Local breweries to support in lieu of Oktoberfest

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic several seasonal activities have faced varying restrictions. Oktoberfest is no exception. The autumn volksfest offers ample beer selections, traditional German music and attire making it a popular attraction to aspiring cicerones. While the full experience can not be promised, there are quite a few breweries to support during this trying time.

Pacific Brewing and Malt Co. (Edmonds, WA)

If historic craft breweries are more your taste, Pacific Brewing and Malt Co. may be right for you. Formed from a merger back in 1897, this brewery has resiliently lived through the probation period and continues to be one of the largest companies in the Pacific Northwest. While their taproom is currently closed, their brews can be found on tap at various restaurants in western Washington.

Fremont Brewing (Seattle, WA)

Don’t feed the trolls, hand them a beer! Fremont Brewing is the third largest brewery in Washington, as well as the largest barrel-aged production. If you are looking to social distance outdoors, Fremont Brewing has a beer garden open in Seattle. They offer a wide selection of seasonal and year-round beers, making it a great choice for those who have a hard time finding a beer they like. Their products can largely be found at various local supermarkets, as well as available for purchase online.

Wingman Brewers (Tacoma, WA)

Located across the street from the Tacoma Dome Station, Wingman Brewers serves as a notable choice for commuting students to grab a drink. Besides in their taproom, you can find their canned products at BevMo. Two of their most notable beers are their ACE IPA and P-51 Porter.

Wet Coast Brewery (Gig Harbor, WA)

These beers could not be easier to get your hands on! They provide porch drop deliveries, curbside pickup and outside dining. Their website also provides a handy map for locating their beer by labeling locations as a draft carrier, bottle shop or both. They offer a wide selection composed of IPAs, lagers, varying ales and stouts. 

7Seas Brewing (Tacoma & Gig Harbor, WA)

If you are native to Tacoma then you’ve probably already heard about 7Seas Brewing. One of its taprooms is located across the street from the Mattress Factory building, making for a great place to get your booze fix after attending courses on campus. 7Seas also has taprooms based in Gig Harbor. Although the company also puts out canned products, you can find many of its beers on draft in several restaurants throughout Pierce County. While their core focus lies on Hazy IPAs and Ales on Tap, they also provide a good selection of sour beers and are expanding to hops.

GeorgeTown Brewing Co. (Seattle, WA)

For a few years after their founding, GeorgeTown Brewing Company used to be the largest-draft brewery in the United States, however, since 2017 it has expanded to IPA’s and pilsners. Their primary brew, Manny’s Pale Ale, is named after the founder of the company, Manny Chao. They also have brews named after the cult movie “Point Break” (ie. Johnny Utah and Bodhizafa). While their tasting room seating is currently closed they offer beer cans, kegs and growlers to go.

E9 Brewing Co. (Tacoma, WA)

E9 is one of the older craft breweries that owns Engine House 9. Apart from their iconic location on Pine Street, they have a secondary venue — a hidden gem nestled between downtown and the hilltop of Fawcett Ave. Their Fawcett taproom has a wide variety of 14’ inch pan pizzas to pair with your brew. 

ScuttleButt Brewing Co. (Everett, WA)

Independent and family owned, ScuttleButt originally got its start from a Father’s Day gift of a homebrewing kit. Since then, it has expanded to a notable sized brewing company. Their production line has over twenty brands of handcrafted ales and lagers. They have two locations in Everett; a family-friendly pub and a taproom. They offer kegs, bottles, growlers as well as crowlers (32-ounce draft cans) for those wanting beer to go.

Half Lion Brewing Company (Kent, WA)

Half Lion focuses on an outdoorsmen theme using the slogan “the rugged luxury of real beer.” They use recycled lumber, saw blades and other nature paraphernalia to not just sell beer, but to make it an experience. Various types of beer is offered at their establishment or for carryout; blondes, IPA, amber, stout, Kolsch as well as a selection of clear-can hard seltzers. 

There are currently 423 breweries in Washington state alone. To find out about more breweries in your area, visit https://washingtonbeer.com/breweries/.