This time of year there is so much going on in the beer world. Notably, fresh hop season! I connected with friends of the podcast, CLS Farms and Yakima Valley Hops to talk about their hop programs and importantly their One in Eight Fresh Hop Campaign, which is raising money and awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month.
I spoke with Shelley Desmarais of CLS Farms and Jeff Perkins of Yakima Valley Hops.
On a weekend trip to the Yakima Valley to witness the start of this year's hop harvest (thanks Sam Quinlan, HOOH Hops). I was fortunate to meet a lot of people in the beer community there. One of them being Varietal Brewing from Sunnyside, WA. Founded in 2006, they have been a great addition to their local community. I sat down with Co-Owner & Brewer, Chris Baum.
I’m in Seattle, Washington at a brewery the first of it’s kind in the state. A brewery that is completely backed by a group of members. Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery opened their doors in August of 2015, but the idea behind the brewery has long been in the works. I sat down with Board President Austin Rood and Brewmaster Kevin Forhan.
Alongside the Mount Baker highway is a brewery you’ve probably passed many times without realizing it. The North Fork Beer Shrine opened their doors in 1997 and started with a focus on traditional British ales. In recent years they’ve become known for their sour beers as well. I sat down with their brewmaster to learn about the styles he makes and the technical creativity in their brewery.
In the Northwestern corner of Washington State is a brewery dedicated to making organic ales and lagers. Aslan Brewing Company was an idea born in 2012 but took a few year to develop until they opened their doors. After 130 pilot batches, they opened their doors to the Bellingham public. I spoke with Owner & CEO, Jack Lamb.
I’ve traveled down I-5 in Washington State to the city of Everett. Home to the Boeing Assembly plant, this area has seen growth in recent years, including the craft beer scene. Starting in the back shed in 2009, Justice Brewing is a one man project which is seeing some major expansion later this year.
