A taste of barrel-matured craft beer in Corvallis

CORVALLIS, ORE. - Dozens of thirsty beer lovers patiently waited outside of Odd Fellows Hall in Corvallis on Friday night for the first ever "BARREL". The event offered a barrel-matured Craft Beer experience for brewers in the Willamette Valley from 12 local breweries.

"We've got everything from sours to bourbon barrel-aged beers, all certain types," said Chris Althouse, co-founder of the Corvallis Craft Beer Association.

Althouse said that Thursday's event is one of several going on this week for Corvallis Beer Week 2012. He added that with the craft beer business blossoming in Corvallis,"BARREL" is the perfect opportunity for the beer industry to come together.

"It's kind of like a local movement," Althouse said. "A lot more jobs are created when people drink from smaller craft brewers. We're such a small industry that I feel like we've got a ways to go."

Organizers said at 125 - 150 people came out to Friday night's event. Beer tasters said they were drawn to the uniqueness that local beer has to offer.

"Even if you've had them in the past, they're not the same as they're going to be tonight," said Alex Ganum, a brewer from Portland.

"There's a lot you can do to make it your own, and we're doing a damn good job of it," said Derek Zane, a Corvallis resident.

Zane is excited for the beer sampling event to finally be making it's way into Corvallis.

"As long as you're supporting your local economy, what better way to get things going," Zane said.

Breweries that served served up some suds at "BARREL" included 2 Towns Cider house, Block 15 Brewing, Breakside Brewery, Cascade Brewing, The Commons Brewery, Flat Tail Brewing, Lickspigot, Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, Ninkasi Brewing, Oakshire Brewing, Stone Brewing, and Upright Brewery.

All proceeds from the beer tasting event will go to the Corvallis Craft Beer Association.