Columbia Breakside Brewery in Portland, Oregon, has become the unlikely subject of a truly remarkable – and undeniably bizarre – story: a batch of their flagship IPA, dubbed ‘Bear Poop,’ was rendered essentially unpalatable due to a decidedly unwelcome, and surprisingly large, guest: a moose. The incident, initially dismissed as a comical mishap, has rapidly evolved into a fascinating exploration of wild fermentation, food safety regulations, and the unpredictable nature of craft beer production. The full story, and a frankly wild ride through the details, can be found here: .
More Than Just a Mishap: Exploring Spontaneous Fermentation
The initial reaction to the ‘Bear Poop’ IPA’s failure was, understandably, one of considerable disgust. However, digging deeper into the circumstances reveals a compelling case study in the increasingly popular and often unpredictable world of spontaneous fermentation. Craftbeer.com recently highlighted how “spontaneous fermentation,” where wild yeasts and bacteria take over, can dramatically influence a beer’s final flavor profile, often resulting in incredibly complex and intriguing beers – think of Lambic ales from Belgium, known for their funky, barnyard notes, or even some American wild ales. This ‘Bear Poop’ IPA could be a fascinating, albeit incredibly unusual, case study in how these uncontrolled microbial interactions can profoundly impact taste.
Traditionally, beer production relies on carefully cultivated yeast strains to achieve a desired flavor profile. However, spontaneous fermentation allows for a far wider range of microbial activity, introducing new and often unexpected compounds into the brewing process. These compounds, ranging from fruity esters to earthy phenols, can contribute layers of complexity that are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate through controlled fermentation. While not always desirable, the potential for creating unique and compelling flavors is what has driven brewers to embrace this approach. The moose’s contribution, while unwanted, essentially provided a massive, uncontrolled dose of this wild fermentation.
The Players Involved
The ‘Bear Poop’ saga quickly involved several key players, each reacting to the extraordinary situation in their own way.
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Breakside Brewing:
The brewery, known for its adventurous spirit, is handling the situation with a commendable dose of humor, quickly capitalizing on the chaos by releasing a limited-edition ‘Bear Poop’ IPA. This bold move demonstrates their willingness to embrace the unexpected and potentially generate buzz around the brewery. They’ve even leaned into the absurdity, acknowledging the moose’s contribution with tongue-in-cheek messaging.
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Oregon Department of Agriculture:
As with any potential food safety concern, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is understandably involved to ensure the beer meets all necessary standards and regulations regarding microbial contamination. The ODA conducted testing to assess the situation and determine if the beer was safe for consumption.
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A Very Curious Public:
The incident has sparked widespread curiosity and discussion, not just about beer, but also about the science behind beer production and the intricate interplay of yeast and bacteria. Social media has been flooded with questions about fermentation, microbial life, and the potential for creating delicious – or disastrous – beers through uncontrolled processes.
What’s Next?
The ‘Bear Poop’ IPA is currently undergoing assessment and handling by Breakside Brewing and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. It remains to be seen what the brewery will do with the remaining batch – they’ve stated they’re investigating ways to salvage some of the ingredients – and whether this bizarre incident will lead to any changes in their brewing practices. Perhaps they’ll implement more stringent security measures around their mash tanks! One thing is certain: the story of Breakside’s ‘Bear Poop’ IPA will be a talking point in the craft beer world for a long time to come, cementing its place as a legendary, if slightly unpleasant, tale. The incident serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable nature of craft brewing, where even the most carefully planned operations can be derailed by the wildest of circumstances.
Source: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/28/columbia-breakside-brewery-bear-poop-beer/
