Washington beers on tap in Oregon? Yes, really.

Originally posted May 28th
On the heels of Washington’s impressive victory in the Concordia Beer Brawl III, held at the end of February, it is now time to gear up for Washington Cup IV. June 2nd through June 6th, the Concordia Ale House in Portland will host their annual Washington Cup. They will tap into a selection of 10 outstanding Washington beers from 10 of Washington’s best breweries. Patrons will sample the beers and choose their favorite.

It may not sound like that big of a deal, but we’re talking about Portland. The Concordia Ale House is a great beer bar to be sure—one of Portland’s best. To say that Portland’s craft beer drinkers are provincial would be an understatement. It is closer to the truth to call them isolationists or protectionists. The extent to which the beer drinking community of Oregon is fiercely loyal to Oregon breweries is truly impressive. The fact that 10 Washington beers will be on tap at once in Portland is newsworthy.... Read the complete story on the Washington Beer Blog.

Yakima Craft Brewing Company increasing brewing capacity

Originally reported on May 25th.
The Washington Beer Blog just received a press release from Yakima Craft Brewing Co. regarding increases to their brewing capacity. YCBC has gained a reputation over here on the wetter side of the mountains and apparently demand has grown steadily. Brewmaster Jeff Winn is doing some great stuff over in Yakima . What’s more, he’s doing it with one of Bert Grant’s old brew kettles. We are excited to learn that YCBC beers will become more readily available. You can read about our visit to YCBC here.

Here is the press release we received this morning:

Yakima Craft Brewing Co., a craft beer brewery in Yakima, Washington, has completed the installation of equipment that will result in up to a sixty percent increase in production over the coming months.

The installation of additional fermentation vessels- where the yeast do their work to make beer- was required, along with associated plumbing and control equipment.

“This is a good day for us, and for our fans.” says President and Brewmaster Jeff Winn, “We’ll now be better able to meet the demand for our beer in Yakima and beyond.” Read the complete story on the Washington Beer Blog.

Follow up: The rumors are true, but the “gastropub” part was wrong

Originally posted on May 25th.
Over the weekend we reported on rumors that master chef Holly Smith planned to open a brewpub on Capitol Hill (read it here). Today, we report that those rumors are true. The plans are in the works, at least. Apparently the only part we got wrong was calling it a “gastropub.”

For those who don’t know, Holly Smith is the award-winning chef/owner of Cafe Juanita in Kirkland. She has appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and the Food Network’s Next Iron Chef. It is not hyperbolic to say that Holly Smith is a rockstar in the culinary world.

Yesterday, May 24th, Nancy Leson, the food and dining authority for the Seattle Times, reported that the rumor is true... Read the complete story on the Washington Beer Blog.

Don't Miss the "Last Call" of Seattle Beer Week!

It has been a whirlwind of a week...and "Last Call" for Seattle Beer Week is Sunday, May 23, Noon-5pm at Hales Palladium on Leary Way between Fremont and Ballard.

More than 20 Washington Brewers will be on hand. There will be prizes, food and fun as we wrap up a successful year two of Seattle Beer Week. Get tickets while they last at Hale's, Bottleworks or online through Brown Paper Ticket.

Try Washington Beer Featured in Recipes During Seattle Beer Week!

Central Market in Shoreline honors Seattle Beer Week by creating some fascinating recipes featuring Washington Beer and local food designed to bring out the best in both! Stop by their "Culinary Kitchen" and try a different delicacy each day of Seattle Beer Week!

Thursday, May 13
Pike Place Naughty Nellie Spicy Mushroom Relish

Friday, May 14
Leavenworth Biers Boulder Dend Dunkelweizen Pan Sauce over Pork Chops

Saturday, May 15
Skagit River Brown Ale Ranch Style Beans

Sunday, May 16
Scuttlebutt Porter French Dip Sandwich

Monday, May 17
Fish Tale Organic Amber Stovetop Clambake

Tuesday, May 18
Diamond Knot IPA "Do it Yourself" Mustard

Wednesday, May 19
RedHook CopperHook Ale and Cheddar Bread

Thursday, May 20
Elysian Wise ESB Battered Everything

Friday, May 21
Hale's Red Menace Poached Halibut Tacos

Saturday, May 22
Dick's Danger Ale Pulled Pork

Sunday, May 23
Maritime Pale Ale Chile

May WABL Event at Odin Brewing

Odin Brewing, one of Seattle's newest breweries, is hosting a May WABL event at their brewery. More detail to come soon, but for now mark your calendar!

May WABL Event
Tuesday, May 11th, 6 pm-

Odin Brewing Co.
9130 15th Pl. S. Ste. F
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 762-3909
http://www.odinbrewing.com

They will have four beers- two standard beers (Odin’s Gift and Freya’s Gold) and they will debut two special beers they brewed for upcoming Seattle Beer Week.

They are offering 25% off growlers on Odin’s and Freya’s Gold ($7.50 with growler/$6.00 refill only). Pricing for the special brews are Thor’s Intrigue $15/$13 for refill and Thor’s Shadow $12/$10 for refill.