The Commons Brewery, built by Mike Wright, Sean Burke and Josh Grgas, is beautiful. You’ve likely driven past it countless times coming over the Morrison Bridge into SE Portland. There it sits at the corner of 6th and Belmont, exposed brick and wooden beams peaking out huge windows that surround most of the front and side of the brewery. It’s an ideal backdrop for friends and family to gather and enjoy a beer.
They have a passion and determination for, “approachable, food-friendly beers.” According to their website,
The Commons strives to make well executed, approachable beers with a refreshing and lively character. You can call us yeast forward, we’re comfortable with that. The beers are geared to be session-able and therefore enable or enhance social interaction.
Recently, I had the chance to sit down at the brewery and talk with Josh Grgas (pronounced “grrr-gus“), co-owner and brand manager. In the 60+ minute conversation, we talked about how he got into the beer world, some of his favorite beers, the mission of Commons, and a host of other random things.
I highly encourage you to listen/watch the full interview below, then join us for a 5K fun run that starts and ends at The Commons Brewery on June 3. Note: participation is limited to 75 (and minors are not allowed yet at Commons), so register now!
The Beer We Tasted
The Commons Brewery boasts 13 taps (one reserved for cider), and they recently added wine from the Twist vineyard. You can also get bottled beer to go. Their tap list changes regularly, but they also have some permanent beers.
Josh treated me to three different Commons beers that he felt best represents what they do.
Urban Farmhouse Ale
Traditionally, Farmhouse Ales were brewed on farms in the French and Flemish regions of Belgium. These beers were born out of necessity as most water was not potable and the farmers needed a refreshing beverage to offer the hard-working farmhands. The beer pours golden with a floral nose and a soft underlying hop bitterness with a crisp finish.
As I mention in the video, I’m becoming more and more a fan or lighter, smoother, easy drinking beers. This one is ALL that! It seems to go with most any food, or by itself.
Citrus Myrtle
A tart farmhouse ale. Myrtle has a pleasant acidity from a Lactobacillus fermentation. Lemony Meridian hops grown in Silverton, Oregon enhances the citrus character of their house Lactobacillus culture and the fruity ester profile of their house farmhouse yeast.
As I’ve noted before, I’m becoming more and more a fan of sour beers. The Myrtle isn’t too sour but boasts incredible citrus flavors, which I love. Unfortunately, this perfect post-run beer won’t be around much longer.
Pay No Attention To This IPA
This “American IPA bursting with pineapple, tropical fruit and citrus hop notes from Vic Secret, Denali, Citra, and Waimea hops. 6.5%” is a collaboration with Grains of Wrath brewing.
Pay No Attention To This IPA is their first IPA! Most breweries in the Pacific NW are known for their IPA’s, but the fellas at Commons intentionally decided not to create one (until now). This IPA isn’t too bitter but gives you a little pop in the nose (I’m still learning how to describe beer).
Join us on June 3, 2017!
If you’d like to run with us on June 3rd at The Commons Brewery, register here! Use promo code Commons5 to get $5 off.
