Visiting Seattle (Spring 2017 Update)

I spotted Crikey 6-packs and bombers of Summer IPA in Beaverton a couple nights ago. Looking forward to trying both of them.

 

Most of the stuff I drink at Reubens is draft or brewery (the Crush cans) only, but I do like Expat IPA which has been in bombers as well as Summer IPA in cans. Their Gose (cans) is also really solid.

 

Their everyday offerings are always good but never mindblowing. Most of the double or triple ipas are pretty amazing. Same for the Crush series. The BA stouts seem to be getting a little better every year but aren't quite to amazing yet. I've been pretty impressed by their other BA stuff, though, like the tequila barrel barleywine.

 

Their gose - I believe, at least - is no pricy Leipziger but still a solid, tasty representation of the style, if a bit on the lighter side. It's also readily available in four-packs in WA at all Trader Joe's and many supermarkets, so it's often in my fridge for summer as a simple, tart, refreshing beer.

 

Hey all,

Thinking of visiting Seattle for my first time possibly at the end of august/beginning of september. Shooting for Aug 30 to Sep 3. Anyone know of any notable events going then (beer or otherwise)?

 

Well, our palates and sock tightness might be considerably different, so I'm not sure how useful these recommendations will be, but some of my favorites from Reuben's are as follows: Roasted Rye IPA, Crikey, Blimey, Gobsmacked!, Life on Mars, Robust Porter, Breakfast Stout, Ink, Imperial Oatmeal Stout, Air of the Night, the Crush series, and even their pumpkin beer (despite not generally being a fan of the style).

Most of these, as listed on their website, get distributed in 22s or cans, and you may now see them in Portland during their respective seasons, but the others are limited to the brewery (though maybe the odd keg will show up for you).

One of the things that distinguishes Reuben's for me is their across-the-board competence, in a range of styles--something which is most obvious when visiting the taproom. Sure, not everything is going to blow your hair back (a tall order for anyone, mind you), but even the least of their offerings tend to be solid, while the good ones are really good, and the really good ones great. Or so I think, anyway.

 

My favorite Reubens beer over the years has been the Imperial Black IPA, though I'd recommend the Gose and their Crush series.

 

The Crush beers are normally brewery only with some random exceptions, so let's not talk them up too much.

 

I understand where you're coming from. I am not necessarily seeking out events such as a all you can drink beer festival (we got those for days in Southern California), I just meant perhaps there's an event that has little commitment e.g. all cask ale day at a brewery or something somewhat notable. That being said, I am sure I would have no issue finding great beer and breweries in your fine city, you guys put a lot into this thread. I also left the question open to non-beer stuff because that is what I am trying to do, take in as much of the city as I can. So if you know like a state fair, music concert, art walk, pop up farmer's market, any uniquely local event etc. worth sharing going on around that time I would be open to checking it out. Thanks and cheers!

 

The Bumbershoot music and arts fest is over Labor Day weekend, if that sort of thing interests you. I suggest jumping on one of the ferries and taking a ride across the Sound and back. Maybe explore West Seattle for an afternoon.

 

Driving in from Leavenworth Monday evening. What's the more scenic route? I-90 and Snoqualmie Pass or Steven's Pass on US-2?

 

I prefer Stevens.

 

Stevens Pass hands down. Stop at Icicle Brewing. Nice place.

 

That's the plan. Heading there from Whitefish Montana on Monday. Will be stopping by Selkirk Abbey, Daft Badger on the way to Icicle. Then on to Fremont, Holy Mountain, Reubens, Naked City, Uber, and Chucks on 85th.

Only one night in Seattle so thinking that's my best bet. Staying very close to Chucks.

 

Swap out Naked City for Urban Famiy.

 

I agree with the group advice that Stevens is both more scenic and slower. The real advantage of this route is that suddenly Black Raven isn't very far out of your way. FYI, Black Raven is on the short list of top flight breweries around here. They don't get so much attention because they are in the sticks, so to speak, but if you drop off Highway 2 in Monroe, and head down to Woodinville/Redmond, you'll find Black Raven is pretty convenient. They are much better than Icicle Creek, IMHO.

 

In terms of bottles/cans that may see distribution, the Gose is excellent. They are certainly known for their IPAs (they make like 50), and I'd have to say I'm a huge fan of Blimey, Gobsmacked, and Life on Mars. I'd also recommend the pumpkin beer if you're into that sort of thing (it's my favorite).

If you visit the brewery, just order your favorite style. Reuben's has 24 taps and are constantly brewing new styles and I find the quality level of all their beers (including the unexciting/non-hyped styles that get no love) to be higher than most. I'd personally recommend the Wee Heavy and Air of the Night Baltic porter. I have an unhealthy obsession with both of those.