NW WA Updates: winter '18

Yup, April Brews Day has grown into a shit show. Part of the reason is that so many folks in the community support Max Higbee Center, and so a lot of people come out for that reason. I've volunteered at ABD for a fair number of years now, and this year I didn't. It's not a beer geek oriented event. Plus, pro tip, just run across the street and use the bathrooms at Boundary Bay.

 

A couple notes; Garden path posted on FB yesterday video of wort being dumped into an open fermenter, so that "Skagit Terrior" will soon be a thing.

I was grabbing a burrito at the food truck that parks outside of Goods a couple days ago, and the guys working inside had pints near to hand. I counted 10 taps, 10-12 seats at the bar, and they were installing some tables, rebar and wood, kind of a "industrial-rustic" feel. Looked like they had a bit of a game room off to one side. Might make a taco run later, maybe I'll see if I can poke my head in and annoy them with a couple questions.

 

Swung into Goods a bit ago, and they are just waiting for a couple final permits. Some of the supports for the bar/tables are awesome old plows, the mule/horse drawn type.

 

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/business/article210339454.html

 

Next year, message me. ABD is the perfect time to hit the breweries. Much more elbow room.

 

Made a trip out to the North Fork today with @NWer and Mrs. NWer. On arrival, I noticed the Atwood Ales-mobile in the parking lot. We stuck our noses into the brewery, and they were in the midst of a collab brew. Idaho Beer. It was almost like they were reading my mind: a hoppy Pale ale (which is not a thing Atwood does), with Amarillo and Citra (my faves), some Idaho hops,and several varieties of potatoes. I jokingly asked if they had used any purple potatoes for color, and, well, yup, they did. Tomorrow, they are brewing a different collab up at Atwoods brewery.

BTW, NF had several tasty sours on tap, along with a Tripple (their spelling) IPA (https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1606/343747/?ba=beertunes#review) that was pretty damn tasty. This is their shoulder season, so it's a bit slow out there right now. Perfect chance for some early season hiking up the road, and a stop for replenishment after.

 

Goods is now open. Haven't been yet (if only they opened last week when I was dog-sitting across the street), but will check in soon, and report back.

 

Word is that Twin Sisters should be open in June. Their building is pretty big (it used to be a moving company storage spot), and I had thought that there would be plenty of room for the brewery and tasting room. Turns out, they are actually using a second building on the site as the brewery, and the main building as a full restaurant/tap room. They're putting a loft in that will be used for rentals, and there's plenty of outside seating space as well. More updates as I get 'em.

 

Semi-beer related: Horizon (Alaska Air) is pulling the plug on their once daily PDX-BLI round trip in late August. Still be able to fly, just have to connect in SEA.

 

I haven't been, but Melvin has their taproom in Fairhaven open now.

Twin Sisters should open soon.

The resurrected Copper Hog seems to be in a state of stasis. I've heard it closed already, I've heard it's still open. I walked by lunch time today, and it wasn't open. Shrug.

 

Gruff sold off their original 2bbl system a couple months ago, and are replacing it with a 5bbl system. They received a 15bbl fermenter a couple days ago, along with a 7bbl mash tun, which will let them make some high gravity beers easier.

 

I got family in town, and we're hitting Deception Pass and Port Townsend tomorrow. Let me reach out to another hobo, and I'll see if I can arrange it.

 

A hobo is going to the release. Will grab a 4pak for me if able. @Structures , are there limits for this?

 

Any left if I swing by tomorrow?

 

Still at Propolis, and the Sigrid , quad aged on juniper berries, is an actual WOW beer. Very excellent.

 

Propolis Flemish Brown: