“A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure.” — Bohemian proverb
Against the backdrop of alluring foliage and brisk weather one will find BEER! Seattle’s craft beer culture has been on the rise and now the city is brimming with a bounty of noteworthy brews for hop heads to enjoy. Whether you’re a hardcore brewbie or novice, Seattle’s beer scene is calling. So follow the hop trail that will transport you to a miniature blue brewhouse in Ballard or the darkened halls of Elysian Bar.
*Many great breweries won’t make this Seattle Breweries list; that doesn’t mean they aren’t outstanding places
Atop Capitol Hill sits the commonplace brewpub – polished wooden bar, high industrial ceilings and walls gleaming with fermentors. The mastermind behind it all is founding brewer Dick Cantwell, born in Germany and raised in the United States, who has led the way to many accolades by holding true to his brewing motto: brew an immense array of styles with proficiency. Behind the bar lies sixteen taps along with two guest brews, you can try their delectably creamy Beecher’s mac n‘ cheese to pair with Loser IPA.
BEER: 50 Shades of Grey, The Immortal IPA, The Wise ESB, Space Dust IPA, Loser Pale Ale, Avatar Jasmine IPA, Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, Dark O’ The Moon Pumpkin Stout, The Great Pumpkin Ale and Punkuccino Coffee Pumpkin Ale.
BEER JOURNAL #1 - “After ascending the arduous incline leading to Capitol Hill district, I found my destination: Elysian Brewing. Though one could imagine that cold air would clash with a cold beer, the reality is quite the opposite. Starting with the bitter bite of the house pale and building to the darker house brews, the beer dresses you in layers to withstand the early fall of Seattle. The pinnacle, however, is the luxuriant Punkuccino, the beer equivalent of a down comforter, wrapping you up not only with warmth, but comfort as well. As I sipped the numerous selections available, it occurred to me that I couldn’t be happier.”
PUNKUCCINO – ABV 5% Pours dark mahogany with full sudsy head. Inviting autumnal aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, abuelita chocolate and pumpkin. Dominant flavors of roasted Stumpton coffee and pumpkin marry together beautifully.
LOCATIONS
Capitol Hill Public House, 1221 E. PIKE ST. SEATTLE, WA 98122
Elysian Bar Downtown, 516 2ND AVE. SEATTLE, WA
Elysian Fields, 542 1ST AVE S. SEATTLE, WA 98104
Stoup (n.) – Ecclesiastical. A basin for holy water = golden nectar of the HOP. Nestled in-betwixt picturesque residential neighborhoods of Ballard lies the beautiful 15-barrel brewhouse that is Stoup. Adorned with minimalistic ironwork, bold branding and splashy art, one could gather that a great deal of TLC was invested into this venture. Founded by a beer geek (Robyn Schumacher), wine enthusiast (Lara Zahaba) and chemist (Brad Benson), Stoup mixes the, “art of science and beer”. Sip after sip the purity of the beer was apparent as well the scientific precision. If you’re stupidly crazy about science and beer this unique brewery is for you.
BEER: MK Special Bitter, Robust Porter, Northwest IPA, Northwest Red, Session IPA, Bavarian Hefeweizen and Citra IPA.
BEER JOURNAL #2 -
“True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.” – Albert Einstein
BAVARIAN HEFEWEIZEN – ABV 5.5% One of the best Bavarian Hefeweizen’s I’ve ever had! While remaining true to the style, traditional flavors such as banana, nutmeg and malt are maximized in palatableness. A sweet taste of honey lingers after last drop of wondrous beer.
LOCATION
Stoup Brewing Company, 108 NW 52nd St. Seattle, WA 98107
BALLARD BREWRIES
Populuxe Brewing Company, 826B NW 49th St Seattle WA, 98107
Reuben’s Brews, 1406 NW 53rd St. Ste 1A Seattle, WA 98107
NW Peaks Brewery, 4912 17th Ave NW Ste B Seattle WA 98107
A hop away from the tourist centric Pike Place Market lies the Pike Place Brewing. If you see the gum wall you’re in the right place. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lost tourist, a weary local shopper, or a late sleeper just starting your day, the bitter bite of their infamous ale will conquer whatever is ailing you. While you may be ready to leave once invigorated by the flagship ale, time should be taken to resist the temptation and settle in to try the numerous other offerings, up to (and including) the Kilt Lifter scotch ale, a dead-on version of the conspicuously rare style.
BEER: Kilt Lifter, IPA, XXXXX Pike Stoup, Monk’s Uncle, Naughty Nellie, Pike Pale, Harlot’s Harvest IPA and Space Needle Golden IPA,
BEER JOURNAL #3 – There’s a certain sense of irony knowing that the Space Needle is associated with Seattle. Sure, the pointed, vertical nature of the tower is representative of the city’s vertical stature. Anyone who has walked from downtown to Capitol Hill will tell you that the sharp hills are part of the city’s character. The deception of the Space Needle lies in its direction: it draws the eye upward, leading you to believe that the city’s treasures are skyward bound. The reality is quite the contrary; the best parts of the city are buried below grade.
If you descend the labyrinthine halls of Pike Place Market, you may stumble upon one such buried treasure. Pike Place Brewery (a.k.a. Pike Pub, Pike’s [sic] Place Brewing, amongst others) sits at the heart of this famous market, providing reprieve for weary shoppers and excitable travelers alike.
PIKE PLACE IPA – ABV 6.3%
This notorious IPA, often cited as ‘one of those beers to try before you die’. The living beer satisfies all expectations in true Cascadian form. Pleasant aromas of fresh hops and pine on the nose invite the senses, with a smooth finish of bright floral notes.
LOCATION
Pike Place Brewing, 1415 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Andrea Machuca - Cooks with beer on her mind. Her dream day would start in a farmer's market and end drinking a cold IPA with Chewbacca.
