Triple R Brewing

Triple R is kind of a strange place: a tiny garage brewery stuck back in an alleyway that also operates as a general craft beer bar. Now, they don't actually brew on premises; Triple R's beers are made in the brewer's garage, but only sold here at the taproom. The place has an exceedingly DIY feel: it's quite literally a garage with picnic tables set up inside and a very unfinished-looking interior (despite having been here for more than 10 years!), plus an upstairs area with extra seating. The guy at the bar was friendly and knowledgeable; I think he might have been an owner.

There were 16 beers on tap on my visit, along with 3 ciders. Of the 16, only 3 were Triple R's -- as I said, they're tiny. Triple R's beers were a jalapeño Belgian golden strong, a Scottish export ale, and a Belgian triple. The Scottish ale was pretty decent, but the triple absolutely blew me away. One of the top 3 American tripels I've ever had, I'd say. I can't speak to the overall consistency of their quality, but I can say they definitely have the ability to make some really good beers.

Other taps were mostly Washington beers with a couple Oregon entries, plus Ayinger Brau Weisse of all things. Styles included Irish red, stout, numerous IPAs, a couple lagers, pale ale, sour, saison, and pale ale. I'd say a pretty decent selection for a beer bar, plus a handful of house beers.

I'd been to Triple R years ago and just visited again last week, but I'll definitely be going back just in case they strike gold again (hopefully with another triple, as theirs was outstanding)!