by North Seattle Sarah, Senior Northend Correspondent and Chief of the Washington Beer Blog’s North Seattle Bureau.
Let me preface this by pointing out to those that don’t already know, that I am challenging myself to go to a different event essentially every day of Seattle Beer Week. Having a day job, a weekend job, and hyperactive dog makes this a huge undertaking for me, but I promise that I am under extreme guidance from Mr. and Mrs. Beerblog. Sometimes we have to stretch ourselves for the sake of journalism – for some it’s travelling to dangerous locations. For me, it’s drinking beer.
And so it begins
Seattle Beer Week kicked off Thursday with a progression event stopping at four great locations around Seattle. Being the lazy person I am, I decided to pass up the first three stops (Maritime, Brouwer’s, and Pyramid), and head straight for location #4 – Naked City. This way, the party comes to me.
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And boy did the party come. Although Naked City was the fourth stop, it was so packed when I arrived at 7:00 p.m. that they were checking ID’s at the front door (never seen that before), and it was standing room only inside; however, sometimes being a girl in a tight-fitting t-shirt has its benefits and a seat at the bar quickly opened up for me.
On the bar were three casks: Ram Pollinator Brown, Leavenworth Oaked Alt Bier, and Diamond Knot Twig n Berries Stout. Naked City also occupied roughly half of the tap handles themselves, featuring their new Clothe the Naked, FNG ESB, and the deadly Earl of Snohomish (weighing in at a whopping 12.5% ABV).
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On the menu, a few unusual items. Despite my extreme hatred towards pickles, I was somehow convinced to try pickled hop shoots from the boys of Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery. An interesting concept (both the hop shoots and the co-op), and likely a must-have for pickle lovers. As for me, I think I’ll stick to my pretzel and beer cheese next time.
And in the bar, an enormous amount of people having a great time. Owner and brewer Don Webb showed off his new Hoptrocity t-shirt which I had to get my hands on (girls sizes are also available for $17.50). Don is also taking pre-orders for a new hoodie design coming out soon.
Today, it’s on to Seattle Beer Week event #2 for me: Kulture Freaks at Brouwer’s.
