Review: Double Mountain Brewery

This is a very cool place. It’s a cozy little brewery located off the main street in Hood River . It really has that small local bar feeling similar to one found in a ski or surf town. Everyone seems to know each other (Norm!), but the funny thing was, it was filled with tourists. The service wasn’t overly friendly, but I wouldn’t call it bad. Everything came in a timely fashion; we just weren’t served with a high five and a batch of warm fuzzies. We started with the Hop Lava and the hummus platter. The Hop Lava was a very hoppy IPA, but it was more on the florally smooth side then the bitter side for IPA’s. The hummus plate was tasty! The second beer I had was their strong golden ale, Devil’s Kitchen. This was an excellent beer. Mildly carbonated for a golden, this one was not on the heavy Belgian side of a golden ale, but it still had an excellent smooth fruity taste to it. It was an excellent choice on a warm summer day as opposed to milk, which would have been a bad choice. Double Mountain fits in perfectly with the casual vibe of Hood River and we’d definitely go back.

September 21st, 2009

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Tags: brewery, double, hood, hop, lava, mountain, oregon, river

Cinder Cone Red Ale

So here I am with another Deschutes beer. I know. I drink them all the time because I’m lazy and I don’t always feel like driving further for a bigger selection of beer. As far as what’s guaranteed to be on hand at the grocery store, Deschutes is a consistent solid choice. I have to tell you of all the Deschutes beers, this one is my second fave, right after BBP. Why am I all in a tizzy about Cinder Cone this fine evening? Because it’s almost like drinking an Oaked Arrogant bastard, but without the punch and without the “oaked”…in a good way. When I say almost, by no means am I saying this beer is comparable to oaked…they’re obviously two different types of beer. This beer tastes like a distant cousin of Oaked; one without the tattoos and jail stories. Basically, I’m saying I didn’t feel like driving and getting a better beer and this one is pretty damn good for the grocery store.

Anyway, it’s a nice little red that has an appetizing hoppy aroma with a nice hit of bitter on the nose. It finishes pretty smooth, but a tad weak with not a whole lot of flavor. That’s if I’m being critical and not taking it for what it is and what’s on the shelf next to it. But hey, if your one of those rare people out there that hasn’t tried it yet, pick up a six pack, and stop looking at all those other Deschutes beers. Especially stay away from the BBP, I get pissed when that’s all gone.




April 16th, 2009

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Tags: ale, brewery, cinder, cone, deschutes, red