Month: February 2016

Medford Market Season Begins, March 3rd

RVGCM_Logo2010_CMYK-2It’s practically here! The Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market (RVGCM) returns for the season next week, and the Thursday location has moved to Hawthorne Park, just down the street from our brewpub. But wait, it gets better. The Saturday Medford market starts in May, and is literally just across the street from us at the Medford Commons. That’s right – two fresh and tasty markets within walking distance of Common Block. We’re not even open yet, and already we’re salivating at the beer and food possibilities.

The market welcomes growers and producers from Jackson, Josephine and Siskiyou counties, making their offerings truly regional specialties. To get an idea of the produce you’ll find at the market throughout the year, visit the RVGCM In Season page. There are also crafters and producers with year-round products (including cheese, bread, meat, coffee, salts, wood-work and more), so the market is not-to-be-missed all season long.

Walking distance from CBBC to Thursday Market

6 minutes? We think we could do it in 4.

Hungry for breakfast or lunch? The market also welcomes a handful of food carts with prepared fare to swoon over. Katrina’s Tamales, Sultan’s Delight, Daddy’s Doughnuts and Peruvian Point are just a few of our favorite (mmm…we can taste the fresh doughnuts now). We recommend getting a bite and relaxing at one of the picnic tables while the kiddos keep busy at the playground.

In the near future you’ll be able grab goodies to go, pick up a growler of Common Block brew, and celebrate local food and drink the best way you know how. Stay tuned for beer pairing ideas with seasonal fare (we’re talking Hefeweizen and Strawberry Shortcake, people!) and vendor highlights. Get excited ahead of time by visiting their webpage and browsing the photo gallery. Or don’t, if you’re nowhere near food – you’ll be hungry.

The Dark Side: 5 Rogue Valley Stouts & Porters

Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, and it looks and feels like he may be right for once. No offense, Phil, but you’ve been known to fib before. Before the last of our chilly, dark season changes to its sunnier, warmer counterpart, we want to pay tribute to the dark and stormy beers our Southern Oregon breweries have to offer. After all, February is officially Stout Month. Yes, it’s a thing. Just ask Twitter (#StoutMonth).

SOB Pin Up Porter

We had to do some product testing, just to make sure the pairings worked. It was a really tough job.

Here are our five picks for great dark beers in the Rogue Valley (with their brewery descriptions). We like some with breakfast, some with dessert…heck, we’ll take them anytime. And if your cravings lead you toward chocolate for Valentine’s Day, these beers make great pairing matches. Go ahead, indulge in the dark side.

5 Rogue Valley Stouts & Porters

Wild River Brewing – Double Eagle Imperial Stout
As deep and dark as the Moscow Nights and strong enough to warm the Czar’s tootsies even in January! Based on an 1880 Whitbread Triple Stout recipe.

 

Climate City Brewing Co. – Hyperion Porter
Tall, dark, and delicious.  A full bodied ale packed with roast, chocolate, and caramel malt flavors.  Perfect for breakfast or dessert. 

 

Caldera Brewing Co. – Toasted Coconut Chocolate Porter
With over 100 pounds of hand-toasted organic coconut and over $275 of natural chocolate, this porter is a dessert in a glass.

 

Southern Oregon Brewing – Pin Up Porter
A dry finishing Porter with coffee and chocolate undertones and a hint of smokiness.

 

Opposition Brewing Co. – Devastated Sky
Black as the devastated sky of the coming apocalypse, this American Stout style brew is deep and complex. Dry, yet robust, with a respectable hop presence. Brewed using our unique cold-steep process that provides a rich roasted malt flavor without the harsh tannin found in many other stouts on the market. If you’re up for a journey through the darkness…this is your brew.