20 Years Ago
In 1997, Don Younger -- Portland’s favorite publican -- and Joy Campbell opened a tiny shop steps from the Horse Brass Tavern on Belmont Street. They sold bottled beer and imported food. Over time the food was replaced with more beer. Ten years later, Carl Singmaster came along and bought his way into the shop. They into a larger space with more room for beer and a small tap room on Stark Street, a few blocks north. Ten years have passed and Lisa Morrison joined on and they shop expanded, they added more and more taps, and Belmont Station became the most beloved beer bar and bottleshop in Portland.
In April, the Station celebrated twenty years in in the beer business. There were theme parties ever day for nearly a month. Brewery’s as far away as Michigan brewed special beers for the occasion, but the only one I got my hands on was Double Vision from Hopworks.
Double Vision is a “Pacific Northwest inspired English strong ale.” The northwest portion can really overpower the English subtlety. A healthy dose of Maris Otter malt gives the beer it’s girth, adding weight and minimal jammy sweetness. Centennial, Bullion, and Celeia hops add a healthy bitterness and a dry, dry finish. Every sip is punctuated with a big tongue smack. Double VIsion was inspired by classics like Fuller’s Vintage Ale, but it tastes more like an imperial red. It’s not bad, but not as balanced as I’d like.
