Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Skagit River Brewery

With Victoria day long weekend this past weekend the family headed down to Bayview State Park for some camping. On Sunday while the ladies shopped Rob and myself decided to go check out a beer bar out I had read about online. The Empire Ale House in Mt. Vernon. Unfortunately when we finally found it, it ended up being closed on Sunday's no problem we had seen the Skagit River Brewery on the way in and decided to head there instead.

The brewery is an interesting looking building from the outside and I looked forward to getting in there. As we walked in I could tell that this was a place i would like. A little older with some vintage looking decorations. We sat at the Bar about a 6 stool spot of wood, connected to the kitchen. Service was quick and friendly. I had the Sculler IPA, surprise, surprise. I quite enjoyed it. A little maltier than most westcoast IPA's, but had a great punch of hops. Would definitely drink again. Rob had the taster with there Pilsner, Pale Ale, Brown Ale and IPA. He mentioned that they were all good but that the IPA was the best.

Another cool thing about this brewpub is the assortment of custom ceramic beer steins they have. I forgot to ask but I am guessing they are for regular customers.

Overall I would definitely go back and if you are in the area I reccomend you check them out.

Down the hatch.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Welcome and Phillips Hop Circle IPA

I've been thinking of starting a beer blog for awhile now and well, sometimes you just get busy. For the last 10 or so years, since I started drinking beer I have always searched to try something different, something new wherever I was. As I look back I realize I always enjoyed the craft beers but until last year didn't really know that there was a seperate category. Now that I know I love the idea of craft beer and have been very busy over the last year trying different beers. I've also taken on the hobby of homebrewing, the ultimate craft beer.

This blog will be the place I document all things beer. Whether it be brewing, drinking or a a great beer adventure. I hope you stay tuned.

To start the blog off I will start with a review of a new IPA. The Phillips Brewing Hop Circle IPA. I enjoyed the previous edition of Phillips IPA, but I have to say I enjoy this one even more. It's very hoppy with a hop bitter taste. It's a little light on the malt, but that's fine because I love what they have done. This has definitely moved into one of my go to beers.





Me, My Wife and My Daughter