Brews with Views: 5 Must-Drink-At Mountain Breweries

Is it just me, or do snowflakes, icicles and sledding make you want to drink beer? There’s something about winter that screams let’s bundle up, trek through the snow and get ourselves to a brewery. (Okay, I am a year-round beer drinker so MAYBE I feel this way every day.)

Regardless, isn’t the perfect way to spend a blustery day hanging out with friends, warming up with a frothy craft beer while enjoying a beautiful view of the outdoors? I thought you’d agree. And especially in the winter, you can’t beat the scenery at a mountain brewery. Check out some of our favorites from across the U.S.

Photo Cred: Appalachian Mountain BreweryAppalachian Mountain Brewery

Boone, NC

There’s nothing I love more than a quality, fun, unique brewery in a gorgeous setting…except a brewery that is environmentally-conscious and gives back to the community. Appalachian Mountain partners with local non-profits to raise awareness and funds through their Pints for Non-Profits program, while also focusing on sustainable business practices. Love! Check out some of their flagship beers: Black Gold Porter, Boone Creek Blond Ale and Long Leaf IPA. (And hey, they have ciders too!) Photo Cred: Appalachian Mountain Brewery

AspenAspen Brewing Company

Aspen, Colorado

Wouldn’t you love to be drinking this flight of beers in Colorado, with this gorgeous snowy mountain in the backdrop? Yep. Then get yourself to Aspen and try some of their signature beers: Independent Pass Ale (super hoppy IPA), Brown Bearale (named for a mother and her cubs who enjoyed the chocolate malt during the beer-making process!), and This Season’s Blond (English style pale ale with floral and citrus hop flavors). Bonus points for their hashtag: #drinkintheview.

Blue MountainBlue Mountain Brewery

Afton, Virginia

Why yes, this brewery is as awesome as it looks in this picture. I’ve been there many times to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and tasty beer selection. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a delightful post-hiking stop. Don’t miss a flight of their core series beers, including Full Nelson (Virginia Pale Ale), A Hopwork Orange (orange-infused IPA) and Kolsch 151 (my fave, a light, German-style ale). Photo Cred: Packed Suitcase

MammothMammoth Brewing Company

Mammoth Lakes, California

With a tagline “Welcome to Altitude,” you know you’re in for a cool experience. As the brewery at the highest elevation on the west coast (8,000 feet above sea level), Mammoth is sure to fulfill your desire for scenic views and post-skiing beers. Continue your adrenaline rush by being adventurous and trying some of their more unique beers such as Gooseberry Sour*, Dos Osos (Mexican Style Dark Lager) and Lair of the Bear (super-dark Russian imperial stout). *Speaking odf sours, peek at this blog post if you want to learn more. Photo Cred: Rhapsody in Blue

Mt HoodMt. Hood Brewing Co.

Government Camp, Oregon

Let’s ski all day and then hang out in a brewery on the south slope of Mt. Hood! We can chow down on pub grub, drink some tasty beers and reminisce about our ridiculously fun day. While we are sharing stories, we can warm up with some the brewery’s signature beers: Hogsback Oatmeal Stout, Ice Axe India Pale Ale and Highland Meadow Blonde Ale. To make the experience even better, we can try one of their beer cocktails made with their microbrews, maybe the Valle Nevado (Blond Ale + chili salted rim + bloody mix + lime) or the Chamonix (Oatmeal Stout + Champagne + chocolate bitters + lemon twist). Ummm, yum. We are there. Photo Cred: Mt. Hood Brewing Co.

So, I’ll see you on the mountain! We can toast to the beauty of nature and the boom of the craft beer industry. And if you’re not a “mountain” person, you may want to take a look at a previous blog post I wrote, Surf & Suds: 10 Beach Breweries for Your Bucket List – I got you covered either way. Cheers, my beer-loving friends!

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