Hannegan Red

Shucksan and Baker from the Peak

The name. The mountain. Hannegan is a variant of the traditional Irish name Hannigan and one we found fitting for a celebration of the most popular of Irish holidays, St. Patty’s Day. Hannegan pass is in one of the most picturesque locations in the N Cascade.  From the pass, the views of the picket range and countless North Cascades peaks, including Challenger, Shuksan, Granite, and Redoubt, keep getting better as you climb the extra 900 ft to Hannegan Peak. The climb to the summit is an easy day hike not far off the Mt Baker Highway and highly recommended throughout the year. We summited Hannegan in July 2007 to begin a memorable traverse down to the Northern Pickets.

The Beer. Hannegan Red is typical Irish Red in honor of St Patrick’s day.  It has a very simple malt bill with just enough munich, crystal (80L), roast, and flaked barley to give it some color and a little complexity. With very little hop character (this isn’t your NW style red), the Irish yeast imparts more of an impact on the beer: a slight fruitiness but overall smooth, clean character.  Overall, Hannegan has an initial sweetness with light fruity notes yielding to an easy drinking pint, perfect for any Irish celebration.

malts: ESB, Munich, Crystal, roast, flaked;  fermented with irish ale yeast.  OG/TG 1.048/1.012 ~4.7% ABV