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A golden pint reminds me of sunny days, barbecues, frolicking kiddos, and chit-chattin' grown ups.
All that, swirling around in a lovely, little concoction comprised of malted barley, yeast, hops, and water (give or take other fermentable carbohydrates and natural ingredients, depending on your tastes).
When I think back on all the breweries that I've been to, I'm not sure I could pick a fav. Often, it's the ones associated with family and friends that rise the top.
The beer matters, of course - a flowery or citrusy aroma is my usual lure, which typically ends in a luscious IPA. But to me, beer and merriment go hand-in-hand. It's the whole malty, jovial, and relaxed experience that I love.
All that, swirling around in a lovely, little concoction comprised of malted barley, yeast, hops, and water (give or take other fermentable carbohydrates and natural ingredients, depending on your tastes).
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that we also love a decent brewery. In fact, many of our date nights and vacations end up having something to do with the makers and purveyors of this fine, carbonated beverage.
And in Seattle, where plenty of our afternoons and evenings can be less than balmy, a family-friendly brewery trumps one of those crowded, germy, and overpriced family play centers any day!
At least in our book. But we're beer people.
At least in our book. But we're beer people.
The beer matters, of course - a flowery or citrusy aroma is my usual lure, which typically ends in a luscious IPA. But to me, beer and merriment go hand-in-hand. It's the whole malty, jovial, and relaxed experience that I love.
So, let me think back on all of my exploits, state by state. Have a seat, because this is going to take a minute.
Washington State Breweries: Boundary Bay Brewing, La Conner Brewing Co., Diamond Knot Brewery, Redhook Ale Brewery, Pyramid Brewery, Elysian Brewing Co., The Pike Brewing Company, Lazy Boy Brewing, Icicle Brewing, Lake Chelan Brewing, Big Time Brewing, Bad Jimmy's Brewing, Georgetown Brewing, Maritime Pacific Brewing, Naked City Brewery, Hale's Ales, Populuxe Brewing, Reuben's Brews, Snoqualmie Falls Brewing, Stoup Brewing, Urban Family Brewing Company, Harmon Brewing
Oregon State Breweries: Bill's Tavern & Brewhouse, Cascade Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Hair of the Dog Brew Company, McMenamins (several), Hopworks Urban Brewery, Ninkasi Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Boneyard Beer, Bend Brewing Company, Standing Stone Brewing Co.
California State Breweries: Stone Brewing Co., Green Flash Brewing Co., Alesmith Brewing Co.
Colorado State Breweries: Breckenridge Brewery, Odell Brewing Co., CooperSmith's Brewery
Hawaii State Breweries: Maui Brewing Co.
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Yowzer. But, honestly, the list falls terribly short of my expectations (and it does not, by any means, take into account breweries that The Russian has visited without me...that sneaky bugger).
And, for the record, many of these beer tasting expeditions took place sans children, and that was probably for the best.
While some breweries are ideal for the oddly heartwarming combo of craft beer and babies, others are not.
They might be small, hole-in-the-wall establishments with nowhere to wiggle or squirm.
They may not offer any food, which often leads to nefarious behavior...like...oh...crawling underneath the mash tun.
It might smell so heavily of boiling hops and fermentation that your child will refuse to enter the premises.
Or, it just isn't the kid-lovin' crowd.
*It's true. Not all beer lovers love kids. They all love dogs, though. (Except for me - I only sorta love dogs.)
So, if you've got some Littles and you're entertaining the fantastic idea of dropping by a brewery, do some research first.
Or bring a whole bag-o'-tricks (I always do), because pounding your stout whilst your offspring howl and your fellow patrons stare is no way to do it. Trust me.
And....all this reminiscing has changed my mind. While I am absolutely, positively NOT an expert, I do have my favorites - the breweries deemed stellar by yours truly (in no particular order):
And, people, this is just the tip of the hoppy iceberg!
According to the Brewers Association, there were 2,538 craft breweries in the United States as of June 2013.
That's a whole lotta good beer. More than I could ever hope to sample.
But we've got enough going on in the Pacific Northwest to keep me busy for quite some time. Criminy, there are nearly 70 breweries in the Seattle/King County region alone (learn about them all at the Washington Beer Commission)!
Man, I love living here. :)
So, get out there and grab a pint. Or a sampler, if you're feeling undecided.
Either way, bottoms up!
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Oregon State Breweries: Bill's Tavern & Brewhouse, Cascade Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Hair of the Dog Brew Company, McMenamins (several), Hopworks Urban Brewery, Ninkasi Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Boneyard Beer, Bend Brewing Company, Standing Stone Brewing Co.
California State Breweries: Stone Brewing Co., Green Flash Brewing Co., Alesmith Brewing Co.
Colorado State Breweries: Breckenridge Brewery, Odell Brewing Co., CooperSmith's Brewery
Hawaii State Breweries: Maui Brewing Co.
And, for the record, many of these beer tasting expeditions took place sans children, and that was probably for the best.
While some breweries are ideal for the oddly heartwarming combo of craft beer and babies, others are not.
They might be small, hole-in-the-wall establishments with nowhere to wiggle or squirm.
They may not offer any food, which often leads to nefarious behavior...like...oh...crawling underneath the mash tun.
Or, it just isn't the kid-lovin' crowd.
*It's true. Not all beer lovers love kids. They all love dogs, though. (Except for me - I only sorta love dogs.)
So, if you've got some Littles and you're entertaining the fantastic idea of dropping by a brewery, do some research first.
Or bring a whole bag-o'-tricks (I always do), because pounding your stout whilst your offspring howl and your fellow patrons stare is no way to do it. Trust me.
And....all this reminiscing has changed my mind. While I am absolutely, positively NOT an expert, I do have my favorites - the breweries deemed stellar by yours truly (in no particular order):
- Odell Brewing Co. - Ft. Collins, Colorado
- Stone Brewing Co. - Escondido, California
- Standing Stone Brewing Co. - Ashland, Oregon
- Big Time Brewing - Seattle, Washington
- 10 Barrel Brewing - Bend, Oregon
- Ninkasi Brewing - Eugene, Oregon
- Deschutes Brewery & Public House (Portland) - Portland, Oregon
- Hair of The Dog Brew Company - Portland, Oregon
- Cascade Brewing - Portland, Oregon
- Hopworks Urban Brewery - Portland, Oregon
- Georgetown Brewing Co. - Seattle, Washington
- Boundary Bay Brewing Co. - Bellingham, Washington
- Stoup Brewing - Seattle, Washington
- Reuben's Brew - Seattle, Washington
- McMenamins - Kennedy School - Portland, Oregon
According to the Brewers Association, there were 2,538 craft breweries in the United States as of June 2013.
That's a whole lotta good beer. More than I could ever hope to sample.
But we've got enough going on in the Pacific Northwest to keep me busy for quite some time. Criminy, there are nearly 70 breweries in the Seattle/King County region alone (learn about them all at the Washington Beer Commission)!
Man, I love living here. :)
So, get out there and grab a pint. Or a sampler, if you're feeling undecided.
Either way, bottoms up!
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