WA's top 22 breweries

No-Li and Fremont will be much higher next year I assume. Both have added capacity recently and have great momentum.

 

Same with Black Raven. I see their bottles at way more places now than I did a year ago.

 

Fish Brewing suprises me as being that high? Just don't see them a lot here in the Seattle area.

Also impressed by Georgetown's volume. I think Manny's probably accounts for 80% of that volume.

 

I fully expect Reuben's to crack that list next year, too. I've been having trouble finding their beers on shelves.

 

Summer IPA sure didn't last long.

 

IMO: Fremont Brewing is the best overall brewery in WA State

 

Fish brews the Leavenworth brand.

 

Fish Brewing suprises me as being that high? Just don't see them a lot here in the Seattle area.

Also impressed by Georgetown's volume. I think Manny's probably accounts for 80% of that volume.

Doh, Forgot about that.

 

They also own Spire cider.

 

Besides the volume from the Leavenworth beers, Fish must concentrate on small town/rural western Washington groceries and convenience stores. It seems to be everywhere out in the wild.

 

I've also see Fish beers available at many restaurants that focus on offering only organically sourced products.

 

Russell's comment on the blog pretty much sums it up. Many times it's better to not get too big.

 

I'll second that. With Reubens being a very close second.

 

Based on my personal tastes, I would flip it but as you said, it's very close.

Guessing Bale Breaker will enter the conversation at some point soon.

 

BB needs to make some more beers. Really want to try the saison they made a for brewers dinner in Ellensburg last fall.

 

Bale Breaker is a definite third for me. Once they make more beers, they may move up.

 

I've yet to have a bad beer from Bale Breaker. Field 41, Topcutter, Bubba's, Double Bubba's, Kiln #1 and Piled High Fresh Hop were all top notch. Want to see them try some other styles, though.

I really want that saison they made. Argh.

 

I'm guessing BB is taking it slow. Perfect/streamline their standard lineup and build their reputation and popularity. Maybe then, they will start branching out with new and experimental styles? Personally, I think it's time. What they're doing now is outstanding and IMO, they are making the best IPA/PA variants in Washington right now. The Piled High Fresh Hop is still probably the best Imperial IPA/Fresh HOP Imperial IPA I've ever had. Can't wait for it this year and maybe we will get some kegs in the Seattle area.

 

Piled High Fresh Hop is one of the best beers I've ever had. Period.