Best 16 Breweries in Washington: Top Picks for Craft Beer Lovers
Washington state is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, with over 200 breweries scattered throughout the state. From small, independent breweries to larger, more established ones, Washington has something for everyone. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best breweries in Washington, highlighting their unique offerings and what sets them apart from the rest.
For those looking to explore the best breweries in Washington, there are plenty of options to choose from. From the bustling beer scene in Seattle to the quaint breweries in small towns like Leavenworth and Port Townsend, there is no shortage of places to discover new and exciting craft beers. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers, there is a brewery in Washington that can cater to your taste buds. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the top breweries in Washington, based on factors such as the quality of their beer, their atmosphere, and their overall reputation in the industry.
Craft Breweries in Washington
Georgetown Brewing
Georgetown Brewing is a popular brewery in Seattle, Washington, known for its flagship beer, Manny’s Pale Ale. The brewery was founded in 2002 and has since expanded its offerings to include a variety of IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Georgetown Brewing is committed to using high-quality ingredients and has won numerous awards for its beers.
Website: http://www.georgetownbeer.com/
Address: 5200 Denver Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
Fremont Brewing
Fremont Brewing is a family-owned brewery in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on sustainability and community involvement. The brewery offers a range of IPAs, lagers, and sour beers, and is known for its commitment to using local ingredients. Fremont Brewing also has a strong presence in the community, hosting events and fundraisers throughout the year.
Website: https://www.fremontbrewing.com/
Address: 1050 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
Pike Brewing
Pike Brewing is a historic brewery in Seattle, Washington, that has been operating since 1989. The brewery offers a range of classic and experimental beers, including its flagship Pike Place Ale. Pike Brewing also has a restaurant and pub on-site, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Website: http://www.pikebrewing.com/
Address: 1415 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Icicle Brewing
Icicle Brewing is a brewery and taproom in Leavenworth, Washington, that offers a range of craft beers, including IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews. The brewery is committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local farms whenever possible.
Website: http://iciclebrewing.com/
Address: 935 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
Black Raven Brewing Co
Black Raven Brewing Co is a brewery in Redmond, Washington, that offers a range of IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. The brewery is known for its experimental approach to brewing and has won numerous awards for its beers.
Website: https://blackravenbrewing.com/
Address: 14679 NE 95th St, Redmond, WA 98052, United States
Elysian Brewing
Elysian Brewing is a popular brewery in Seattle, Washington, that offers a range of classic and experimental beers. The brewery is known for its creativity and has brewed over 500 different beers since it was founded in 1996. Elysian Brewing also has several locations throughout the city, making it a convenient destination for beer lovers.
Website: https://www.elysianbrewing.com/
Address: 1221 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Stoup Brewing
Stoup Brewing is a family-owned brewery in Seattle, Washington, that offers a range of IPAs, stouts, and seasonal beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local farms whenever possible. Stoup Brewing also has a taproom on-site, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Website: http://www.stoupbrewing.com/
Address: 1108 NW 52nd St, Seattle, WA 98107, United States
Holy Mountain Brewing
Holy Mountain Brewing is a brewery in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on Belgian-style beers and barrel-aged sours. The brewery has won numerous awards for its beers and has gained a reputation for its high-quality, complex brews.
Website: http://holymountainbrewing.com/
Address: 1421 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, United States
Reuben’s Brews
Reuben’s Brews is a family-owned brewery in Seattle, Washington, that offers a range of classic and experimental beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and community involvement and has won numerous awards for its beers.
Website: http://www.reubensbrews.com/
Address: 5010 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, United States
No-Li Brewhouse
No-Li Brewhouse is a brewery in Spokane, Washington, that offers a range of classic and experimental beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and community involvement and has won numerous awards for its beers.
Website: http://nolibrewhouse.com/
Address: 1003 E Trent Ave #170, Spokane, WA 99202, United States
Two Beers Brewing Co
Two Beers Brewing Co. is a brewery in Seattle, Washington, that offers a range of classic and experimental beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local farms whenever possible. Two Beers Brewing Co. also has a taproom on-site, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Website: https://www.twobeersbrewery.com/
Address: 4700 Ohio Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States
Fair Isle Brewing
Fair Isle Brewing is a brewery in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in farmhouse-style ales and mixed-culture beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local farms whenever possible. Fair Isle Brewing also has a taproom on-site, making it a popular destination for beer lovers.
Website: https://www.fairislebrewing.com/
Address: 936 NW 49th St, Seattle, WA 98107, United States
Bale Breaker Brewing Company
Bale Breaker Brewing Company is a brewery in Yakima, Washington, that specializes in hoppy beers. The brewery is located on a hop farm and sources its ingredients directly from the farm. Bale Breaker Brewing Company also has a taproom on-site, making it a popular destination for beer lovers.
Website: http://www.balebreaker.com/
Address: 1801 Birchfield Rd, Yakima, WA 98901, United States
Silver City Brewery
Silver City Brewery is a brewery in Bremerton, Washington, that offers a range of classic and experimental beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and community involvement and has won numerous awards for its beers.
Website: http://silvercity.beer/
Address: 206 Katy Penman, Bremerton, WA 98312, United States
Chainline Brewing Company
Chainline Brewing Company is a brewery in Kirkland, Washington, that offers a range of classic and experimental beers. The brewery is committed to sustainability and community involvement and has won numerous awards for its beers.
Website: http://www.chainlinebrew.com/
Address: 500 Uptown Ct Suite 210, Kirkland, WA 98033, United States
Perihelion Brewery
Perihelion Brewery is a brewery in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in Belgian-style beers and barrel-aged sours. The brewery is committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local farms whenever possible.
Website: http://www.perihelion.beer/
Address: 2800 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, United States
Beer Types and Styles
IPA
Washington is known for its IPA, which is a type of beer that is heavily hopped and has a strong bitter taste. The state has a wide range of IPAs, including West Coast IPA, New England IPA, and Double IPA. Some of the most popular IPAs in Washington include Georgetown Brewing Company’s Bodhizafa IPA, Fremont Brewing’s Interurban IPA, and Bale Breaker Brewing Company’s Topcutter IPA.
Pilsner
Pilsner is a light, crisp, and refreshing beer that is perfect for hot summer days. Washington has a number of breweries that produce high-quality Pilsners, including Chuckanut Brewery, which won a gold medal for its Pilsner at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Pilsners in Washington include Georgetown Brewing Company’s Roger’s Pilsner and Holy Mountain Brewing Company’s Crystal Ship German Pilsner.
Porters
Porters are dark, rich, and full-bodied beers that are perfect for cold winter nights. Washington has a number of breweries that produce excellent Porters, including Black Raven Brewing Company, which won a gold medal for its Porter at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Porters in Washington include Fremont Brewing’s Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout and Georgetown Brewing Company’s Seattle Porter.
Farmhouse Ales
Farmhouse Ales, also known as Saisons, are light and refreshing beers that are perfect for warm summer days. Washington has a number of breweries that produce excellent Farmhouse Ales, including Holy Mountain Brewing Company, which won a gold medal for its Saison at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Farmhouse Ales in Washington include Urban Family Brewing Company’s Magnolia Saison and Black Raven Brewing Company’s Corvus Framboise.
Helles Lager
Helles Lager is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for hot summer days. Washington has a number of breweries that produce excellent Helles Lagers, including Chuckanut Brewery, which won a gold medal for its Helles Lager at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Helles Lagers in Washington include Georgetown Brewing Company’s Johnny Utah Lager and Holy Mountain Brewing Company’s Crystal Cathedral Munich Helles.
Witbier
Witbier, also known as Belgian White, is a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for warm summer days. Washington has a number of breweries that produce excellent Witbiers, including Holy Mountain Brewing Company, which won a gold medal for its Witbier at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Witbiers in Washington include Urban Family Brewing Company’s Heart Shaped Box Witbier and Georgetown Brewing Company’s Bodhizafa White.
Saisons
Saisons, also known as Farmhouse Ales, are light and refreshing beers that are perfect for warm summer days. Washington has a number of breweries that produce excellent Saisons, including Holy Mountain Brewing Company, which won a gold medal for its Saison at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Saisons in Washington include Urban Family Brewing Company’s Magnolia Saison and Black Raven Brewing Company’s Corvus Framboise.
Stouts
Stouts are dark, rich, and full-bodied beers that are perfect for cold winter nights. Washington has a number of breweries that produce excellent Stouts, including Black Raven Brewing Company, which won a gold medal for its Porter at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards. Other notable Stouts in Washington include Fremont Brewing’s Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout and Georgetown Brewing Company’s Seattle Porter.
Unique Beer Experiences
Experimental Beers
Washington boasts a thriving craft beer scene that is always pushing the boundaries with experimental beers. Breweries like Black Raven Brewing Co. and Icicle Brewing Company are known for their creative brews that use uncommon ingredients. Black Raven Brewing Co. often employs barrel aging and unique cask ales, while Icicle Brewing Company experiments with local fruits and spices.
Beer Garden
Enjoying a cold beer in a beautiful outdoor setting is a quintessential summer experience, and Washington’s breweries offer some of the best beer gardens in the country. Bale Breaker Brewing Company’s beer garden is set amidst a hop field, while Chuckanut Brewery’s garden overlooks the bay. Both offer a relaxing and picturesque atmosphere to enjoy a pint.
Local Ingredients
Washington is home to a plethora of local ingredients that are often used in the brewing process. Port Townsend Brewing Company, for example, uses locally sourced hops and grains to create their award-winning beers. Other breweries like Four Generals Brewing and Deep Draft Brewing use local fruits and spices to add unique flavors to their brews.
Seasonal Beers
Washington’s breweries often create seasonal beers that are only available for a limited time. Brick West Brewing Co.’s Lucky Penny is a popular fall beer that is brewed with pumpkin and spices. Chuckanut Brewery’s Old Fest is a winter beer that is perfect for the holiday season. These seasonal beers are a great way to try something new and experience the flavors of the season.
Food Options
Many of Washington’s breweries offer a variety of food options to pair with their beers. Icicle Brewing Company’s pub serves up delicious burgers and sandwiches, while Black Raven Brewing Co. has a rotating menu of food trucks that offer everything from tacos to wood-fired pizza. Chuckanut Brewery’s kitchen offers a range of pub fare, including fish and chips and burgers.
Dog-Friendly Breweries
Washington is a dog-friendly state, and many of its breweries welcome furry friends. Bale Breaker Brewing Company’s beer garden even has a dog park where pups can play while their owners enjoy a beer. Other dog-friendly breweries include Icicle Brewing Company and Port Townsend Brewing Company, which both allow dogs on their outdoor patios.
Washington Beer Regions
Seattle
Seattle is home to some of the best breweries in Washington. The city is known for its diverse range of craft beer options, from IPAs to stouts. Some of the most popular breweries in Seattle include Cloudburst Brewing, Holy Mountain Brewing, and Fremont Brewing. Visitors to the city can also check out the Ballard Brewery District, which is home to several great breweries.
Spokane
Spokane is another great city for beer lovers. The city is home to several award-winning breweries, including No-Li Brewhouse and Iron Goat Brewing. Visitors to the city can also check out the Inland Northwest Ale Trail, which features over 40 breweries in the region.
Yakima
Yakima is known for its hops, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to several great breweries. Some of the most popular breweries in Yakima include Bale Breaker Brewing Company, Yakima Craft Brewing Co., and Hop Nation Brewing Co. Visitors to the city can also check out the Yakima Valley Hops and Brews Trail, which features over a dozen breweries in the region.
Bellevue
Bellevue is a great destination for beer lovers. The city is home to several great breweries, including Bellevue Brewing Company and Chainline Brewing Company. Visitors to the city can also check out Eastside Beer Week, which features events and specials at several local breweries.
Interbay
Interbay is a neighborhood in Seattle that is home to several great breweries. Some of the most popular breweries in Interbay include Urban Family Brewing Company and Figurehead Brewing Company. Visitors to the neighborhood can also check out the Interbay Ale Trail, which features several breweries in the area.
White Center
White Center is a neighborhood in Seattle that is known for its great breweries. Some of the most popular breweries in White Center include Big Al Brewing and Noble Beast Brewing Company. Visitors to the neighborhood can also check out the White Center Beer Crawl, which features several breweries in the area.
Central District
The Central District is a neighborhood in Seattle that is home to several great breweries. Some of the most popular breweries in the Central District include Standard Brewing and Chuck’s Hop Shop. Visitors to the neighborhood can also check out the Central District Beer Week, which features events and specials at several local breweries.