Seattle’s Daily Journal of Commerce broke the news today about yet another new brewery in the works, this time in the town of Leavenworth which seems to be long overdue for a new brewery.
Leavenworth used to have a brewery, but many moons ago it was sold to Fish Brewing and shortly thereafter the brewery operations were moved to Olympia, and the brewery space was tragically remade into a German-looking Italian-themed restaurant. We have long been curious why another brewery didn’t quickly surface in this town, what with all the skiers, hikers, fisherman, kitsch-loving shoppers and all. Actually there’s no brewery in the entire region since Cashmere Brewing closed earlier this fall. The closest fresh beer might be south over Blewett Pass at Roslyn Brewing or Iron Horse Brewing, or way up north at Alpine Brewing in Oroville. (Heck, the closest beer might actually be over Stevens Pass in Everett.) But we digress.
Because most of you probably don’t subscribe to the DJC a link won’t work ,so here are a few details summarized from their story: Oliver and Pamela Brulotte, owners of Munchen Haus in Leavenworth, are starting the Icicle Brewing Company. They’ve tapped a brewmaster, Dean Priebe, who is planning a lineup of six regular beers plus seasonals.
The brewery is being designed by Leavenworth-native Todd Smith of Seattle firm Johnson Architects – and the design features a traditional Bavarian flair, of course. They will brew onsite, with a taproom and deli-style snacks but they aren’t planning to have a full restaurant. Plans are to distribute locally at first, in Leavenworth and possibly over Stevens Pass, and then into Chelan County. The Brulottes are currently seeking a general contractor. Once they have a contractor and get construction bids, then they’ll go after their financing and start construction. If all goes according to their plans, they’ll be open in October 2010.
We enjoyed a visit to Munchen Haus when we were in Leavenworth last month, and we can vouch for the Brulottes’ sensibilities. Good beer, good brats, good atmosphere. We wish them much luck, and as always we’ll keep you posted as we get more information.
Dean was selected to represent Pike Brewing in 2008 for the Great American Brewfest with his Pro-Am Porter. A thirsty horde of us got to enjoy sending him off at Leavenworth’s South restaurant. I don’t know if this is the same beer as his Pig Biting Porter, but it was tasty stuff.
I think the combo of Dean as brewmaster and the Brulottes as owners is going to be a great one.
Dean was selected to represent Pike Brewing in 2008 for the Great American Brewfest with his Pro-Am Porter. A thirsty horde of us got to enjoy sending him off at Leavenworth’s South restaurant. I don’t know if this is the same beer as his Pig Biting Porter, but it was tasty stuff.
I think the combo of Dean as brewmaster and the Brulottes as owners is going to be a great one.
This is great news!
I’ve known Dean for years. He was a member of my Red, White & Brew homebrew club in Cashmere, and is now a member of the Bare Knuckle Brewers in Leavenworth. Dean also helped revive the homebrew contest in Cashmere a few years ago that we use to have at the Chelan County Fair.
And, as mentioned, he’s already had his beer on tap in Leavenworth — the robust porter that he brewed at Pike was featured last year at South, a restaurant on Front Street.
I’ve known Dean for years. He was a member of my Red, White & Brew homebrew club in Cashmere, and is now a member of the Bare Knuckle Brewers in Leavenworth. Dean also helped revive the homebrew contest in Cashmere a few years ago that we use to have at the Chelan County Fair.
And, as mentioned, he’s already had his beer on tap in Leavenworth — the robust porter that he brewed at Pike was featured last year at South, a restaurant on Front Street.
Indeed – the Pro-Am Porter was scaled up from his Pig Biting Porter recipe – Pike chose to change the name to Pro- Am Porter as Rachel the Pig ( in the Pike Place Market ) is a friend of the brewery and she didn’t like the implied negative biting reference. Dean spent 3 + weeks with us here back in late July and early August 09 interning . . and getting lots of questions answered. We here at Pike are really looking forward to October 2010 in Leavenworth where we’ll get to enjoy all of Dean’s tasty brews.
Drew Cluley
Head Brewer
Pike Brewing Co.
That is great news. A year after I bought property near town, Leavenworth Brewery decided to start sleeping with the fish in Olympia. Oh how I miss the ol’ Hodgesons, Dantes and Grumpy! I’ll see ya at the bar on opening day.