10 Best Craft Beverages From Washington
Coffee Cinnamon B-Bomb by Fremont Brewing Company
There’s something intrinsically appealing about a beer that combines cinnamon and coffee, and it’s no wonder this is a popular wintertime special. Fremont Brewing Company has a long list of reputable beverages you could sample, but if you happen to be in the area in December, put this one at the top of your list – you won’t regret it. As you might suspect, this beer is a combination of cold brew coffee and cinnamon bark and features hints of leather, toffee and bourbon thanks to the time spent aging in American Oak bourbon barrels.
View this post on Instagram
Forest Ginger Cider at Finnriver Farm and Cidery
Finnriver Farm and Cidery describes Forest Ginger Cider as a semi-sweet botanical craft cider. Imagine bright apple flavors mingled with a subtle hint of pine from the iconic fir trees scattered all over Washington. Then add a punch of warm ginger and you have one of the most unique and vibrant ciders in the state. There’s a touch of organic cane sugar in this drink, too, as well as some light carbonation to leave you feeling refreshed.
See more: Washington Gift Guide: 9 Local Products from the Evergreen State
The Ox by Holy Mountain Brewing Company
Holy Mountain Brewing Company has a penchant for all things oak and claims that its influence has long been the spotlight of most of their craft beverages. From barrels and puncheons to staggering foudres, oak is certainly a note you can find in virtually any beer you sample from this Washington establishment. Like most of the companies on our list, you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. But The Ox, a foudre-aged saison with hints of orange zest, is just too good to pass up.
Grandfather Raven by Black Raven Brewing Company
Boasting bronze, silver and gold medals for imperial stout competitions, Grandfather Raven from Black Raven Brewing Company is one Washington craft beverages you have to try. Rich and robust, this black ale is a scrumptious combination of unsweetened chocolate and dark caramel with pops of coffee flavor. It’s released every winter and weighs in at a whopping 9.5% ABV, so make sure you take it nice and easy with this one.
Cherry Vanilla Mead by Sky River Mead
Sky River Mead has contributed numerous award-winning meads and wines to Washington, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Their old-world inspirations seem to draw people in from all over to enjoy their decadent craft beverages. The Sky River Cherry Vanilla is an absolute must-order if you find yourself in the area. Imagine the taste of rich, dark cherries melded with lavish vanilla beans and you’ll have a sense of what to expect when you take your first sip of this honeyed mead. You may even find yourself ordering more to take home and enjoy later.
See more: What’s In Season? Washington Produce Calendar
View this post on Instagram
Blimey That’s Bitter by Reuben’s Brews
Reuben’s Brews designed this American Imperial IPA using, in their own words, “ludicrous amounts of hops,” to create a bitter brew that is downright delicious. It’s also on the high end of the spectrum at 10.5% ABV. Nevertheless, this tropical, citrus and pine scented beverage has won countless awards, including Top 25 Beers of 2017, Best of the Pacific Northwest and a gold medal at the World Beer Championships.
Bottomcutter by Bale Breaker Brewing Company
Traveling with your dog through the Pacific Northwest and fancy a pit stop for a brew? No worries. Bale Breaker Brewing Company offers a dog-friendly patio in addition to their long line of excellent beverages. The one at the top of our list is the Bottomcutter, named after the part of a tractor that leads the topcutter through fields during the harvest season. Available year round, this Imperial IPA packs a punch with citrus and pine flavors. This drink has been heavily hopped and remains unfiltered to bring you some of the best flavors around, which means you may spot a pinch of sediment at the bottom of the glass.
View this post on Instagram
Dark Persuasion German Chocolate Cake Ale by Icicle Brewing Company
From the minute you arrive at Icicle Brewing Company, you’re bound to know that something delicious is in your future. These beer connoisseurs have not only designed a welcoming space for you to enjoy a cold drink with friends, but they’ve also crafted some of the finest ales in the West. Dark Persuasion German Chocolate Cake Ale may be a mouthful, but it’s not to be missed. Made with coconut, vanilla and cacao nibs, this malty milk stout is going to send you head over heels the minute you take your first sip.
Punkuccino by Elysian Brewing Company
We couldn’t conclude our list without mentioning the beloved Punkuccino by Elysian Brewing Company. This pumpkin ale is a seasonal favorite among the locals and boasts a shot of coffee from a local favorite, Stumptown. Imagine combining pumpkin and coffee with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg and you have this decadent drink summed up. But you can only get it in the autumn, so if this is one you don’t want to miss, schedule your trip for one of the cooler Pacific Northwest months.