Every successful artisan needs a muse, and in the Pacific Northwest, inspiration is fortunately not difficult to come by. Beers Made By Walking is taking advantage of the vast expanses of lush, green forest covering Oregon and Washington by planning hikes that connect brewers and drinkers with the natural ingredients that either already do or have the potential to inspire their craft beers.
Although the hikes and conversations will vary based on location, the overall message will consist of informing hikers about the edible and medicinal plants that grow along the trails in their region. Such plants will also be the muses for participating local breweries and a series of “drinkable, landscape portraits of the trails hiked,” will be released in the Fall.
Not only will these hikes be incredible opportunities for beer enthusiasts to have in depth conversations with the brewers themselves about the ingredients they put so much care into choosing, but they will also be a way for attendees to learn about their impact on the environment. Beers Made by Walking will be collaborating with multiple organizations whose goals are to instill within their community an air of environmental awareness and respect.
Although some hikes’ details have yet to be announced, individuals in the Seattle area on June 18 can join other nature and beer lovers in Seward Park at 2 pm. Brewers from Epic Ales and Brickyard Brewing will be teaming up with individuals representing the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed in Seattle to entertain and educate by detailing the necessity of watershed sustainability and the chemistry behind everyone’s favorite fermented beverage. Although this event welcomes all with the lovely price of free, click here to register.
Oregonians will not have to make the trek to Seattle in order to participate in one of these hikes. Forest Park is also home to various Beers Made by Walking free hikes. The Forest Park Conservatory is pairing with Sasquatch Brewing Company, Hopworks Urban Brewery, and more to deliver desirable information in a breathtaking atmosphere throughout the summer. Stay up to date with their schedule by following their Facebook page: BMBW Summer Hikes in Forest Park.
Now that we know about this incredible opportunity to get out into the great outdoors and learn more about our favorite summer pick me up, it’s time we focus on the best way to incorporate this boozy goodness into our summer outings. Since kegs are too large for anything but a backyard BBQ and glass is heavy and potentially dangerous to travel with, we recommend finding delicious canned brews to take with you on your hiking, backpacking, and camping trips throughout these warmer months. Before you turn up your nose, give one of these craft canned delicacies a try: Caldera Brewing Company, Two Beers Brewing Co., Trailhead ISA, and Fort George Brewery & Public House . Just remember, learn a lesson from Beers Made by Walking and make sure to keep our forests beautiful – recycle after finishing your drink!
