Welcome back to Sip Northwest’s bi-weekly selection of what to drink in the Northwest now, written by our editor to enhance your (responsible) imbibing habits. Fill your tab — and glass — with these sippable exemplars of Northwest drink.
The Liberty Distillery Endeavour Pink Gin || Thinking pink like many during this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Endeavour Pink gin was inspired by a classic gin cocktail that was trending in early-19th century England. A navy-strength (higher in alcohol per volume) gin, only 100 percent organic British Columbia-grown wheat is used as the base, with 18 different botanicals slowly infused in, during re-distillation in a single copper pot still. And the color? That comes from wild rose and rose hips that also yield fragrant and floral aromatics. Juniper still stands in the spotlight, but with a strong herbal supporting cast of coriander, citrus and star anise to round the gin out.
Red Tank Cider Lherry || A cidery among 26 breweries, Red Tank brings a bit of apple to Bend, Oregon. The warehouse-based maker handcrafts half a dozen ciders, with even more seasonal releases to hit the mark at the right time of year, like the Lherry. With the powers of lemon, cherry and cider combined (and a little wordplay on top), this tap-only select is a flavor-bomb of sweet and sour, minus the cloying textures usually associated with those words. A supercharged nose of juicy citrus and tangy-sweet red cherry blend with the apple in the mid-palate, finishing sharp and fruit-forward.
Nicolas Jay 2015 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley || The result of a partnership between Burgundian superstar Jean-Nicolas Méo and music industry visionary Jay Boberg, Nicolas Jay produces just three wines, debuting with this Willamette Valley cuvee. A sparkling new vintage release for the young producer, fruit is selected from higher-elevation sites in the Chehalem Mountains and that of blocks from Nysa Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and the estate Bishop Creek in Yamhill-Carlton. Lavender, fresh flowers, raspberry and a refreshing air of wet rock lace the glass, an enticing profile for pairing with BBQ or sipping in front of the fire. Lower-alcohol and tangy fruits (cranberry, boysenberry) complement meaty undertones, decent grip, dusty earth and youthful texture.
Everybody’s Brewing Local Logger Lager || A cozy brewpub on the hillside in White Salmon, Washington, peek-a-boo views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood make this 50-person backyard patio a must-stop for summer travelers — and the variety of beer doesn’t hurt the cause either. Built to have more than one, Everybody’s beers are session-focused, without sacrificing flavor. This lager — at 4.8 percent ABV with a clean, golden profile — is the perfect, crushable example. The Saaz hop, a Czech aromatic variety known for its floral and citrusy spice, drives the lager characteristics home, as a refreshing and tailgate-ready beer for the masses.
This story originally ran in the summer print issue of Sip Northwest magazine. For the full story, and more like it, click here.
