Tim Schoenheit of Stickmen Brewing sits across from me on the brewery’s expansive deck perched on the Lake Oswego shores. He’s smiling as I try in vain to find the correct pronunciation for certain names on the beer list he has laid out in front of me. The 15 small samples are the perfect representation of his hard work, drive and labors of love.
Stickmen Brewing replaced the longstanding lakeside spot the old Beachcomber held in Lake Oswego and has since made itself into a craft beer destination. Taking the bar that has been set by the Oregon beer scene and pushing it even higher, Schoenheit beams with the joy of a man who loves what he does.
He smiles as I find the right pronunciation for his creation — Qüichrbichñ —and gives a knowing nod to his humor. I’m sure if you take a moment, the grammar pun will hit you, and if not, pop open a bottle, take a few sips and let the well-hopped ale reveal itself.
Stickmen produces an offering of over a dozen seasonal and flagship beers at any given time and even has taken the trend of sours to the next level. By aging some of these beers in whiskey barrels, Schoenheit proves that there is no rule he can’t find a new and innovative way to break.
One of the most surprising beers was something I have been struggling with since I tasted it. “Go Long,” a whiskey barrel-aged sour in the imperial porter-style, is one of those unique tastes that turns your beer profile upside down and makes you want another sip.
“This imperial porter was barrel-aged and soured in former whisky barrels for 17 months,” Schoenheit explains. “Notes of whiskey, oak and chocolate are balanced by a firm acidity for a roller coaster of a flavor experience.”
Schoenheit’s passion for the craft and willingness to take the proverbial box, set it on fire and make his own rules combines with a stunning location to make Stickmen not only a “must-visit” destination for beer lovers, but provides a postcard-perfect spot to unwind from the daily grind.
The ideal waterfront location gives visitors the chance to unwind in true Pacific Northwest beauty while treating their palates to a varied array of beers and delicious farm-to-table bites. Whether you’re looking for a spot have a quick business lunch as the lake laps below the deck, or your thirst for a top-notch beer flight brings to you Lake Oswego, Stickmen has a table waiting for you.
