While at Beer Nuts last night, my wife and I had a chance to meet Dave Marliave, Brew Master for Fire Mountain Brewery. Dave was pouring two beers from Fire Mountain, Oregon Pale Ale (OPA) and Steam Fired Stout. He described OPA as a cross between an English Pale Ale and an American. It tasted like a dry finishing English style pale with a good amount of cascade hops. Steam Fired Stout was described as OPA’s big brother; a dry stout contain around 150% the hops of the pale and a bunch of roasted grains. It was fairly light bodied, pretty sweet and had the same dry finish as the OPA. Both beers were very tasty and interesting enough that I’ll pick up a couple bottles in the near future for a full review.
Fire Mountain is located Carlton, Oregon, joining Golden Valley, Heater Allen, One Horse Tavern and Off The Rail on the stretch of Highway 47 between McMinnville and Forest Grove. OPA and Steam Fired Stout are currently the only two beers produced by the brewery, both now available in 22oz. bombers. When I entered the bottle shop, I heard Dave talking to a customer about Fire Mountain’s next beer. I believe he said that they were considering a Dopplebock, but might just break down and brew an IPA. While there is nothing wrong with a good IPA, there is quite a glut of them, so I’m hoping they go the Dopplebock route.
Finally, if anyone reading this happens to be in the Eugene area today, Dave is doing another tasting at the Willamette Street Market of Choice tonight from 5-7pm.
Cheers!
Kevin
I’m so glad you enjoyed the beer! Fire Mountain Brewery is my brother Henry Gorgas’ brewery. Henry has been making beer for several years for himself and friends. He decided to go into the business and as you said, is making a stout and pale ale. I don’t drink beer (I’m into chocolate), but my friends and in-laws are sure enjoying it. Thanks so much for the kind words. I will pass on the Dopplebock request! ~ Susan Gorgas
We have tasted your beer, and we believe that you will be a success with your brewery.
Just had ‘Bad Henry’ IPA {bottled}. Splendid. Sensational: Colour, body, bitter in just the right way, and not too fizzy. At 50+ degrees it’s as close to cask as I’ve had out of bottle. You’ve won a new regular.
-willett {a.k.a. ‘Phil A. Nonick} in Eugene.