“Oh, pilot of the storm who leaves no trace, like thoughts inside a dream
Heed the path that led me to that place, yellow desert stream”
Okay, it’s spelled different, I know. And sure, it doesn’t really make any sense either, but I take advantage of any opportunity I can find to quote Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir.
Last Friday we left the cloudy skies of Seattle behind. We pushed our way up and over the stormy pass to visit the eastern desert lands of Central Washington. There, we paid a visit to Cashmere Brewing Company. While we were not able to talk to Joe or Charlie (they were both on the west side for the Brewers Festival) we were able to sample some beers, meet some nice people, and generally get a feel for the place.
There is something that we love about a pub that doubles as a brewhouse (or vice-versa). That’s what you’ll find at Cashmere Brewing. It is rewarding to drink beer in the same room in which it is made: surrounded by brew kettles, conditioning tanks, and pallets of “Premium Two Row.” The word fresh come to mind.
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The design elements are pretty cool here. The entryway is tiled with old license plates. The rafters are crowded with an eclectic blend of kayaks, bicycles, wind surfers, boogie boards and other fun stuff that pay tribute to the recreational nature of the region. A stuffed cougar watches over the bar.
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While your Grandparents might think of Aplets and Cotlets when they think of the lovely burg of Cashmere (it really is lovely), rest assured that Cashmere Brewing has not incorporated either of those confectionery wonders into the beer. The factory that produces those culinary treats is just down the street, but nowadays you should not think of Grandma’s plastic-covered furniture when you think of Cashmere. Instead, think of river rafting, white-water kayaking, and mountain biking. Play hard, drink beer.
We sampled a few different beers. We were most impressed with the Pioneer Porter and the Continually Hopped IPA. The Buck N Wheat was refreshing and would make a fine thirst quencher on a hot summer day.
“My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon, I will return again
Sure as the dust that floats high in June, when movin’ through Kashmir.”
Well, at least it really was June when we visited Cashmere Brewing Company.
