Now that’s a bus!

As members of Portland’s esteemed press corps, it was absolutely essential that we travel in style.

Our first stop was McCormick and Schmick’s Harborside Pilsner Room, where Full Sail brewmaster John Harris concocts a handful of exclusive brews.

The Dunkopple is actually the brainchild of a Full Sail lab tech Kristy Holsopple (hence the cute name). It’s a full-bodied, lightly hopped brew with a firm malty foundation.

Rock Bottom brewer Van Havig makes a point about his American Dream IPA, a vibrant and hoppy brew with abundant citrus notes.

Brian Butenschoen, the head of the Oregon Brewers Guild gets a bright idea at Rock Bottom Brewery: "Let’s have some more beer!"

In addition to the American Dream IPA, Rock Bottom brewer Van Havig also poured samples of his Saison, a light, Belgian-style ale.

The view from the back of the bus. I-5 traffic never seemed so tranquil.

Lompoc brewmaster Jerry Fechter regales the assembled bloggers and brewers about the origin of Big Bang Red. By this time John Harris and Van Havig had decided that a double decker bus ride in the afternoon sun was a fine idea so we invited them to hop aboard.

Lompoc’s barrel-aged Big Bang Red was the most potent brew of the tour. Still bearing traces of its bourbon-barrel incubation period, with lively shades of vanilla and spicy mustard, the Big Bang had many of the same opulent characteristics as a glass of port.

At Widmer Brothers, the beer of choice was the mighty Odin. Despite the formidable moniker, the beer proved to be a refreshing and highly drinkable gose-style lager with banana and light mustard flavors.

A meeting of the beer brain trust: (From left) Rob Widmer, Kurt Widmer, Van Havig (Rock Bottom Brewery), John Harris (Full Sail), and Jerry Fechter (Lompoc Brewing).