2nd Annual Portland Radler Fest

Leave it to Portland to host what might just be the world’s only Radler Festival.

As quirky and unique as the local culture, these delightful concoctions might just feed your need to break the norm and beat the summer heat.

Tomorrow is the second iteration of a festival dedicated to the German tradition of fusing beer with fruit soda and it’ll once again be hosted by Stormbreaker Brewing, on Mississippi, from Noon to 6pm.

But if only it were that easy to explain…

You see, those participating in the fest aren’t just Portland’s local fabricators of fine beers. There will also be versions featuring wine, cider and even 2 CBD infused Radlers (full tap list below).

I had a chance to preview a number of these creations last week. Here’s what we tried and what I’m looking forward to sipping on Saturday…

Pono Brewing ~ Purple Stuff (Brown Bag Vintage & Grape Soda – 3.6%) – so of course, right off the bat, shit got weird. This mix of Pono’s brown ale (a collaboration with Division Wines featuring Nebbiolo grape must) and grape soda is a flashback to PB&J’s and juice boxes. Sure, it’s a bit sweeter than your average radler, but poured cold and consumed quickly, it’s a fun option you won’t soon forget.

Stormbreaker Brewing ~ Passionately Pineapple (Total ReKolsch & Passionfruit/Pineapple – 2.6%) – probably the best I tried of all those on hand. Not only does it feature Stormbreaker’s award-winning Kölsch (one of the best in town), but it also resides right in that perfect, traditional ABV wheelhouse of around 2.5%. And you can’t beat the tropical flavor emanating from this one.

54°40′ Brewing Company ~ Ginger Lemonade Radler (Kölsch, Organic Lemonade & Hand Grated Ginger) – this was definitely the consensus favorite of all those who attended the preview. And I really enjoyed it as well, especially since I have this phobia of heavy ginger spicing where it doesn’t belong. But this exhudes a subtle ginger flavor that jives nicely with the Kölsch base and lemonade. Just lovely.

Picnic Table Wine ~ Berry Wine Radler and Citrus Wine Radler (Berry White Wine & Acai/Pomegranate/Blueberry – Citrus White Wine & Peach/Tangerine/Lemon/Pineapple – 5.5%) – this was another surprise, not only that a wine is being offered, but that it’s from a brand new sparkling wine company that’s only packaging in cans. Both were wonderful, but I preferred the citrus as it seemed a little more balanced.

Stiegl Radler ~ Grapefruit or Zitrone (Steigl Lager & Grapefruit or Lemon Soda – 2%) – if there’s an original Radler, this is it. One of the sponsors of the entire event, we of course sampled both versions of this classic treatment. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is the best readily available Radler you’re going to find, and it’s widely distributed.

I’m also looking forward to all the others I’ve yet to sample. The ones that jump out at me include Coalition Brewing’s Ring Master (Strawberry Lemon CBD Sour & Lychee Lime Soda – 4.2%), Migration Brewing’s Lime in the Coconut (Berliner Weisse & Lime Coconut – 3.3%), and the Zoiglhaus Brewing Berlin Mule (Berlinerweissebock & Lime and Vanilla – 4.4%)

Be sure to check out Stormbreaker’s website today to get your tickets ($18 advanced purchase online, $20 the day of) and learn more about everything happening, including live music and food specials. It’s going to be hot, so start hydrating now and come thirsty for Portland’s Most Refreshing Festival!

Full Taplist:

54-40 Brewing Co
Ginger Lemonade Radler 3.2%
Kolsch + Organic Lemonade + Grated Ginger

Baerlic Brewing Co.
Dad Juice 3.0%
Dad Beer + Grapefruit/Lemon/Lime

Brewery 26
Oregon Pineapple Sun 3.0%
Oregon Sun IPA + Pineapple Jarritos Mexican Soda

Cider Riot
Honky Tonks in Heaven 3.4%
Black Berry Cider + Big Red Cream Soda

Coalition Brewing
Ringer Master 4.2%
Strawberry Lemon Sour CBD + Lychee Lime Soda

Culmination Brewing Company
Classically Rad! 4.5%
Pilsner +Blood Orange/Grapefruit

Dirty Pretty
Pretty in Pink 4.0%
Pilsner + Grapefruit

Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
Mojave Blossom 2.5%
The Wood Lager + Lemon Hibiscus

Lompoc Brewing
Sun’s Out Pints 4.4%
Pilsner + Peach/Citrus

Migration Brewing Company
Lime in the Coconut 3.3%
Berliner Weiss + Lime Coconut

Modern Times PDX
Grapefruit ICE 3.3%
ICE Pilsner +Grapefruit

Ordnance Brewing
Bloops Blueberry Radler 2.5%
Blueberry + Lemon

Pono Brewing
Purple Stuff 3.6%
Brown Bag Vintage + Grape Soda

StormBreaker Brewing
Passionately Pineapple 2.6%
Total ReKolsch + Pineapple/Passionfruit

Picnic Table Wine Co.
Berry Wine Radler or Citrus Wine Radler 5.5%
Berry – White Wine + Acai/Pomegranate/Blueberry
Citrus – White Wine + Peach/Tang/Lemon/Pineapple

Hopworks Urban Brewery
Totally Radler 3.0%
HUB Organic Pilsner + Grapefruit

Stiegl – The one that started it all!
Grapefruit or Zitrone (Lemon) 3.2%

Swift Cider
Poma Rosa 3.2%
Hard Apple + Blood Orange with CBD

Wayfinder Beer
Rad Hell 2.5%
Wayfinder Helles + Lemon

Wild Ride Brewing
Orange Creamsicle 2.4%
Chillin’ Vanilla Cream Ale + Fanta Orange Soda

Zoiglhaus Brewing Company
Berlin Mule 4.4%
Berlinerweissebock + Lime & Vanilla