Cascade Lakes Brewery

With an extra night in Bend, we decided to check out the Cascade Lakes Brewery. Not knowing too much about their brews, we got a tasting tray with some of their classics.

From Cascade East Lakes Brewery

From Cascade East Lakes Brewery

Unfortunately, I can't remember all the names and order, but I'll try my best. On the far left is the Monkey Face Porter, which was very well balanced, probably my favorite of the night. On the far right is the Blonde Bombshell, not bad for a lighter style ale. We also had the the Angus Mcdougal Amber, which I'm pretty sure is to the right of the porter, didn't too much for me. The beer to the left of the porter I believe is their IPA, which was nothing too special. Also good was their Pine Marten Ale, which is between the Amber and the Bombshell. Good mix of fresh hops and malts for a clean even pale ale taste. The one sitting closest to me was some sort of seasonal IPA that I can't remember the name of.

From Cascade East Lakes Brewery

Alpha Beta Hop Farm

From Alpha beta hop farm

From Alpha beta hop farm

From Alpha beta hop farm

From Alpha beta hop farm

From Alpha beta hop farm

From Alpha beta hop farm

A little bit about this place. We stopped by here on our way back from the Medford Airport. They're a small organic hop farm in the hills of Ashland. They've developed everything organically, so even the string and hoses are all recycled. They're mostly growing Cascade hops which they've measured alpha rates at as high as 12%. They also have a small patch of Nugget hops which are around the same alpha rate. Steve the owner was nice enough to give me 2 oz of last years Cascades, and 3 oz of this years Nuggets. Very exciting to be back in Beer Country.

Hair of the Dog Blue Dot IPA

Hailing from my home state, I get far fewer great Oregon beers down here in SoCal than I would like. While new to me and to Southern California, Hair of the Dog has been around since the early 90's, and takes pride in having switched over to organic grains a few years ago. I've never been a huge fan of organic beers in taste, although I'm not at all against the principle. Blue Dot, while offering a decent aroma and a very enjoyable light body, doesn't seem to have much character beyond a light hop flavor, blended well with what my guess is some lighter crystal malt. It does linger a little in your mouth leaving the most miniscule traces of bitterness on your tongue, but doesn't sway me too much in either direction. The light body, however, makes this beer quite enjoyable for an easy summer drink.


Blue Dot IPA: ***