Melvin building WA brewery

From what I understand Melvin isn't going to be bringing a massive production brewery here. It will be more of a brew pub if anything. They will be brewing some limited "Bellingham Only" beers out of the facility which is awesome, but the bulk of the packaged beer will come from Alpine. The Melvin that Seattle gets won't come from Bellingham, the Alpine brewery will still very much be the dominating force. You could argue that it would be easier to drop beer in Boise / Spokane while delivering a Seattle load from Alpine.

The Bellingham spot will be small and I don't see it stepping on the production toes of the Alpine brewery at all. The clearly have a good thing going already, getting us kegs and cans within days of packaging. I would just say be prepared to see more limited one off beers here out of the Bellingham brewery, but don't expect to see any real change in their brewing or distribution systems centered around the Alpine facility.

This is all highly subjective and I would be inclined to agree that Wander has the most consistent and broad portfolio of beers. If anything the beer rich (us), get richer, the number of great breweries here in such a small area is awesome. Melvin has done some other beers but they do lean on their hops. But hey, people drink IPA's like water here, so...

I would still like to see a dark beer or something lighter (Clinic is one of my favorites) from these guys, I wonder if they'll do any collaboration stuff once they arrive?

Structures has been making some very good beers as well, best will always remain subjective, but there is no lack of choice here currently.

Cedar Dust comes and goes, it never seems to stick around too long, one of my favorite Boundary beers for sure.

Thanks for the Cedar dust update. Juice on Juice should be interesting to try, almost no hops on the hot side and a ton of them in the dry-hop, maybe I'll go get a pour today.

 

That's great news. Looks like I'll only be a few blocks away from the new Melvin location.

 

The more important questions is this: is the brewpub gonna serve Thai food?

 

I am not sure they care about logistics, but just want a reason to be in the Cascades. Can't blame em

 

I'm with you in the sense that outstanding, great, and/or "world class" I/IPAs are practically dime-a-dozen out here, but personally I've been enjoying Melvin's entree into our market quite a bit. Truthfully, I was predisposed to be underwhelmed by 2x4, given the accolades and hype, but then I had it, and came to feel it was truly a gem. It doesn't boast any flavor, smell, or feel I haven't had in a IIPA before, but it's possibly the easiest-drinking ~10% beer I've ever tried, and that, in itself, is a sign of mastery. To me, at least, it has deserved its (many) rewards.

I also thought their IPA & Hubert Pale Ale were quite impressive, with more flavor and texture than most others in that weight class. While I haven't yet had Shaolin, * was probably my least favorite (though still interesting). Maybe it was a bad keg, or my palate was having an off-night, but that one had some bitterness and funk I didn't particularly care for. It made me curious as to the name. Like, you'll love this beer* (*except if you don't).

Still, Melvin has their act together, and it's wonderful to see them here.

 

You're thinking of Shaolin. Shaolin Double IPA was a slightly imperfect batch of 2x4 as I understand it. Still turned out quite well, just wasn't up to 2x4 standards. Not sure exactly what went "wrong" where but Shaolin was truly a happy mistake.

 

Oh, I would never have said Hubert was in the league of those beers, if only for the very simple (and unimpeachable) reason that I've never had them. It's dubious enough to compare a beer you had today to one you had months or years ago, but beyond the pale (pun, alas, semi-intended) to compare one you've had to one you haven't. Besides, I didn't say that, or insinuate it was the be all end all of APA's, did I? I merely said I found it impressive. We are definitely different folks, but we might still be observing (or operating with?) the same strokes.

Anyway, I liked Hubert a lot, even if I could point to others I'd sometimes prefer, and many more I haven't had which 'The Consensus' says are greater (and to which I accordingly defer until my own experience with them should come to pass). Tons of grassy, lemon-tangerine-piney flavor for a pale. Refreshing, good for a warm day, would pair well with all sorts of food and activity. In other words, just what I'm looking for in the style. When I get some friends in high places, and boxes of goodies start showing up at my door, I'll see how much my perspective shifts. For now, I'm simply very happy and grateful to live where I do, in this embarrassment of riches, which becomes embarrassingly richer all the time.

 

So did I. That Hubert's a charmer.

 

Glad you liked those brews!

 

As a session beer, loved it. Can't really think of anyone doing something similar that's canned and readily available.

 

Hubert should be compared to Founders All Day IPA or Bale Breaker Field 41. Not really elite. Just a crushable shelf 6 pack for when Daddy wants to consume.