Double Mountain Brewery, a renowned craft beer producer in the Pacific Northwest, has joined forces with the up-and-coming Van Henion Brewing to create a captivating new West Coast IPA (India Pale Ale) named “Velvet Wallpaper.” This collaboration celebrates the shared artistry and passion for exceptional beer that unites these two celebrated breweries.
Double Mountain Brewery: A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 2007, Double Mountain Brewery has established itself as a pioneer in the craft beer industry, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement. Under the leadership of Brewmaster Matt Swihart, the brewery has earned a reputation for crafting innovative, flavor-forward beers that showcase the finest Pacific Northwest hops and malts.
Double Mountain’s brewing practices exemplify a dedication to freshness and transparency. The brewery routinely partners with local hop growers, like Perrault Farms in the Yakima Valley and Crosby Hops in the Willamette Valley, to ensure the highest quality ingredients are used in their brews. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports regional agricultural communities but also allows Double Mountain to deliver unparalleled taste and aroma in each of their beers.
Beyond their impressive product lineup, which includes beloved staples like “Fa La La La La” Winter Ale and the robust “Hey, Porter!” Double Mountain has also earned a reputation for their vibrant tasting room experience and community involvement. From hosting annual events like the Double Mountain Pond Skim at Mt. Hood Meadows to sponsoring local sports teams, the brewery has woven itself into the fabric of the Pacific Northwest.
Van Henion Brewing: Crafting Excellence in Bend, Oregon
While Double Mountain Brewery has been a fixture in the region for over a decade, Van Henion Brewing is a relative newcomer, having opened its doors in 2021. However, in a short span of time, this Bend, Oregon-based brewery has made a significant impact, earning acclaim for its exceptional IPAs and lagers.
Under the guidance of their skilled brewers, Van Henion has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement has earned it a loyal following, both locally and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Van Henion’s collaboration with Double Mountain on the Velvet Wallpaper IPA is a testament to the brewery’s growing reputation and the respect it has garnered within the industry. By teaming up with an acclaimed veteran like Double Mountain, Van Henion has solidified its position as a rising star in the craft beer scene.
Velvet Wallpaper IPA: A Harmonious Collaboration
The genesis of the Velvet Wallpaper IPA can be traced back to a serendipitous moment when Double Mountain’s owner, Matt Swihart, visited Van Henion’s tasting room in Bend. Swihart was struck by the familiar sight of the same “velvet wallpaper” pattern that adorns the walls of Double Mountain’s Hood River pub, albeit in a different color scheme.
This shared aesthetic connection between the two breweries served as the inspiration for the collaborative Velvet Wallpaper IPA. The brewers from both Double Mountain and Van Henion worked in tandem to craft a classic West Coast IPA that would showcase the strengths of each brewery.
The result is a harmonious blend of citrus aromas, pine, and evergreen notes, achieved through the skillful use of their favorite Pacific Northwest hops. The IPA boasts a dry, crisp, and bright finish, with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 6.3%, making it an ideal summer patio companion.
“Velvet Wallpaper West Coast IPA exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship both breweries are known for,” the breweries stated in their joint press release. “The breweries crafted a classic West Coast IPA using some of their favorite Pacific Northwest hops. Modern hopping techniques highlight citrus aromas, with pine and evergreen providing a well-balanced complement.”
The shared “velvet wallpaper” pattern serves as a metaphorical thread that binds the two breweries, underscoring their commitment to timeless elegance and exceptional quality in every sip of this collaborative offering.
Tapping into Mutual Strengths and Expanding Horizons
The Velvet Wallpaper IPA collaboration represents a strategic move for both Double Mountain Brewery and Van Henion Brewing, as they seek to leverage each other’s expertise and expand their respective reach within the craft beer market.
For Double Mountain, the partnership with the up-and-coming Van Henion Brewing provides an opportunity to introduce their beers to a new customer base in the Bend, Oregon, region. By collaborating on a unique product that pays homage to the shared aesthetic between the two breweries, Double Mountain can further solidify its reputation as a leader in the Pacific Northwest craft beer scene.
Conversely, Van Henion Brewing gains the invaluable experience and guidance of an established industry veteran in Double Mountain. This collaboration allows Van Henion to enhance its brewing capabilities, tap into new distribution channels, and elevate its brand recognition among craft beer enthusiasts nationwide.
“Despite being a relatively new establishment opening in 2021, Van Henion has made a name for itself with a selection of outstanding IPAs and lagers,” the press release noted. “When visiting Bend, their brewery is a must-see!”
The Velvet Wallpaper IPA is poised to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for high-quality, meticulously crafted IPAs that showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest’s hop-growing regions. As craft beer enthusiasts continue to seek out unique and flavorful offerings, this collaborative brew stands to solidify the reputations of both Double Mountain and Van Henion while delighting the palates of beer lovers across the region.
By pooling their collective expertise, Double Mountain Brewery and Van Henion Brewing have created a distinctive and captivating West Coast IPA that celebrates the shared artistry and passion that unites these two celebrated breweries. The Velvet Wallpaper IPA is a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing the unique strengths and synergies that can arise when industry leaders join forces.