Ninkasi Brewing Co.'s SLEIGH'R

Ninkasi Brewing Co. out of Eugene, Oregon, is a rising giant in the West Coast brewing scene. It’s partly marketing, brewer/owner Jamie Floyd is a marketing master and because the huge, highly hopped beers are extremely popular with many craft beer lovers.

I think I’ve tried 90 percent of their beer styles, but I was intrigued by the double alt they call SLEIGH’R.

I finally got my opportunity after visiting a good friend, the Sunday editorial page editor at The Oregonian. In the midst of a thick and heavy snow, my wife and I drove the few blocks to the Pearl District and Henry’s Tavern to visit an old college buddy. It was a nostalgic day for sure and filled with some great conversation about the industry I love as well as beer.

My friend Carl and his lovely girlfriend were sipping a Ninkasi SLEIGH’R and something over ice, respectively. And over two delicious dark alts, aptly named considering Carl is a disc jockey at a station in Eugene that plays heavy metal, we caught up on the amazing changes in the business since we graduated from journalism school several years ago.

In between the comparison of jobs, I found myself taking some mental notes on the SLEIGH’R. Think of it as a hugely bitter alt beer, but with style and class that you might not expect in the match. A crisp maltiness is evident behind the ample hops, but you don’t struggle to separate the flavors evident in each of the different ingredients. I found SLEIGH’R to be one of the more interesting of the over-hopped regular-style craft beers. India brown ales and double reds, which Ninkasi also specializes in come to mind.

Our conversation hit nearly every possible angle, at times delving into Russian literature and then looping into speculation as to what constitutes violating the rights of rockers when it comes to publishing interviews. Carl, you are an inspiration to me. Only rarely have I met someone who is living their dream. Aside from the many brewers I meet, you are a rare one indeed.

If and when you come upon a Ninkasi SLEIGH’R, find a good conversationalist and order up a couple and kick back and let the beer work it’s magic.

Prost,

GG

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