In an effort to #fuelyourwanderlust, we are traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast sharing famous landmarks and lesser-known treasures and showing how natural gas makes them unique.
During our journey to popular travel destinations across the United States, we have landed in the city aptly nicknamed Beervana — Portland, Oregon.
Portland is home to picturesque scenery, a robust cycling culture and a unique vibe that results in it being considered one the coolest cities in the United States. The city is also known for its love of craft beer. This hipster mecca houses nearly 60 breweries, so it is not a surprise that it has been dubbed “The world’s best beer city” in recent years.
Where does natural gas fit in you may ask? From production to distribution, natural gas has a hand in delivering tall glasses of craft brew to all who visit this beer-lovers’ paradise.
For example, fuel is an integral element of the beer brewing process, accounting for approximately 45% of breweries’ natural gas consumption. Other notable uses of natural gas in breweries are space heating and packaging.
The boiling of wort, a sugary liquid separated from the grains and hops, is made possible through the use of steam, which is usually heated by a natural-gas-fueled boiler..
Compared with to other fuels such as coal, natural gas is significantly more eco-friendly in terms of its carbon footprint, and its generally more affordable.
On your visit to Portland, here are a few breweries that are well worth your time:
Deschutes Brewery
210 NW 11th St.
Notable beer: Passion Fruit IPA
Ecliptic
825 N. Cook
Notable beer: Orbiter IPA
Ex Novo
2326 N. Flint
Notable beer: West Coast Best Coast IPA
