The Pacific Northwest is known for its beer, with Seattle (and Portland) at the heart of it all. Recent changes in state legislation have legalized small-scale liquor distilling, which has resulted in a boom of micro-distilleries starting up in Seattle. One of the best things about the breweries and distilleries is the focus on local and organic ingredients – a Bloody Mary made with vodka distilled in Seattle from organic wheat grown a few hundred miles away just tastes better in our opinion. Keep in mind the distilleries are all on the young side so the vodkas, gins, and liqueurs are going to be better than the whiskies at the moment. We’ve also not had a good opportunity to visit many of the distillery tasting rooms yet so we might be adding to this as we try more of them.

Breweries

Fremont Brewing (Fremont) – This is the closest brewery to our house. They have a great tasting room and a wide variety of beer from the traditional Pacific Northwest IPA to session beers, porters, and stouts. The brewery is kid and dog friendly.

Ballard Brewing Loop (Ballard) – Ballard has had a bunch of new breweries open up in the last few years. They all have a mix of standard Pacific Northwest style brews (hoppy IPAs) plus some unique curve balls.  Check out Seattle Magazine for more info. Most of these breweries (we believe all) are kid and dog friendly. John’s current favorite in the Ballard bunch is Maritime Pacific.

Schooner Exact (SODO) – Another solid local brewery with a good variety of beers on hand.

 

Distilleries

Fremont Mischief (Fremont) – This place specializes in whiskey’s and other spirits. We hate the marketing but the product isn’t bad.

Sound Spirits (Interbay) – If you like gin, check out this distillery.  They do a “traditional” gin and a barrel aged gin. Both are delicious.

Oola Distilling (Capitol Hill) – Their chipotle pepper vodka makes a killer addition to a bloody mary.