If you dare to venture into Oregon’s mountains this time of year, you’d better bring a backpack full of beer. 

Not just any beer: Abominable Winter Ale from Hopworks Urban Brewery. 

According to legend, it’s the only thing that can satisfy the thirst of the towering, bipedal beast that roams the lofty peaks of the Cascade range. And no wonder — even the local newspaper, Willamette Week, says Hopworks makes some of the Best Hoppy Beers in hop-fueld Portland. 

Me? I don’t believe in that kind of nonsense. But, you won’t catch me above the snowline without at least a couple of cans of this hoppy winter brew. Just in case.

Besides, I bet I’d really get along with any beer-chugging snow creature hiding in that vast wilderness. We both love the luscious flavors of singed caramel and piney hops in this Winter Ale. We’d probably just crack open a couple of cans and talk about how this brew’s notes of cinnamon and clove compliment the pithy grapefruit and resin flavors on the finish.

Then we’d go sledding. I bet the creature loves sledding as much as we both love this IPA-like northwest Winter Ale. 

I don’t know if towering snow creatures are an issue in other parts of the country, but you might want to keep a few cans of Abominable handy anyway. You know — just in case. At the very least, any beastly, bearded buddies you may have are going to want a taste. 

Rated 90/100 on BeerAdvocate

Like all Hopworks beers, Abominable is made with 100% Certified Organic grains.