Mt Hood Brewing Ice Axe IPA now in bottles

 
Mt. Hood Brewing Company has for the first time bottled its flagship beer, the Ice Axe India Pale Ale. It seems like I have rarely ever seen this beer around Portland in recent years though it used to be many a pubs staple. I still look forward to the occasional pint of their Hogsback Oatmeal Stout that is always on cask at the Horse Brass.

Bottling their beer for the first time in 22's could signify a shift with the brewery to get their beer more out there. Bottles of Ice Axe IPA will initially only be available exclusively at select Portland-area retailers Zupan’s Markets and Made in Oregon. Not sure what the exclusivity nets them, perhaps higher profit margins, better shelf space or simply a slow rollout of their bottlesto meet demand.

“We’re excited to be one of two retailers selling the exclusive Ice Axe India Pale Ale, a beer with a strong following and unique flavor profile,” said President Mike Zupan. “This beer is local, just like we are, and we know our customers will appreciate finding this exceptional ale at all four of our Zupan’s Markets locations.”

Ice Axe India Pale Ale is Mt. Hood Brewing Company’s flagship beer and is available in 22 oz. bottles for $5.99. It is an aggressively hopped beer with a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

Tasting Notes:

Well balanced to allow the caramel of the malts to be up front with the subtle finish of hops added during the 120 minute boil.

Ingredients:

Malts:  Crystal, Munich, 2-Row Pale, Malted Wheat

Hops:   Centennial, Mt. Hood, Magnum, Golding, Willamette

Profile:

IBU:    60

ABV:   5.7 percent

“Because all of the ingredients in our beers are from the Pacific Northwest, it’s important for us to share them with people who appreciate our roots,” said Tom Rydzewski, Head Brewer at Mt. Hood Brewing Company. “Zupan’s Markets prioritize quality, fresh, local products and we’re happy to partner with them on this exciting venture."

About Mt. Hood Brewing Company

Utilizing the freshest, locally-produced ingredients and Mt. Hood's pure glacial water, Mt. Hood Brewing Company head brewers Tom Rydzewski and Jeff McAllester produce an exciting line up of ales for every palate. Located on the 1st floor of the Ice Axe Grill, the brewery is in the center of High Cascade Mountain action. Founded in 1991, the brewer produces eight distinctive ales through the marriage of pure glacial water and Pacific Northwest grown barley and hops. Oregonians can also find these ales on draft in restaurants and pubs throughout the state. For more information, visit: www.iceaxegrill.com.

About Zupan’s Markets

Founded by John Zupan in 1975, Zupan’s Markets is a local and family-owned gourmet market that has served Portland’s food-loving community for 37 years. Zupan’s Markets, now with four locations, focuses on quality, selling everything from the best meats and wines to the freshest produce, baked goods, gourmet deli products, specialty foods, flowers and more, always emphasizing locally sourced, artisan products when possible. For more information, visit www.zupans.com or stay in touch at www.facebook.com/ZupansMarketsPortland.