ForeLand Beer announces Portland Grand Opening and new Head Brewer — New School Beer + Cider

What’s Brewing

On the brewery side of the operation, in the basement of the LeftBank Project, new head brewer Peter McDowell will have an important role in recipe development and input on the beer portfolio.

“His joining [McDowell] is an important part of our growth,” says Sanguinetti. “He has such a diverse background and has picked up so much experience, technique and inspiration from his previous brewing jobs and brewery ownership that will really help us evolve. I’m excited to see what ideas he brings to the table!”

Change in ForeLand’s beer lineup and even the profile of flagship core beers and seasonals are inevitable on a new brewhouse (the McMinnville system was sold off) especially because of Upright’s open fermentation vessels. The 10 barrel basement brewhouse also comes equipped with closed fermenters, but half of the primary production barrel-age comes from two open top fermenters in a closed and sanitary room to keep from contamination. This will inform yeast selection and fermentation management, and could lead to some even more flavorful and unique lagers (think Upright Brewing’s Spellbound Pilsner.)

ForeLand will still focus on West Coast hoppy beers, Continental Lagers, and Traditional Pub Ales, but don’t be surprised to see some Hazy NE-style IPA make their way into the rotation, along with more adjunct lagers, more cask beer and even a saison or two.

“The most exciting thing for me personally in being a Portland based brewery now is that we have so much more opportunity to host and be part of even more collaborations,” says Sanguinetti.

This Thursday, September 16th will be Peter McDowell and first brew day on Upright Brewing’s old 10 barrel system, which will also mark the restart of ForeLand’s beer production in more then 2 month since they began decommissioning their McMinnville brewhouse.

The first beer will be a classic English-style Best Bitter, brewed in anticipation of Away Days Brewing’s upcoming Cask Passport. The next brews will be another British classic – Dark Mild, followed by Low Sun Texas-style lager, and then core ForeLand mainstay Shape Creation IPA.