Ok, it’s not really a speakeasy. What it is though is the home of a Portland home brewer that has been kind enough to open his basement up to other beer lovers. Dean’s Scene is the converted basement of Dean Pottle into what I’d call a home brewer’s dream. When you first enter through you’ll see various bottles, beer coasters, glasses and other beer paraphernalia. There’s a really nice bar set up in the middle of the basement where you can just sit and talk, or play various games as one group was doing. He had a board up with what current home brews he had on tap and at the time I believe there was 7 of them! I have to say my favorite was the bourbon aged hazelnut brown (reminded me a lot of the Maui Brewing Coconut Porter). He also has a really nice brewing set up in the back part of the basement which also has what I believe is a hand dug walk-in freezer he did himself. Also throughout the basement was various brews sitting in carboys and a nice walk-in, tiled refrigerator holding more carboys and bottles of beer.
Dean has been brewing for many years and since this is not an actual brewery, but in his home where he can drink with his friends (anyone that wants to come visit) and doesn’t charge money for anything (there is a donation box to cover electric, air, etc if you would like to) he’s not held to any of the OLCC regulations that I know of. If you do look too young to drink I believe he’ll ask for ID, but again…this is just a place to hang out, try some good beers and talk about brewing or anything else you might want to. Also, since this is not a bar be aware that there will be smoking down there. Since smoking has been banned in bars for so long and I haven’t been around it at all really since then I forgot how hoarse it made my throat. I’m still in recovery mode from 2 days ago surprisingly. If you’re allergic to smoke, or just don’t want to smell like an ashtray later then this probably isn’t going to be for you. As much fun as it was I probably wouldn’t go back again because of the distance from my home and the raw throat feel.
Would I recommend at least one visit? ABSOLUTELY! It was a fun time and Dean was extremely hospitable and friendly. My one regret is that I didn’t take any pictures of his set up. Thanks Dean!
