@beerblog
The same beerblog guy as on other channels. Craft beer aficionado and advocate. Seattle-based, world-focused beer writer. Publisher of Washington Beer Blog and other stuff, too. Lifelong mediocre guitarist and marginally listenable vocalist.
I recognize the challenges of making lagers, especially for smaller breweries. It is not necessarily just about that, though.
My most basic premise is that it's folly to try to tell people what they should like instead of offering them what they already do.
Yes, I realize some craft beer hardcores will want to chase me out of town with pitchforks and torches, but I said what I said, and I mean it! Craft beer needs a slight course correction, and that presents an opportunity. washingtonbeerblog.com/time-for-cra...
Yes, non-Washingtonians are welcome; they were focusing on getting the "invite" out to their own members and supporters first.
That, I do not know. I’ll ask.
I think of Tilray as a weed company. When it started this foray into beer, I contended it was about positioning, not profits. About establishing Tilray in the realm of adult beverages on a national level. BrewDog surprised me, but you're right about that price. Shocking, really. How do you say no?
These Tilray acquisitions have always seemed, I don't know, sus AF, as the kids say. They really can't believe there is money to be made, at any purchase price, from the rotting flesh of these flailing brands. But, it's their money, eh?
The Washington Brewers Guild is putting together an epic, 9-day beer tour of Belgium, and you are invited. Happens next spring. Final details are coming together, but here's what we know so far. washingtonbeerblog.com/an-epic-belg...
A particularly fun story to bring together. I grew up not far from the epicenter of the story. But it's also just a cool-as-hell story about Issaquah's hop-growing tradition. Wait. What? Allow me to introduce Monohon Hops, a new/old hop variety. washingtonbeerblog.com/monohon-hops...
A fire-juggling high-wire artist in a penguin costume. Didn't take long to find a buyer. Tilray is acquiring BrewDog. Deal includes the brewery and UK pubs. Another deal for the remaining global assets will close soon. $44 million? Is that a bargain? 🤷♂️ washingtonbeerblog.com/brewdogs-wil...
Credit where it's due. The idea to do this survey came from something I read in Eric Sunnerud's Hop Notes newsletter. It was a pretty geeky deep dive into IPA's future from the brewers' angle. I decided to go a bit more consumer-focused. ericrsannerud.substack.com
Brewers and geeky beer folks often lean into the BJCP guidelines, but the huge majority of consumers don't know what BJCP is. Honestly, I think most IPA consumers just want to know if it is hazy or not. West Coast, American-style, NW-style just means not hazy to most folks
I've been running an IPA survey for the last few weeks. Here are the results based on the first 1,000-ish responses. Interesting to see what people think about craft beer's most popular style these days. What they do/don't like, what they want, etc. washingtonbeerblog.com/results-from...
SheBrew festival in Portland on Sat, March 7th, kicks off Women’s History Month. A vibrant celebration of women in the craft beer and cider industry. washingtonbeerblog.com/portlands-sh...
Have you noticed that more breweries and beer joints are upping their events game? Not just more, but more diverse, different kinds of events to attract new, broader audiences. Not just the good ol' brewers night. Like this series at Obec Brewing in Seattle. washingtonbeerblog.com/obec-brewing...
Yep, Bellingham-based Aslan Brewing Company is at it again. Opening its third location in Seattle. This will be its fifth location overall. The new brewery and pizzeria will be located in the Seward Park neighborhood. washingtonbeerblog.com/aslan-brewin...
The Year of the Fire Horse is here, and I'm ready for it. Lucky Envelope Brewing celebrates the Lunar New Year this Saturday. So, what is the Fire Horse all about, and what does the brewery have planned? washingtonbeerblog.com/lucky-envelo...
Big news coming out of Bend, OR, as some familiar names in the beer biz announce they are combining forces under one organization: the Oregon Beverage Collective. At the core, Crux Fermentation Project was acquired by another brewery. washingtonbeerblog.com/crux-ferment...
Resharing this. The survey is still live. Help me find out what people want from an IPA in 2026. Simple, quick survey about your thoughts on the State of IPA. I'll follow up with a story about the results. forms.gle/RpxhtUqM6bhH...
Are you a beer-focused, new and emerging freelance writer, storyteller, and communicator? Are you a member of the NAGBW? (You should be.) Visit Yakima has an opportunity for you! Earn a residency in Yakima, home of the hops. @nagbw.bsky.social www.visityakima.com/nagbw
Sometimes a beer is more than a beer. It's a memorial and a celebration. This one is an example. It remembers and celebrates a special man, and supports the things he cared about. A senseless and tragic story, but a poignant memorial. washingtonbeerblog.com/a-really-spe...
I sometimes worry the industry isn't listening to its audience because they don't ask, so I put together a quick survey to gauge where people's heads are at these days regarding the state of IPA. You can take the survey here. I will compile and share the results. forms.gle/aYtN58apZiWe...
Tacoma Beer Week is coming up soon. Feb 27 through March 8th. Events across the city celebrate the city's vibrant beer culture, both today and yesterday. More details in the story. washingtonbeerblog.com/tacoma-beer-...
Untappd ratings are a funny thing. There is an Emperor’s New Clothes effect, for sure.
I agree. It's nice when something lives up to the hoopla.
A plastic cup of Pliny the Younger triple IPA. Served in a mini mart environment.
It’s a Super Sunday. A great day for a Pre-Game Pliny the Younger. Wait… what? Yep. On tap at Super Deli Mart. (They got a full keg this year!)
GoSelfDistro is a new resource for Northwest breweries that choose to self-distribute their beers. And there are a lot of those. It's a collective, valuable to the breweries and the pubs/restaurants/bars. washingtonbeerblog.com/goselfdistro...
Ghostfish Brewing (perhaps the most esteemed GF brewer in the nation) celebrates its 11th anniversary on Sat. Event and beer release: SODO Steel IPA. Why steel? They have their reasons. I share info about that and a bit about how Ghosfish works its magic. washingtonbeerblog.com/forged-in-so...
This new brew from Bale Breaker Brewing taps into a trend. AND that is not necessarily a bad thing. Five Star Dive Bar provides a craft-brewed alternative to "those beers." In case you haven't noticed, a lot of folks are looking to lower ABV beers these days. washingtonbeerblog.com/bale-breaker...
Got plans for the big game on Sunday? I hope it involves some locally brewed craft beer. Let's make the Seahawks success translate into good news for our local breweries. I talk about that, and "Frigid February" in general, in a story on the blog today. washingtonbeerblog.com/can-the-seah...
I've mused that beer festivals need to start thinking outside the box. This one is thinking outside. Period. After 26 years, GABF 2026 is moving to a new open-air venue. washingtonbeerblog.com/the-gabf-is-...