I MET HER IN A CLUB DOWN IN OLD SOHO, WHERE YOU DRINK CHAMPAGNE AND IT TASTES LIKE CHERRY KÖLSCH

beer releases in portland, oregon are star studded events, even if only a thousand or so people can actually identify the stars -- although it should also be said that the people who would recognize the names of their craft beer blogs are far flung. save one notable but unmentionable exception (i don't remember his name from the bits of conversation on which i was able eavesdrop), the best of the best were gathered at the lucky labrador beer hall in northwest portland yesterday evening for the release of a new kölsch made by lucky labrador brewer ben flerchinger in collaboration with lola, the ladies of lagers and ales, a local, all female powerhouse of beer expertise and homebrewing knowhow.

lola began its activities in late 2010 as a casual drinking meetup between friends, but has since expanded its purview beyond just the social realm. the members of lola (and if you're a lady in portland who's interested in craft beer then you already are one) may not be industry professionals, but their passion for good beer and their regular proximity to experienced brewers and local beer connoisseurs have garnered the group increasing recognition as a tastemaker unto itself -- and literally, now that lola has made its official on-tap debut.

working on the lucky labrador's seven barrel system was a first for most of the ladies, a homebrwer's dream per the statements of one lola member, and if the line of pubsters waiting at the kölsch tap was any indication, the product of the ladies' labor was a wild success. that success surely won't be one off, either: lola already has plans to craft another collaborative brew with the people at coalition.

the kölsch itself? looking good in pants doesn't necessarily mean being able to articulate your palate, but the beer definitely would have been a refreshing companion to the heat and the sun this past weekend. aromatically sweet, with a distinctly dry finish, but also particularly effervescent. the ladies of lola, that is. it's indiscreet pass judgment on a friend's beer either way, the recognition of which should be exonerating, even if it means admitting to being friends with ben. try the beer for yourself -- while you can -- at the lucky labrador beer hall, 1945 nw quimby st, or sample a special cherry variation in the rare beers section at the portland fruit beer festival this weekend at burnside brewing, 701 e burnside ave.

three cheers, lola. and well played. it was nice of you to let ben take so much credit.