I noticed English Setter Brewing listed here, with no beer reviews at all, and was about to ask if anyone had checked out , or had any of their beers, but I got to thinking that there's been a lot of places that have opened their doors in the region over the last couple of years, and thought it might be interesting to see what our impressions are of the local scene overall. Personally, I've been very impressed with Iron Goat and Selkirk Abbey, enough so that I usually go with whatever they brew without any trepidation. I recently visited Ramblin' Road and was impressed by them as well. Some other places have had some good beers and/or seem to be run by good people and seem headed towards a good place, but IG and SA seem to me to be the must-try breweries around here. Any thoughts/disagreements/additions, etc?
Paradise Creek's Huckleberry Pucker is amazing. That is all. Still need to try Selkirk Abbey. They had plans to come to Seattle, but that clearly fell through.
I've only had about 3 of Paradise Creek's offerings but they've been quality. Sadly, those same 3 beers are the ones usually encountered on-tap locally, so I won't hold my breath for the Huck Puck.<edit: more like 5 tried, but it' always the Blonde, Porter & regular IPA in bars here> I'm sure Selkirk Abbey will be available in time. It's definitely in their long range plans. I suspect they are selling too much locally for now. I vaguely know the boss of Click's East branch (SA's distributor, IIRC). Next time I see him (which will probably be at Jones Radiator), I'll try to ask him what's up re: SA.
Ramblin Road is my current favorite. Iron Goat and No-Li have been doing awesome things lately too. Eastern,WA is doing its thing right now. I'm excited to be around it all.
I have not made the trip to English Setter, mostly because of less than enthusiastic reviews from friends. I agree that Iron Goat, Ramblin Road, and Selkirk Abbey are tops among newcomers. Waddell's, Perry St., and River City Are also putting out quality product. There will be more putting out quality product soon. Dry Side Pride™
I haven't been tp Perry St. yet, but I have tried Waddell's regular and double IPAs and found them pretty solid. I also think people who dismiss River City as just Coeur d'Alene Brewing pt. II are selling them short. It's nice to have a brewery within walking distance!
I suppose Sockeye is technically central Idaho, but I've been very impressed with them. Scored an Old Devil's Tooth Barleywine and BA Seven Devil's Imperial Stout as extras in a trade ... both are in cans! If they were in a more populous area, they'd get a lot more attention.
Been to English Setter and wasn't impressed with the food or beer although an IPA was OK. They're better than Hopped UP though (which isn't saying much). Ramblin Road has been tops for me but I've only been there 4 times (35 mile drive). Iron Goat is a hit anytime I'm in that neck o' the woods. Been going to Slate Creek in C d'A every week for FRESH beer. I think the thing that makes or breaks a small brewery is how much the brewer is into beer. If they are only interested in providing something acceptable to the public they better hope there are enough who will be happy with it. When a brewer can appreciate really good beer and strives to provide what he/she likes for everyone it shows.
Paradise Huckleberry Pucker is killer.. super refreshing. Damn... now you made me thirsty for beer at 6:09 A.M.
