Double Mountain turns 18, drops new seasonals Zora Hard Cider and ClusterF#ck IPA

Hood River, Oregon-based Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery (now with 2 locations in Portland!) is celebrating their 18th anniversary this weekend, and has just released new limited-time seasonals: ClusterF#ck IPA, and Zora Hard Cider.

Clusterf#ck IPA

First brewed up in 2012, Clusterf#ck IPA was the first beer in Double’s ‘Single Hop’ series. There have been numerous iterations of this brew since its formulation, and now as part of Double’s annual ‘From the Vault’ series, it is making it’s triumphant return to the 2025 seasonal lineup. The seasonal slot of ‘From the Vault’ series features fan-favorites from years past, giving beer lovers a chance to revisit legendary brews that helped shape the brewery’s story. The beer that fills the yearly slot stays true to it’s origin story, but is revisited with some modern hopping techniques and products. 

From the Vault ClusterF#ck IPA is a wild ride of hops, attitude, and nostalgia. Back in the day, Cluster hops were everywhere. These days, they’re a bit harder to track down, but they’re still out there. These clusters are joined by some of their closest hop pals; Citra, Cascade, and Centennial, all packed together for bold flavor and unfiltered fun. Bright citrus and sticky herbal aromas jump out of the glass, with a lively bitterness that brings it all together in a beautifully chaotic harmony. This beer is big, expressive, and unapologetically hoppy.

To celebrate its return, Double Mountain has also reprinted the iconic original ClusterF#ck glow-in-the-dark tees, the same design that was printed and sold back in 2015. Available now in stores and online, this is your chance to grab a piece of Double Mountain history!

Zora Hard Cider 

The newest addition to Double Mountain’s 2025 seasonal cider line. This carefully crafted blend showcases the best of both the old and new worlds of cider-making, featuring two standout apple varieties, Kingston Black and Arkansas Black, grown right here in the Hood River Valley.

The aroma carries bright notes of orange blossom, fresh pear and apple, tangerine zest, grassy undertones, and a touch of light oaky tannins. On the palate, it delivers a refined balance of dry tannins, savory apple, and earthy depth, finishing with crisp tangerine citrus and clover, rounded out by a pleasant tannic astringency.

Zora Hard Cider brings together two iconic apple varieties with rich histories. The bittersharp Kingston Black, originating from Somerset, UK, is known for its tannic complexity and bold cider-making qualities. The sharp Arkansas Black, first cultivated in the Ozarks, contributes smoothness and depth to the blend. Though these apples hail from different continents, both varieties thrive in the Hood River Valley, where they are carefully cultivated at Lorrie’s Grove Orchard, Riparian Orchards, and Double Mountain’s own Swihart Orchards; located in Dukes Valley.

Owner and brewmaster Matt Swihart emphasizes the significance of blending these apples, stating, “Double Mountain has long appreciated the single variety Kingston Black, and this year, the Arkansas Black was introduced to add a touch of smoothness to its brash British counterpart.” Swihart further explains that balancing the robust Kingston Black with the less tannic but still sharp Arkansas Black has resulted in a cider that is both complex and drinkable. He describes Zora as fruity with a light tannic dryness and expresses his confidence in its longevity as part of the Double Mountain lineup.

Anniversary Party

Double Mountain is turning 18 and throwing a three-day-long party at the brewery in Hood River, full of live music, incredible beer, and delicious food! Join them Saturday, March 15th through Monday, March 17th for a weekend packed with endless good times and a celebration of our community.

Throughout the weekend, they will be pouring special anniversary taps, including the return of one of their most sought-after beers, Pale Death! The team will be sporting Pale Death anniversary shirts, so keep an eye out for those and make sure to snag one of your own.

The party kicks off on Saturday, March 15th, when they open at 11:30am. That afternoon, the Brewer’s Lounge returns, opening at 2pm and staying open until 9pm. The lounge will offer exclusive access into the brewery and will be set up with cozy seating (couches!). It will feature some of Double Mountain's most sought-after beers and specialty taps, and they will also be offering pizza-by-the-slice.

The live music weekend lineup kicks off Saturday afternoon with Dumpster Joe Trio w/ Ben Bonham (2-4pm), followed by Billy and the Box Kid (5-7pm), and closing out the night with Funkship (8-10pm).

On Sunday, March 16th, Double Mountain will ease into the day by opening earlier with brunch from 10am-2pm, where they will be offering some specially curated egg-based pies, followed by yet another afternoon of complimentary live music. Biddy on the Bench (trio) takes the stage from 12-2pm, with Eel Sallad playing from 3-5pm.

Finally, on Monday, March 17th- St. Patrick’s Day and their official 18th anniversary date- we’re wrapping up the celebration in style. The legendary Bennett Matteo will perform from 6-8:30pm, ensuring they end the party on a high note. Double Mountain will also have some awesome Irish food specials to capitalize on the holiday and help your taste buds celebrate in style.