Portland's German Beer Scene: Augistener Availability

Augustiner-Bräu is a German brewery that produces a range of beers, including the Lagerbier Hell, Maximator, Edelstoff, Heller Bock, and Weissbier. While Augustiner-Bräu beers were previously unavailable in the United States, it appears that they are now accessible in certain regions. For instance, a Reddit user mentioned finding Augustiner beer in Portland, Oregon, while another user suggested checking Total Wine stores, which have a presence in multiple states. Additionally, the brewery's US distributor, Global Village Imports, can provide information on specific state-level distributors.

German beer in Portland

German beer is renowned for its quality and unique flavour profiles, and Portland, Oregon, has plenty of places to enjoy it.

Where to buy German beer in Portland

Firstly, it's important to note that German beer is not always easy to find in the US, and some varieties are not available at all. However, there are a few places in Portland that are worth checking out.

One option is to try some of the city's German restaurants and bars, which often have a good selection of German beers. Places like Edelweiss Sausage & Delicatessen, Otto's Sausage Kitchen, and 10 Barrel Brewing are known for their German beers and could be a good bet for finding Augustiner.

Another option is to check out some of the local breweries, such as Breakside Brewery, which may have German-style beers on offer.

German beer varieties

Some of the most popular German beer styles include:

• Pilsner: a light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing beer with a light golden colour and hoppy flavour.
• Weizenbier: a wheat beer with a hazy appearance and a spicy banana flavour.
• Bockbier: a strong, dark beer with a malty flavour and a rich, sweet aftertaste.
• Oktoberfestbier: a full-bodied, malty beer traditionally brewed for Munich's annual Oktoberfest celebration.
• Kolsch: a light-bodied beer with a crisp, clean flavour and light golden colour.

Augustiner

Augustiner is a classic German beer brewed in Munich using traditional methods. It is well-balanced, with a mild hop flavour and a rich, malty taste. While it may be hard to find in the US, it is worth seeking out if you're looking for an authentic German beer experience.

Beer gardens in Portland

Portland is known for its lively and innovative dining scene, with an abundance of breweries, craft distilleries, and urban wineries. Beer lovers will find plenty of options for outdoor drinking in the city, including beer gardens and patios. Here is a list of some of the top spots to enjoy a beer in Portland's fresh air:

Wayfinder Beer

Wayfinder Beer is located in a huge, century-old warehouse and offers simple, high-quality comfort food along with a variety of lagers and ales. Their massive outdoor patio, equipped with a fire pit, is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint of IPA and take in the fresh air. During the pandemic, they expanded their outdoor seating by setting up tables in the adjacent street, creating a makeshift beer garden.

Captured Beer Bus

A unique spot to chill and enjoy interesting beers. They have a food truck and a small but cozy outdoor seating area.

Migration Brewing Rooftop at Canvas

Offers rooftop seating with beautiful city views. It's a great spot to enjoy a beer and take in the urban landscape.

Little Beast Brewing Beer Garden

Features a cozy patio and a variety of seating options, including a tented area. They offer a wide selection of beers and a friendly atmosphere.

Stormbreaker Brewing

Stormbreaker has two locations in Portland, both with awesome outdoor spaces. The original location on North Mississippi Avenue has a large patio facing the street, and the St. John's location has a covered patio and additional seating in the adjacent street. They offer a wide range of beers, from citrusy IPAs to stouts.

Prost!

Prost! is an authentic German pub with a spacious back porch. They offer imported beers and traditional German food, including bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels. It's a great spot to enjoy a liter of beer and pair it with some delicious snacks.

The Rambler

The Rambler is a popular spot on North Mississippi Avenue, known for its cozy backyard with fire pits and a permanent patio roof. They offer Southern-inspired bar food and a modest beer and wine list.

Bar Bar

Bar Bar shares a space with Mississippi Studios and has a packed patio, especially before and after shows. They are known for their serious burgers and black-and-white movies projected onto the neighbouring building.

Alberta Street Pub

Alberta Street Pub has a spacious patio with a balance of covered and uncovered seating. They offer a wide range of drinks, including whiskey, mules, and slushies, along with bar snacks like Cajun fried pickles.

The Uncanny

The Uncanny has taken over the space of the dearly departed Psychic Bar and kept the iconic neon red windows. Their long covered patio is heated by powerful heaters, and they also have a lounge area with a fire pit. Their cocktail menu offers a dedicated New Orleans-inspired section, and the food is typical elevated Portland bar fare.

These are just a few examples of the many fantastic beer gardens and patios that Portland has to offer. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to relax or a lively place to socialise, you're sure to find the perfect beer garden to suit your taste in Portland.

German restaurants in Portland

If you're looking for German restaurants in Portland, there are several options to choose from. Here is a list of some popular ones:

Stammtisch

Stammtisch is a well-known German restaurant in Portland that serves delicious German food and offers a great selection of German beers. It is mentioned by many as one of the best German restaurants in the city.

Otto & Anita’s Schnitzelhaus/Otto and Anitas Bavarian Restaurant

This restaurant offers Bavarian cooking by Otto and Anita. It is located on Southwest Canby Street and is open from Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations are recommended.

Edelweiss Sausage & Delicatessen

Edelweiss is a popular choice for German food and beer in Portland. It is a small deli with a focus on its meat counter. It has received praise for its fantastic service and delicious offerings.

Slide Inn

Slide Inn is a cozy German-inspired restaurant in Portland. It has been described as having an "undenyably cool" vibe and a friendly owner who goes the extra mile. It offers a unique and authentic atmosphere, making it a favourite German restaurant for many.

Urban German Wursthaus

Urban German is a laid-back German Biergarten located on North Baltimore Avenue. It offers a good selection of German beers and wines and is a great spot to relax and enjoy traditional German fare.

Gustav’s Pub & Grill

Gustav’s is mentioned as a good option for German cuisine in Portland. It is located in Vancouver, Washington, and offers Hungarian/German cuisine.

Prost!

Prost! is located on North Mississippi Avenue in the historic Mississippi District. It is known for its authentic German food and wide variety of German beers, poured into their appropriate glasses according to German tradition. Prost! offers communal seating, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Beer importers in the US

The United States is one of the biggest importers of beer in the world, with total beer imports valued at US$7.1 billion in 2023. The country's largest beer suppliers include Mexico, the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, and Germany.

While the US has a number of large beer distributors, including Reyes Beverage Group, Silver Eagle Distributors, and Ben E. Keith Beverages, Shelton Brothers was considered one of the most influential beer importers in the country until it went out of business in 2020.

As for Augustiner beer, it appears that it can be purchased in Portland, Oregon, and Nashville, Tennessee. In Portland, Augustiner beer can be found at Total Wine stores, and in Nashville, it is distributed by Lipman Brothers. It is recommended to contact Global Village Imports to find out which distributors carry Augustiner beer in your state.

German beer bars in the US

German beer is extremely popular in the US, and there are many German beer bars across the country. However, the distribution of beer varies from state to state, with some states having stricter laws. For example, Louisiana and Mississippi have some of the strictest laws, and Alabama is also not the best state for beer lovers. On the other hand, Alaska has a strong craft beer scene, and so do Austin, Texas, and Chicago.

If you are looking for a specific German beer, your best bet is to contact the brewery directly to ask about their US distributors. For example, Augustiner Brau Lagerbier Hell Bier is now available in the US, distributed by Global Village Imports. You can contact them to find out which distributor in your state carries it.

If you are in Portland, Oregon, there are several places to get German beer. These include Edelweiss Sausage & Delicatessen, Otto's Sausage Kitchen, 10 Barrel Brewing, and Breakside Brewery.

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