December 23: Dragging Dad to Hood River in search of winter beer was easier than one would think. By the time I arrived at the house, the car was warmed up and he was rearing to go. An hour later, we arrived in this quaint tourist town, thirsty for a pint.Big Horse Brewery: EOTW Mayan Style
Anytime I come across a beer aged in oak, I am a bit leery. Sometimes the liquor-ish flavor is a bit too strong for my taste. That was definitely not the case with this perfectly executed 7.1% stout. Light and flavorful, the oak seemed to mellow out the often astringent stout malts. Even Dad, a pale ale lover, enjoyed every last drop.
McMenamin's Brewery at Edgefield: Kris Kringle
No road trip to Hood River is ever complete unless one stops off at McMenamin's Edgefield. Besides being our halfway point home, this old Poor Farm has a spa, amphitheater, brewery, distillery, winery, golf course, and pool hall. But most importantly, they are the purveyor of Cajun tots: quite possibly the world's best beer food. To wash those tasty tots down, I ordered a pint of Kris Kringle. Excellently hoppy with two of my favorite varietals, Cascades and Centennials, this winter warmer reminded me more of a hearty IPA. Its ample malt structure kept those strong hops in check. Dad noted that paired with the spicy Cajun tots, he could enjoy this seasonal all year long.
www.mcmenamins.com
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