How 10 Barrel’s Beers Match Up with North America’s Most Iconic Chairlifts

Brought to you by 10 Barrel Brewing

There are few better places out there than the mountains to enjoy an ice-cold 10 Barrel beer. With so many selections to choose from, I thought it would be best to give all their year-round selections a taste test. And while tasting it, why not think of the most iconic chairlift/tram I’ve ever ridden to picture myself back out in the mountains. Grab yourself some 10 Barrel beers, crack them open, and relax. The mountains are calling! 

Apocalypse IPA

Motto: “The Send is Near”

ABV: 6.8% | IBU’s: 70

Ski Lift: Jackson Tram – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

As it’s the first beer they ever brewed, Apocalypse IPA (India Pale Ale) is the flagship beer of 10 Barrel Brewing. Not to be out done, this West coast/Northwest IPA packs bold flavors and is brewed with 4.8 lbs of hops per barrel. With notes of pine and citrus, combined with its crisp and dry finish, this beer makes it one of the most drinkable IPA’s around. Just like Big Red, aka the Jackson Hole Tram, this flagship beer lives up to the hype. You always know you’re in for a good time.

Joe IPA

Motto: “It’s a Lifestyle”

ABV: 6.9% | IBU’s: 70

Awards: 2016 – Gold Medal – Best of Oregon

Ski Lift: Pallavicini – Arapahoe Basin, CO

Formerly known as Sam IPA, the Joe IPA is all about balance. Brewed with the best hops around (Amarillo, Simcoe, and Mosaic), this beer packs a punch with its hop forwardness and citrus focused flavor. Just like Pallavinici, the Joe IPA is meant to be appreciated, enjoyed, and cherished. If you’ve never ridden the lift or looked up its back story, you’re doing it all wrong. Don’t overlook them, these are keepers.

Profuse Juice

Motto: “Drink Beer, Hang 10”

ABV: 6.5% | IBU’s: 70

Ski Lift: Chair 23 – Mammoth Mountain, CA

Profuse Juice is an enigma, and that’s what makes it special. A hazy IPA that drinks like juice – who would have thought? From campfires at the beach to après in the mountain, this hazy IPA is as versatile as they come. The beer definitely is tropical and citrusy, with a somewhat sour component to it that keeps you coming back for more.  It makes me think of Chair 23 at Mammoth, accessing some serious terrain no matter the conditions. I can picture myself taking a break atop The Paranoids and cracking a Profuse Juice on a bluebird spring day.

Nature Calls Mountain IPA

Motto: “Answer the Call”

ABV: 6.5% | IBU’s: 55

Ski Lift: Wildcat – Alta, UT

Nature Calls is the creation of when two styles collide: East coast vs West coast. An East Hazy Coast IPA meets a West Coast IPA to create a “Mountain IPA.” While not overly hazy, Nature Calls brings tropical fruitiness together with pine for a surprisingly smooth and refreshing beer. Just like its name, it’s best to be outside, amongst nature while enjoying this tasty beverage. I instantly thought of Wildcat at Alta, where you can kick back and hide from the elements on a classic ride through the trees. Take your time and appreciate the serenity. Plus, a portion of all proceeds benefit the Conservation Alliance. Win-win to me.

Pub Beer

Motto: “Cheap Fun”

ABV: 5% | IBU’s: 18

Ski Lift: KT-22 – Squaw Valley, CA

Light, crisp, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. “Cheap fun” couldn’t be a more spot-on motto. Pub Beer is a beer of the people and should be enjoyed by all. With a slightly golden color and pleasant aroma of pear, this beer is easy to drink and can be drank any occasion. KT-22 (and the debauchery of Le Chamois) came to mind as I was sipping on this no frills can. No matter the conditions at KT-22, the lines are always rippin’ and the parties always goin’. Keep the vibe alive all day and night while tossing back a few Pub Beers.

Hazy Trail Juicy IPA

Motto: “Built for the Trail”

ABV: 6.2% | IBU’s: 60

1% of all profits of Trail Beer go towards Outdoor Alliance

Ski Lift: 7th Heaven – Whistler Blackcomb, BC, Canada

It’s time to hit the trail. Hazy Trail lives up to the hype, and holds its own against any juicy IPA out there. Tropical notes of juicy citrus and a hint of pine have you wanting to come back for more. As soon as I tasted it, I pictured myself at Blackcomb, starting out under heavy coastal clouds as I ride up the mountain. As soon as I break through the clouds, the sun is out, and I’m riding 7th Heaven enjoying a crisp Hazy Trail. Close your eyes, take a sip, and let your mind wander. You won’t regret it. 

Pearl IPA

Motto: “The Gem of Portland”

ABV: 8% | IBU’s: 75

Ski Lift: Palmer – Timberline Lodge, OR

Dark, golden, goodness. Like a classic 10 Barrel beer, you’re instantly met with tropical notes, fruity aroma, and a touch of pine. Packing a punch at 8% ABV, this beer is very hop forward but not over the top. You’d never know you’re enjoying a higher alcohol beer. Why is its motto “The Gem of Portland” you ask? It was the first beer brewed at 10 Barrel’s Portland brewpub by head brewer Whitney Burnside. Just outside Portland, on mighty Mt. Hood, the Palmer lift is constantly battling the elements all season, and still always delivers. Take a chance on the Pearl IPA, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise.

Crush

Guava Sour

Motto: “Big Guava Flavor”

ABV: 5.3% | IBU’s: 9

Cucumber Sour

Motto: “A Crushable Sour”

ABV: 5% | IBU’s: 4

Awards: 2014 – Gold Medal – Great American Beer Festival (GABF)

Raspberry Sour

Motto: “Crushberries”

ABV: 6.5% | IBU’s: 7

Ski Lift: Your local mountains terrain park lift

I couldn’t pick a specific lift for these Crush beers, but I think my pick makes perfect sense once you taste them. Depending on what flavor you like, you have three flavors to choose from for your go to terrain park drink of choice. I’m immediately transported to my local mountain’s (Southern California) terrain park lifts. Ride the lift or hike it? It doesn’t matter with your choice of Crush. You can throw these highly drinkable sours back all day and keep the stoke alive. Light, refreshing, and crisp, why not take it easy while focusing on progressing in the park.