NW WA updates, Spring '17

Starting a fresh thread for info from up here in the boonies.

Starting off with fact that Skookum's assistant brewer, Phil, is leaving to take over the head brewer role at Chuckanut. He's taking the spot recently vacated by Bryan Cardwell (who went to Pfriem). Cnut's long-time assistant brewer Michael has been promoted to Production Manager, and will oversee both facilities.

 

Nope, not even a whisper. Maybe some info will float about this week, what with a bunch of different brewers/breweries in town.

 

With BBW in the rearview, the next notable thing is Wanders 3rd Anniversary party this Saturday. They'll be dropping bottles of a new sour, putting various vintage stuff on tap throughout the day, and other shenanigans as well. A couple days before, they will also drop their newest canned IPA, Mango Antlers. 4-packs of 16oz cans $13 (tax included).

 

Cool, my work is somewhat fluid Saturday, but I am going to Wander for a bit that day.

 

Yes, yes it is.

But, Saturday is a bit more liquefied than usual: a couple hours early (6:30-7), back at noon for 1-1/2ish, back at 6 for a couple, and possibly back at midnight (or maybe 6am Sunday) to wrap up.

Tis the season.

 

A couple juicy nuggets today. In a note that will interest our Dry-side folks (@woemad , @Babbo , @catscadia ) Kevin Pierce is leaving Anacortes Brewing after 17 years, and taking a position with 12 String in Spotucky. He's brewed some interesting Sours and Belgian-y stuff in addition to their regular line-up. Our loss is your gain guys.

Taking Kevin's place at Anacortes will be (apologies for spacing on her last name) Shannon. She's a grad of the brewing program at Skagit Valley College, and I got to know her when she interned at a brewery up in Bellingham last summer. She's an awesome person, and she'll do a kick-ass job.

Talked with the guys from Aslan a couple nights ago, and they are coming along nicely with their new spot. It's going to be their barrel-aging space, and it will be open to the public with a bar, and maybe a nice bottle list. They're aiming at keeping it low-key and (relatively) quiet. A chill spot to relax and appreciate a brew. Their main tap room is generally busy, and due to the size and shape of the room, loud.

And finally, Melvin says they're going to open their Bham spot on June 1. I haven't been by to peek in the windows lately, so don't have any idea of what aesthetic they're going for. Lots of locals have been awaiting their opening eagerly.

 

That's basically what I was told. They're looking at bottling, and getting into distro. I'll be messaging you on FB with some other stuff.

 

Do you know who they're using as a distributor?

Plus, if I can get IG here, you may have outlived your usefulness.

 

Apparently, Melvin has been open from 4-11 the last few nights. The "official" opening should be tomorrow.

Also, Wander is releasing their newest canned IPA, Single EyePA - El Dorado, June 8.

 

And, a press release: http://www.taptrail.com/melvin-brewing-opening-details/

Not sure how I'm going to feel about the open floor plan, what with the noise that happens in that situation, but the pics look nice.

 

An interesting note coming from Farmstrong, via Kendall: http://www.washingtonbeerblog.com/farmstrong-brewing-going-where-no-one/

 

Wander now has a collab with Red Hook on tap, USA IPA. Didn't blow me away, but a solid brew. Apparently, RH is doing collabs at other breweries while the build-out of the new Ballard brewery continues.

 

Looks like Illuminati is aiming to be open in about a month. And the whispers of another new brewery in the Sunnyland neighborhood keep getting stronger.

 

Starting next Monday, 8/14, Melvin will be open at 11am, 7days.