our chat. Two of them are seasonal and may not be available on March 4. However, they were all really, really tasty! I loved learning that hoppy doesn’t necessarily mean bitter (especially true in the Triple Double IPA.)
Here are a few descriptions of the beers I tasted (taken from their website):
Winter Coat – New year, new coat. New features include the addition of Plum and sweet orange peel. As usual, Chocolate Malt and Special B insulate this year’s Winter Coat and it is stuffed with Fuggle and Sterling hops.
Triple Double IPA – Achieving a triple double in hoops is impressive, but achieving it in your beer is even better. With ten hop additions of three hop varietals, Mosaic, Citra, and Amarillo, this beer scores on your palate, rebounds in your nose with big aromas of grapefruit citrus and pineapple, and is assisted by the punchy, juicy citrus flavors to balance the slight upfront bitterness and big 8.5% ABV to make this a Rip City slam dunk.
Hand Full of Hops – This experimental IPA series is brewed for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood. Each batch we invite members of the community to throw in their own handfuls of hops. Each brew is different, with different hops, different recipe, different handfuls from different people. Our goal is that each batch will unite the senses and the neighborhood. Did you have a hand in it?
Join us on August 21 at StormBreaker Brewing on North Mississippi Avenue! We’ll be running up Mississippi Avenue, through the Overlook Park area, and back. Walk, run, jog with a kid. We’re open to all abilities. See you there!
