Mt Hood Brewing Co. – Government Camp, OR

On our drive home from Bend we stopped and had lunch at Mt Hood Brewing Co (Ice Axe Grill) located in the Ski Village of Government Camp.  This brewery has been producing distinctive ales on the south slope of Mt Hood since 1992.

With its mountain location it is was not a surprise that it has a winter lodge feel.  The walls and bar are clad with knotty pine and the floor is an easy to mop up clay tile.  There are plenty of tables for large groups and ten or so seats at the bar.  The gas fireplace in the corner looked like the perfect place to it a warm up after a day on the slopes.  For the summer months there is an outdoor patio with a view of the mountain.

The menu was a bit expensive, but given the location was understandable.   It was full of enticing sandwiches, salads and burgers.  Neither of us was very hungry so we decided to split a very scrumptious Steelhead Sandwich, which is not something you find in every pub.

After a weekend of over indulgence, we weren’t up for another beer sampler, so we both just took a stab at the beer offerings.  LushC, the safe driver, went with a glass of the Rookie Rye and I went with a pint of the Ice Axe IPA; both served on nitro.

The Rookie Rye was golden in color and came out with thick white head. It was smooth with a slight grainy flavor and hop finish.  We both thought it was well balanced and would drink it again.

The Ice Axe IPA was darker amber and similar to the Rye had a thick cream head.  In the nitro form, this beer was sweet, very florally hopped, and very smooth.  A very mellow, flavorful beer that was not too bitter.

I wasn’t going to have a second beer but the Multifaceted Smoked Porter caught my eye on the board and I had to try it.  From the first aroma all the way through the finish there was a strong smoked malt presence.  I like my smoked beers, but this was too much for me. After a few sips, and letting it savor, I did notice an underlying roasted malt backbone, but not much else other than the smoke. If you like really smoked beers then this might be for you.

Soon after I finished my beer we were back on the road. We don’t get to this neck of the woods that often, but when we do return we look forward to another visit to Mt Hood Brewing.

Cheers,

DraughtE

Obligatory FTC information:  GoodBeerTrips received nothing to write this post.