Seattle Breweries
A niche episode where the hosts sample 9 local beers and discuss the three breweries they would relocate to their deserted island
6/9/20264 min read
On today's podcast episode, the hosts are going off the rails a little. Over the course of the whopping 1-hour-and-45-minute episode (I promise the original cut was way longer), the guys sample nine different beers while chatting about which Seattle breweries they would relocate to their deserted island.
Seattle is the podcast's home base, but the guys did shout out a few other great beer cities. Maybe someday, they'll take this on the road. Their picks were New Orleans, Denver, Portland, Bend, and San Diego. But for today, it's all taking place in the Emerald City, so let's dive in. The notes are divided by host, so the order is different from the podcast itself, but I like consistent outlines.
Justin's Desert Island Breweries
Future Primitive - Alki Beach Location
Beer sampled: NPFO
The main taproom is located in White Center, but this beachfront spot in Alki has wonderful water and mountain views. This beer is Justin's favorite and probably the one he consumes most. Light snacks are offered, but at this spot, it's all about the views and the NPFO.
Cloudburst - Ballard/Shilshole Location
Beer sampled: Happy Little Clouds
Being the closest to home, this brewery is a frequent destination, and the beers are excellent. While Happy Little Clouds is a favorite, they have consistently great beers rotating through the lineup. There is an indoor/outdoor space that stays warm in the winter, but allows some shade in the summertime. The food truck is permanently on site, and people love it - even though Justin doesn't ever eat there. Plus, there is a stream of Bob Ross painting on the television a lot of the time. The tucked away location makes it feel a bit like a local's only spot, but that's part of the charm.
The guys mentioned that Cloudburst has recently been acquired by another brewery, but they will continue operating as is. Here is more info on that.
Balebreaker - Ballard Location
Beer sampled: I Love My State Parks IPA
This location has the best outdoor space in Justin's opinion. There are firepits, small A-Frame structures, and even clear igloos in the rainy winter months. The beer selection is vast and always changing. There is a new food truck every day of the week. Plus, they share the space with Yonder Cider, so you'd get those to switch things up when you want something a little sweeter. Justin's favorite beers are the staples - the Field 41 and the Daybreak, but neither was available at Chuck's Hop Shop when he did a quick pickup for recording. Shout out to Chuck's if you want a place where you can sample a huge selection of local beers.
Mitch's Desert Island Breweries
Georgetown - Georgetown Location
Beer sampled: Tavern Beer
This modern industrial taproom is off the main strip in the Georgetown neighborhood, but it offers ample space and serves excellent beers. All three guys love the Johnny Utah pale ale, but there were positive reviews of the Tavern Beer as well. The outdoor space at the tap room is unique, but there is no consistent food truck or food offering. They do create a brand for each of their beers, so the swag is top notch.
Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place Location
Beer sampled: One Ocean Tropical Pale Ale
With multiple locations around the city, this brewery offers something for everyone. Mitch chose the Pike Place spot because the views are incredible. It overlooks Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. The people watching is excellent, and they serve good food. The beers are average, and even though the one Mitch grabbed supports the aquarium, the guys didn't love it. This is all about the location and vibes.
Important fact check: The giant Pacific octopuses that live at the aquarium are temporary visitors. They are caught, medically checked, and then rereleased to the area they came from. Learn more here.
Fremont Brewery - Fremont Location
Beer sampled: Laredo Mexican Lager
This is Mitch's neighborhood brewery and has been a staple for all three hosts since they moved to Seattle. Because Alex also picked Fremont, they used Mitch's segment to review some of Mitch's first date questions about local Seattle spots. The restaurants shouted out were Rupee, Joule, and Musang. The bars were Rebel, Olaf's, Pacific Inn, Ballard Smoke Shop, and Liberty.
Alex's Desert Island Breweries
Fremont Brewery - Fremont Location
Beer sampled: Lush IPA
Even though all three guys said they weren't fans of IPAs, this one was well received. Fremont has a great lineup of beers on tap, and the location is wonderful. The beer garden is a great gathering spot year-round with large picnic tables, a fireplace, and the Smash That burger truck. It's a very popular pick among locals and tourists.
Lucky Envelope - Ballard Location
Beer sampled: Blackberry Peach Sour
Alex chose this Ballard spot because they have some beers that you don't find on tap as often. There are some unique sours and seasonal brews that would give him some variety. This dog-friendly spot is right in the middle of the Ballard Brewery district, but it's often overlooked in favor of some of the bigger locations. Alex also recommends the peanut butter stout that is on tap.
Holy Mountain - Interbay Location
Beer sampled: Second Death
This is Alex's favorite Seattle brewery overall. This location is their main taproom, between the train tracks and a main thoroughfare in Seattle. Dantini Pizza (one of our favorites) is right next door. It's very dog-friendly, and the beers are excellent.
Final Thoughts on Desert Island Seattle Breweries
Mitch's island took the prize in this round.
Again, there were some excellent listener suggestions, including lots of votes for Bizarre Brewing. Honorable mentions for Human People, Rooftop, Stoup, Urban Family, Reubens, Project 9, Gasworks, and more.
Thanks for listening. Cheers!