Mt Hood Brewing’s Government Camp Expansion, Oregon

Mt. Hood Brewing Company’s Government Camp expansion began in January 2020. Credit: Mt. Hood Brewing Co.

The brewery expansion is expected to be completed by early summer 2020. Credit: Mt. Hood Brewing Co.

Bremik Construction is the contractor for the brewery expansion project. Credit: Mt. Hood Brewing Co.

The winter releases launched by the brand include Pittock Wee Heavy Scotch Ale and Dichotomy Farmhouse Ale. Credit: Mt. Hood Brewing Co.

Mt. Hood Brewing is expanding its Government Camp brewery in Oregon, US. The brewery is the company’s first location and was opened in 1991.

Construction on the expansion commenced in January 2020 and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year.

The company belongs to the small craft brewery category and the expansion will double its production of bottled and canned beer.

Location of Mt. Hood Brewery’s facility

The brewery is located at the gateway to Mt Hood in Government Camp, Oregon, adjacent to the brewing company’s existing brewery and brewpub.

Mt. Hood Brewing’s Government Camp brewery expansion details

The expansion will add new brite beer tanks and two fermentation tanks, as well as cold and dry storage. The construction contractor completed the walls, siding and roof. The expansion includes a new, prefabricated steel brewing building. The 7,000ft² single-storey facility will expand the storage area for cold and packaged beer and include a brew barn, a new packing area, and a fermentation hall.

The existing brewery has a production capacity of 1,200 barrels a year, which will increase to 2,500 barrels upon completion of the expansion. The project will allow the brewer to expand its range of seasonal ales and barrel-aged beers.

A new canning machine will support greater production of canned craft beers. A loading dock will enable the company to efficiently serve orders from shops and pubs.

Contractors involved

Bremik Construction was awarded a contract to construct the brewing building and expand its storage capacity.

Skylab Architecture is serving as the architect to support the design and construction.

Product portfolio of Mt. Hood Brewing

The brand’s product portfolio includes Ice Axe IPA (British-style IPA), which has been its flagship beer since 1992. The brewer also offers different pales, dark beers and rotating seasonals, handcrafted cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and a wine selection.

Other offerings in the beer range include Highland Meadow Blonde ale, Multorporter, Cloud Cap Amber, Timberline Tucker (Double IPA), Hogsback Oatmeal Stout, and Cascadian Pale, a local malt from Mecca Grade Malt. Multorporter malt comprises chocolate malt, cherrywood-smoked malt, and dark crystal.

Created in partnership with Ski Area and Timberline Lodge, Timberline Tucker is made of crystal malt with layers of Chinook, Strata, and Cascade hops.

Launched in December 2019, a collection of winter releases includes Dichotomy Farmhouse Ale, Magnetic North Imperial Stout, Old Battle Axe Barleywine, and Pittock Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. The beers are available at both locations of the company, while customers can also choose the bottled beer option.

The company also offers Cascadian Pale Ale, Phlox Point White Ale, Cloudcap Amber Ale, Ice Axe IPA, and Hogsback Oatmeal Stout in cans.

Marketing commentary on Mt. Hood Brewing

Mt. Hood Brewing Company, an original craft brewery, was established in 1991 in Government Camp, Oregon. RLK and Company owns and operates Mt. Hood Brewing, with breweries in different locations such as Government Camp and Tilikum Station in Portland.

The brewing company is named after a brewery that was operational between 1905 and 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Its products are available at Tilikum Station and Government Camp, as well as at Timberline Lodge’s seven food outlets.

The Tilikum Station brewery started operations at the east end of Tilikum Crossing, in July 2018. The company is offering a plant-based alternative to eliminate the use of plastic straws at its facilities and plans to switch to fully compostable straws in support of the Strawless Ocean programme.