Beaver State breweries send isles fine craft beers

Over the past two years, we have seen beers from dozens of new and exciting breweries come to Hawaii, offering endless choices from practically every corner of the globe. But one U.S. state in particular has really increased its presence here.

Oregon has been at the forefront of the craft beer renaissance since it began. In fact, some would argue the craft-beer culture has its origins in and around Portland. Oregon is home to more than 200 breweries, and Portland has the most breweries per capita in the U.S. It is home to countless world-class breweries.

Until recently Hawaii has had access only to beers of bigger Oregon breweries, such as Deschutes, Widmer and Rogue. But in the past year a lot more Oregon breweries have begun distributing to the isles, and we can expect news of even more coming soon as well.

Here are new-arrival recommendations from Oregon:

» Occidental Brewing Kolsch: German-style beers are not always easy to find commercially, yet they are some of the most drinkable, enjoyable beer styles produced. Occidental Brewing Co. is one of the few U.S. craft breweries to focus specifically on German-style lagers and ales. They have carved out a unique niche in the crowded Portland brewery scene with expertly produced beers like this one.

The kolsch style originated in Cologne, Germany. It is distinct from other German-style beers in that it is an ale rather than a lager. A kolsch is among the most refreshing and balanced of all beer styles.

Occidental’s kolsch has a highly vibrant aroma full of fresh peaches, apples and bubble gum, and its light, bready malt flavor is backed up with more soft fruit flavors. A gentle hop bitterness provides just enough balance for a clean and dry finish.

This is a perfect year-round beer for our subtropical climate and a great alternative to a typical light lager. Find a four-pack of 16-ounce cans for $10.99 at the Liquor Collection.

» Worthy Brewing Lights Out Stout: One of the fastest-growing breweries in Oregon last year was Worthy Brewing, located in Bend. Relatively unknown outside the state until a year ago, Worthy has begun distribution to Hawaii.

Like Occidental, Worthy also brews a kolsch, but its true standout is Vanilla Cream Lights Out Foreign Stout. While a kolsch is the perfect beach beer, this stout will warm you with deep chocolate, coffee and vanilla flavors. A touch of lactose provides a silky and creamy texture that plays nicely with the bitter and sweet flavors.

Its deep, dark-brown hue is topped with a beautiful creamy head of foam that begs to be sipped slowly for maximum enjoyment.

Foodland offers a six-pack of 12-ounce cans for $10.99.

» GoodLife Brewing Descender IPA: Another wildly popular and growing Bend-based brewery to land in Hawaii last year was GoodLife. Less than five miles from Worthy, GoodLife brews an exceptional IPA called Descender.

Like many Pacific Northwest IPAs, Descender is loaded with piney, grassy and citrusy hops all balanced with a solid malty base that leaves a touch of sweetness on your palate. The bitterness is upfront and vibrant but not so overpowering that it overstays its welcome on the palate.

Its bright copper color highlights the use of roasted malts that provide enough balance to keep hop resins from dominating the profile.

For IPA lovers, this is a great beer for your rotation.

Find a six-pack of 12-ounce cans for $12.99 at Whole Foods markets.

Tim Golden shares his obsession with all things craft beer monthly in the Star-Advertiser food section. See his blog, “Beer in Hawaii,” at beerinhawaii.com.