With Halloween just around the corner, thoughts of cool fall evenings over at O’Kanes come to mind.

Sure, costumes, candies, and Pumpkin beers are all part of it too; but there’s something to be said about chillin’ outdoors next to a Fire Pit sipping on a libation or two. Ah McMenamins. For whatever reason, I group McMenamins with Deschutes Brewery and Bend Brewing Company as my original good-time breweries in Bend. Both Deschutes and the BBC were here when we rolled into town. McMenamins moved in several years later, but quickly became a part of – what seems like – a long standing tradition of heading downtown for outdoor fireside pints with friends and family. An epic tradition, especially when it’s snowing out. A certain porter comes to mind during this time: The seasonal Black Widow Porter.

This years Black Widow Porter is rather delicious. I’ve had it at numerous McMenamins locations including from the bottle, which was so graciously delivered to my doorstep one fine day. Black Widow stands out with big malty flavor and undertones of caramel, licorice, and finishes out so smooth you just have to have one more. And this years batch – from Michael White “Curly”, McMenamins Old St Francis School Brewer – is on the money! Looking forward to having another soon, and possibly

All McMenamins breweries will be making a batch of the porter this year, and you’ll have until Halloween to get a taste of it, or of course while supplies last. So get it while you can.

While at Old Saint Francis yesterday I also had their 30th Anniversary left of their Fresh Hop offerings. Curly’s Fresh Hop Ranch Hand is on now, it is tasty.