I stopped in at Hellbender Brewing Company in Washington, DC and tried their Ignite IPA. Very nice, so I bought a six-pack for the guys back at the office to try. I also tried their stout and bought a crowler for a good friend. Very nice beers. Great spot to stop in and relax.
Washington
Bluejacket, Washington, DC
I stopped at Bluejacket in Washington, DC with my wife and friends to celebrate a good friend’s birthday. We had a great time. The food was delicious. I enjoyed scallops and shared the chocolate almond cake for dessert. Bluejacket has a large variety of beers available. I created a flight of four. The Wary Fiend farmhouse ale was the most tart tasting of this variety I’ve ever had. Lost Weekend was a nicely hopped IPA – not too bitter. The Killing Moon Imperial IPA was smooth – both hoppy and malty. Now, let’s talk about some crazy good beer. Rheinhard De Vos is an amazing sour red ale. Tart and tasty. And, finally, I paired Mexican Radio, a spiced sweet stout, with the chocolate almond cake for dessert. A perfect pairing. Delicious!
Atlas Brew Works, Washington, DC
I stopped in at Atlas Brew Works in Washington, DC after a grueling certification test this morning. The flight offered a taste of all six beers on tap. Each was very good. I especially enjoyed the Ponzi IPA. However, my favorite was the Rowdy Rye Pale Ale. The spice of the rye adds a great complexity to this beer. Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque was on location and I enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich which was also outstanding. The visit, the beer and the barbeque helped take my weary mind off the exam. Great spot to visit.
Bellevue Brewing Company, Bellevue, Washington
I stopped in at Bellevue Brewing Company in Bellevue, Washington for dinner and a beer. I decided to go with the Cuban Sandwich and surprisingly it was better than the one I had at a Cuban restaurant back home recently. Delicious. The Rye IPA was the bartender’s recommendation and its spiciness paired wonderfully with the sandwich. Great food and drink.
Bad Jimmy’s Brewing, Seattle, WA
Considering the name, Bad Jimmy’s Brewing in Seattle, Washington, I felt right at home. I tried the Habanero Amber and after that everything tasted like habanero. I like spicy things and this really delivered. I would have liked to enjoy the beer with some food. But time didn’t permit. I’m sure it would go wonderfully with a burger or many other entrees.
Reuben’s Brews, Seattle, WA
I stopped in at Reuben’s Brews in Seattle, Washington and tried the Robust Porter. I figured this would be the best bet since the origin of the porter is British and the owner is British and I wasn’t disappointed. You should try it.
Stoup Brewing, Seattle, WA
I love the Stoup Brewing story which added to my enjoyment of Stoup Brewing in Seattle, Washington. So, I tried the Azacca Pale and the Citra IPA and from that point on have been trying to figure out how I can get this beer at home in Maryland. Given the option I’d make this my go-to IPA. And I’d serve the Azacca Pale to all my friends all the time. I wish I could have stayed and enjoyed more.
Lucky Envelope Brewing, Seattle, WA
I couldn’t resist trying the Peanut Butter Stout at Lucky Envelope Brewing in Seattle, Washington. And, you guessed it, it was a nice smooth stout with hints of peanut butter. All I needed was a jelly sandwich to go with it. I also tried the Helles Lager which was crisp and refreshing on this warm summer day. Great beers.
Hale’s Ales, Seattle, WA
I stopped in at Hale’s Pub and Brewery in Seattle, Washington and enjoyed the Cream Ale. This style is not necessarily one of my go to beers. However, the Hale’s Cream Ale is a fine example of this variety. Smooth as silk. And very drinkable.
Fremont Brewing, Seattle, WA
I did a double-take at Fremont Brewing when I saw the ice box. Wow. A blast from the past. Very cool! No pun intended. I stopped in for a beer and enjoyed the Cask Summer Ale with the taste of juniper. Very nice. The Rye Saison was spicy as I like it. Pilsner was refreshing. In all, some great beers and a great place to enjoy them.