Looking out from my office window at windswept and mostly snowless mountains of Colorado’s Front Range, I’m growing increasingly impatient with the winter. Last year was tough, but I considered it a necessary penance after a hell of a winter 3 years ago, the deepest one in memory some said. But this is too much. It seems to be snowing elsewhere. Utah is deep, Cali had a great early season, the Northwest and BC continue to get dumped on, and the East marches on. Only Colorado has been slighted again. A slow start has become a slow middle, and I grow increasingly nervous. The forecast looks positive, but I’ll believe it when snow is on the ground. So I bring forth an offering. Snow gods, I hope you’re listening. Please accept cold cerveza from the snowy Northwest: Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale.
The perfect let-it-snow gift, Red Chair pours a brilliant copper color. Its name comes from a much-loved lift at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon. After an initial pinch of bitterness, a bright caramel malt flavor takes over with hints of honey. The brew then finishes with a tart, grapefruit-like hop characteristic. It’s something you can sip on or enjoy in reasonable quantity. With this beer, Deschutes Brewing Company has created a nice tribute to a chairlift that takes skiers to the goods at its local hill. My only hope now is that the goods make it down to Colorado. Pray for snow and drink good beer.
