vernonia’s
voice in other words
february
2009
Another Round: More
Words of Wisdom About Beer
By Scott Laird
“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.” -David Rains Wallace
Ninkasi Brewing -- Worship the Goddess -- I have been hearing about Ninkasi Brewing in
Eugene for a while now, but hadn’t had the opportunity to try one of their beers until very
recently. Started in 2006, it’s a new brewery supposedly producing some very fine brews.
I had run across two IPA’s they make, Total Domination and Tricerahops Double IPA, but
not being a big IPA drinker, that wasn’t what I was looking for. On a recent visit to Eugene,
some friends and I went looking for the tasting room that was listed on their website. But
if I had read a little further, I would have realized tasting takes place right in the brewery
which apparently closes early, as the address we had was dark and the fence was padlocked.
Finally-- salvation, as I came across their limited release of bottled Oatis Oatmeal Stout. And
yes-- it was worth the wait. Robust, smooth, flavorful and balanced, this is my new favorite
this winter-- especially since I still haven’t got my hands on any Widmer Snowplow. Oatis,
at 7.2 ABV, is hearty but not overly so, and offers a very drinkable Stout. Make sure to give
this one a try!
Speaking of fermentation, here’s a bit more about Ninkasi. According to their website, their
name comes from the Sumerian Goddess of fermentation. The Sumerians were apparently
early adaptors, who quit being nomads and settled down to grow barley from which they
made bread and beer. They also were the first civilization to write, have schools, and laws.
Sound like smart people, those Sumerians.
What’s In a Label -- Beer bottle labels can be a source of great amusement while sitting
around having a cold one-- and I don’t mean peeling it off and sticking it to your forehead.
Many craft brewers seem to take great pride in creating interesting labels with beautiful art
work, facts and information about the beer or the brewery, even tall tales and funny stories.
Now, some of you may be thinking-- who cares about the label-- we want to hear about
BEER! Well, with the economic downturn and recent nasty weather out here in Vernonia,
the fact is I haven’t been searching out many new microbrews recently. And I needed some
material for this column. So I went looking at some old empties that hadn’t been returned
yet... and voila! A subject to write about.
Lagunitas Brewery has always had some of the most original and creative labels. An ongo-
ing tale about a Russian Czar on their Imperial Stout labels makes great, if somewhat con-
fusing reading. And their special releases in the past have honored Frank Zappa, and quoted
him liberally (how else could you quote Zappa). The above-mentioned Ninkasi Brewing
mentions the legand from which they get their name-- in fact, the label is probably where I
actually learned about it for the first time. Deschutes Brewing offers some interesting and
attractive labels, especially for their special releases and anniversary beers. New Belgium
Brewing features beautiful yet simple art work, and their print advertising makes for some
fun and interesting reading and viewing, especially the one for their Skinny Dip Beer, which
featured a photo of about twenty employees and friends skinny dipping. But I digress-- back
to labels. One of my all time favorites was the 3-D label that Bridgeport Brewing created
for their Raven Mad Porter, that came with glasses to view it. Dick’s Beers from Centralia
has wonderful, historically themed, classic art work on their labels. And last, but not least, is
Stone Brewing’s Vertical Epic series-- a new vintage is released, each year-- one month, and
one day after the last, leading to 12/12/2012, when they should all be aged and ready to drink.
(If the world doesn’t end first.) The label (it’s not actually a label , but is printed directly on
the bottle) explains the story, and the idea behind collecting and waiting to drink the beers.
Of course, interesting names are part of the fun of enjoying craft brews, and lend themselves
to interesting interpretations on the labels. Mt. Shasta Brewing in Weed, California, has
some great names and very attractive labels-- including their Lemurian Lager, Mountain
High IPA and Shastafarian Porter. And Hales Ales in Seattle had one of my all time favorite
names-- Pikop Andropov’s Rushin’ Imperial Stout (go ahead, sound it out).
So what’s in a label? Well, for starters there’s literature, great story telling, art, culture, his-
tory, and even predictions for the future. And that’s before you even start looking for the
ABV. So next time, slow down a bit and enjoy the label while enjoying the beer.
Join me next month for Another Round!
Vernonia
Dental
Stargazer
By Esther Arce
The sun in the sign of Aquarius reminds us that we can’t do it alone. And the truth is; we
really don’t want to. At times it can be easy to see the differences between us and use them
as a barrier to connecting, but by gathering together with others we increase our chances of
finding solutions to the challenges we are facing. We find comfort, safety, friendship and
security in others, and when all else is gone all we have left is each other. In a very real sense
the progress of the world depends on our progress as individuals and our ability to come
together with others peacefully.
For the last six months Saturn, the planet ruling dense matter, government, authority,
tradition, structure, and in many cases, death, has been making a difficult opposition to Ura-
nus, the planet of revolution, change, and a new world order. A long-awaited change is at
hand. Any difficulty that has oppressed you over a long period of time is now ready to be dis-
solved, but your effort is required. Remain patient and focused on your goal and the change
will come.
You can reach Esther Arce at info@EstherArce.com, 503.703.0904, or visit
www.EstherArce.com. Esther is currently running a running a reading special. The normal
price for a reading is $80, but she is offering a $30 discount and readings are now $50.
Aries
By sacrificing a personal aim or grievance
in the interest of what is right, you will gain
the allegiance of others and open the way
for everyone to benefit. Growth is possible if
you remain modest and alert. Arrogance will
cause you to falter.
Libra
Do not be swayed or persuade by others, in-
stead stick to what you know to be correct. If
unexpected trouble comes, do not fight against
it. Remain nonjudgmental and disengaged and
it will pass quickly on its own. If you are sincere
in your efforts progress will be made.
Taurus
Do not indulge in looking at those around you
and trying to match them tit for tat, and do not
chase others to try and influence them. It will
be difficult at times to persuade others to see
you point of view. Better to retreat and come
back on a better day.
Scorpio
There is danger in indulging in pride. If you are
stubborn and unyielding you will create a diffi-
cult time for yourself. Doubt and fear may pro-
pel you into action but it will not give you the
result you want. Through acceptance and self
correction you make a great change possible.
Gemini
There is a great desire to move, but the time
is not right. Attempting to force a resolution
or completion to the matter will set you back
and cause misfortune. Instead, patiently let go
of doubt, fear, anger and distrust and remain
innocent, quiet, and detached. Tranquility on
every level is advised.
Sagittarius
Express your knowledge in your conduct rather
than your words. Abandon ambitions, anxieties,
and agendas. What is necessary comes from
within and what is worthwhile is created slowly
and carefully. Patiently remain focused on your
goal and a way will be cleared.
Cancer
It is futile to act out of strong emotions. You can-
not overcome the forces opposing you by strug-
gling, and others will not be receptive. If you still
yourself and let doors open of their own accord,
a resolution will come sooner and good fortune
and success will ultimately be yours.
Leo
You are meant to learn new things this year.
Keep your mind and heart open as you find
yourself doing things you never thought you
would or could. It’s a time of new beginnings. In
order to achieve true power and true greatness
you must be in harmony with what is right.
Virgo
A withdrawal from the affairs of the world is
appropriate if you use the time not to judge
and criticize, but to further your own devel-
opment. When you improve yourself you
improve the world. Lay aside mistrust and
release the tensions of the moment.
Small and Large Animals
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622 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064
phone (503) 429-0880 -- fax (503) 429-0881
Capricorn
True kindness is expressed through helping oth-
ers and your own good fortune makes it possible
for you to do great deeds. Through selflessness
and a sense of purpose you will accomplish a
lot now and nothing can prevent success from
finding you.
Aquarius
If you persist in improper behavior when your
heart knows what is correct, you will become
hopelessly entangled in troubles. Stop striving
and a solution will present itself at the proper time.
You’re a visionary. Use your highly creative mind
and see a better way for yourself and others.
Pisces
You are not to blame for the current difficulties,
neither should you blame others. Let go of judg-
ments and simply do what is right. You may find
that you need to take a step back and rethink the
situation. Perhaps a trip to the beach is exactly
what’s needed.
Birkenfeld Store and Café
Home of the 1/3lb. hand-pressed burger!
Now Open
Friday and Saturday Nights!
an
DM
D
Midway Veterinary
Clinic
ch
S
.
19
Open in Vernonia
Wednesday & Saturday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call for Appointments
(503) 429-1612
Or 24 hr. Emergency Number (503) 397-6470
805 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR
Grocer y and Liquor Store hours:
Monday-Saturday 8am to 6pm
and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Café open daily
f rom 9am - 4pm
11139 Highway 202 - Birkenfeld
(503) 755-2722
