A Collaboration Brew Celebrating Skagit Valley’s Independent Craft Brewers

/0 Comments/in , /by

Skagit Valley’s craft beer community, comprised of a diverse group of legendary and new, innovative brewers, is bringing an exclusive collaboration to fans to celebrate Skagit Beer Week and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Members of Skagit Farm to Pint joined forces to create the 2020 Skagit Valley Spring Lager, a beer celebrating Skagit Valley’s home-grown barley and the Valley’s independent craft brewers. Thanks to Farmstrong Brewing, who donated its time and tank space, this limited-edition keg, and can release will be available throughout Skagit Valley starting March 27th, the first day of Skagit Beer Week (SBW), and the date of the Skagit Valley Spring Lager release party at Farmstrong Brewing.

Skagit_Valley_Spring_Lager_Collaboration_Beer

Skagit Valley Spring Lager debuts this year and is a collaboration with all 14 Skagit Valley breweries. The breweries led the recipe development and brew day for the 2020 Skagit Valley Spring Lager.  “Craft beer is a huge part of the Skagit Valley’s agriculture heritage,” said Julie Burgmeier, Director of SBW and Skagit Farm to Pint. “To create a collaboration beer with local barley, made by our very own independent craft breweries, is such a great way to represent our entire community. This annual release is something exciting that fans can look forward to when they think of Skagit Beer Week each year.”

The 5 percent alcohol-by-volume (ABV) lager’s mission is to raise awareness for local craft brewers. The base malt, donated by Skagit Valley Malting, is a new varietal – Bow Pilsner,  grown in Bow by the Knutzen Family. “This new malt has a profound heritage being closely related to Copeland and should develop a crisp and refreshing Fest beer that is complemented by Oregon grown Saaz and Tettnanger hops,” said Thane Tupper, Farmstrong’s Head Brewer.  The brewers decided on a lager style to showcase the agricultural production of the Valley with a highly quaffable and approachable lager.

Garden Path Fermentation will be taking a barrel full of wort before fermentation, back to ferment naturally for a barrel-aged 2021 Skagit Beer Week collaboration beer.

To start this year’s Skagit Beer Week, March 27th – April 5th, join the brewers at the Skagit Valley Spring Lager release party at Farmstrong Brewing. At 7:30 p.m., fans may join a countywide virtual toast by posting on social media using #skagitbeerweek and tagging @skagitfarmtopint. By toasting with the limited-edition Lager, beer enthusiasts and novices alike will appropriately honor the collaborative spirit of Skagit Valley craft brewers and Skagit Beer Week. You will also be supporting a great cause as a portion of all the Skagit Valley Spring Lager sold will be donated to the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter.

Fans will be sampling the 2020 Skagit Valley Spring Lager at Skagit Farm to Pint FEST on Saturday, April 4th, at the Heritage Flight Museum. The festival will feature beers from all Skagit Valley breweries highlighting Skagit Valley malt and paired with locally grown cuisine.

Check out all of the great events happening during Skagit Beer Week 2020!

UPDATE 2/5/2020

The Skagit Valley Spring Lager brew day was a success!  The Skagit Valley brewers came together on a blustery February morning to brew.

 

Skagit Farm to Pint Beer Run 2020 Registration is Now Open!

/0 Comments/in , /by

JOIN US ON MARCH 28TH, 2020 TO KICK OFF SKAGIT BEER WEEK WITH A 5K COURSE AND GREAT LOCAL CRAFT BEER!

skagit farm to pint beer runFor the Skagit Farm to Pint Beer Run 2020, we’ve mapped out a course utilizing the Port of Skagit trail system that starts and finishes at Cardinal Craft Brewing Academy! Proceeds will go to fund the Skagit Valley College Cardinal Craft Brew Academy Scholarship through the SVC Foundation.

The 3.1-mile course starts at Cardinal, then travels by Skagit Valley Malting, Garden Path Fermentation and Chuckanut Brewery. Run, jog or walk at whatever pace you like and collect 4 beer tickets and a Skagit Farm to Pint pint glass at the finish line. Redeem your tickets at any (or all) of the breweries.

In addition to quenching craft beer and a sweet pint glass, enjoy a cool swag bag with giveaways from our partners and a chance to win epic prizes in our raffles!

Important Details

  • This is an open course, meaning roads will not be closed. You are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and regulations. The course will be marked, and we will have volunteers along the way to help you know where to go.
  • Your registration includes one 16-ounce pint of craft beer from our participating breweries. At the finish line you will be given 4 tickets -each worth 4 ounces. Mix and match, have a sample at each brewery, or cash them all in at one spot for a pint of your favorite brew -it is up to you!
  • You must bring a valid ID or driver’s license. You do not need to be 21 to enjoy the event, but you must be 21 to enjoy the beer. Please drink responsibly. Registered underage participants will receive tickets to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages.
  • We will run rain or shine, and there will be no bag check. Please plan accordingly.

Register_Skagit_Farm_Pint_Beer_Run

Race Day Information

  • 9:30 Number and swag bag pick-up opens. Day of race registration begins (if spots remain). Bring ID!
  • 10:50 Runner Warm-up led by Skagit Valley College’s Health and Fitness Tech students
  • 11:00 Run begins! Beer garden opens!

Parking

We have great neighbors at the Port of Skagit. Please feel free to park in area neighboring business lots. If you park on the street (Higgins Airport Way or Peterson Road) be sure your entire vehicle is outside the white line.

New for 2020
Order a colorful logoed Skagit Beer Run t-shirt when you register! Men’s and women’s sizes available. Shirts ordered before March 15th will be ready for pick up at registration.

Registration Swag
At registration pick up a cooler bag provided by Port of Skagit! Inside you will find awesome surprises! It is a great day already!

Course

Skagit_Farm_Pint_Beer_Run

 

 

Finish Line

  • Enjoy a delicious cookie from WSU Bread Lab!
  • For the first male and female finisher: Growler with Fill Certificate from Cardinal Craft Brewery and a free pizza from Moon Rocket.
  • For the first canine finisher (with their runner and on a leash): A Mud Bay basket of toys and treats valued at $60-$80!
  • Pick up your 4 tickets! Each ticket is redeemable for a 4-ounce pour from each of our participating breweries until 2 pm.
  • And now you are hungry! Bring $ to purchase a made to order wood-fired pizza from Moon Rocket pizza right at the finish line from 11-2.

Raffles

Your bib number is your entry. Raffle prizes will include swag (t-shirts, hats, glasses etc.) and gift certificates from participating breweries and sponsors and a grand prize of 2 Tickets to 2020 Skagit Farm to Pint Fest on April 4th- value $100. More details to follow!

More Beer Fun! This part is awesome!

  • Free tour of Chuckanut Brewery at 12:30 plus $1 off pints all day with race bib
  • Free tour of Garden Path Fermentation at 1:30 plus $1 off pints all day with race bib
  • $5 pints at Cardinal Craft Brewery until 2pm
  • $1 off all Moon Rocket wood-fired pizzas with race bib until 2pm

Look for our informational email closer to the event. We will remind you of these details and share anything else you might need to know.

Skagit Beer Week 2020 starts with a Collaboration Release Party, the Skagit Farm to Pint Beer Run and the Kick-off Concert at Tulip Town! All week-long expect a marathon of brewery tours, tap takeovers, yappy hours, doggy supply drive and educational craft beer events around Skagit Valley! Skagit Farm to Pint FEST on April 4 is the Grand Finale of Skagit Beer Week 2020!

Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at Skagit Beer Week!

Skagit Farm to Pint Beer Run 2020 FAQ

Q: When does online registration open and when does it close?
A: Registration is now open and will close when the race sells out or at 11:59pm on March 27th, whichever happens first.  The race is capped at 100 participants.  Registration price goes up to $35 on March 13th.

Q: How can I get a cool Skagit Beer Run T-shirt?
A: Both women’s and men’s cut t-shirts are available to order when you register.  To assure you receive your size shirt on race day, shirts must be ordered before March 13th.

Q: What do I need to bring to packet pickup?
A: You must bring your ID (to receive beer tickets), and your email confirmation with QR code will make check-in go fast!

Q: How can I confirm that I am signed up?
A: The best thing to check first is to look in your email inbox for your confirmation email.  You can also check your credit/debit card statement, or email us to verify.

Q: I cannot participate, but I would still like to pick up my swag.  Can I pick it up?
A: Yes. You can send a friend or family member to packet pickup to get your race packet & swag, they will need your confirmation email.

Q: Is this race timed?
A: This race is purely for fun, the course distance is not certified, and participants will not be timed.  There is a prize for the first male and female finisher, as well as raffle prizes.

Q: Are walkers welcome?
A: Absolutely yes!

Q: Are dogs welcome?
A: Yes-on leash of course! In fact, there is a 1st place prize for the first dog to finish.  Thank you Mud Bay!

Q: Are strollers welcome?
A: Yes! However, we ask that you start towards the back of the pack, to ease congestion at the start line.

Q: What time does the run begin?
A: The race starts at 11am.

Q: Will there be porta-potties?
A: Porta-potties will be set up at the start/finish area at Cardinal Craft.  There is also one porta-potty on the course.

Q: Can I sign up in person at on race day?
A: Yes, absolutely.  You can pay with cash (exact change), or credit card.  In-person registration is $35.  We may have some t-shirts available for purchase, or you can special order one.  The only way to assure you will receive your desired shirt is to register before March 13th.

Q: Are the breweries family-friendly?
A: All ages are welcome at both Cardinal Craft and Chuckanut.  Garden Path is a 21+ establishment.

Q: Do you have to be 21+ to participate?
A: No, only to enjoy the beer.  Non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Q: Are the breweries dog-friendly?
A: Yes, Cardinal Craft, Chuckanut and Garden Path allow leashed well-behaved dogs on site.

Q: I’m hungry after a run, will there be food?
A: Yes, Moon Rocket Pizza food truck will be parked right at the finish line.  Also, feel free to bring your own food and snacks to enjoy at any of the participating breweries.

Q: I’m a gal, what size women’s t-shirt should I order?
A: Here is a size chart provided by the shirt manufacturer:

 

 

 

 

Chuckanut’s New Biers for January 2020

/0 Comments/in , /by

Yes, we made it through the holidays and now we just have to get through the rest of winter. Chuckanut Brewery has help on the way with some exciting new and familiar beers that everyone loves. Of course, many of the beers are in limited quantities so make sure to try them when you see them because who knows if they will be there the next time you return!

Italian Style Pilsner is a collaboration with Chuck’s Hop Shop in Seattle and it was tapped December 27 but it’s almost gone! Wow, that went fast but you can still find it at Chuckanut’s two locations and Chuck’s until it’s gone. This is the hot pilsner style everyone is talking about these days. Using Italian grown pilsner malt as a backbone that delivers graininess and a slight honey sweetness it takes a back seat to the star of this beer, the hops. Noble hops Hallertau & Tradition are used for a clean bitterness and Tettanger & Saaz for flavor and aroma. This is a German Pilsner on steroids, highly drinkable with huge notes of spicy and herbal hops.

Rhinebier Ale is a new take on the Chuckanut classic Kolsch. Kolsch is specific to Cologne Germany on the Rhine river and with that in mind, Rhinebier is old school Kolsch meets new-school flair. Old School Mittlefruh hops interplay with new school Mandarina hops to give a pronounced orange zest character upfront that gives way to the classic grainy malt character of the traditional Kolsch. This ale has notes of graininess and malt with a refreshingly clean finish. 4.8% ABV, 25 IBU.

Schwarz Bier returns, “may the Schwarz be with you”! This black, coffee and bitter chocolate lager finishes smooth and bright despite its dark color. The lingering espresso-like aftertaste makes you want more! 5.2% ABV, 24 IBU.

Rye Lager will return by popular demand. A drinkable light-colored amber lager with a unique spiciness due to the Rye malt rounded out with a creamy finish and winner of multiple awards specific for this style of lager. 5.7% ABV, 35 IBU.

NEW Single Hop Lager Centennial is the fourth rendition in the Single Hop Lager series. This lager uses one of the most influential PNW hops with flavors and aroma of pine, citrus, and peach. Solid bitterness, sturdy malt backbone, and great hop flavor make this Single Hop Lager Centennial stand out! 5.5% ABV 38 IBU.

If you’re lucky you still might find Dortmunder Lager and Rauch Marzen Lager, a great golden lager that is a stronger, fuller style of pilsner and the smokey amber lager, get them if you can. Bock plus Baltic Porter both parts of the Big Bier Series are still available too, this is the only time of year Chuckanut makes these styles since they take 3 months in fermentation. There’s a good supply of Dunkel Lager for the Chuckanut seasonal winter lager which is one of Chuckanut’s most awarded lagers! Any way you look at it enjoy a Chuckanut beer to warm you up in this cold, wet weather and you’ll make it through the winter!

Raise a Glass to Clean Water and Great Beer

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Laura Buckmaster, Washington Wild Program Manager

washington_wild_brewshedThe Washington Wild Brewshed Alliance is thrilled to participate in Skagit Farm to Pint Fest 2020! Since 2013, the Brewshed Alliance has engaged the brewing industry in raising awareness and support for watershed protection. We currently have over 60 partners including breweries, brewpubs, cideries, maltsters and hop growers from all over Washington State. The Brewshed Connection is simple: great beer begins with clean water! Wild, forested watersheds provide a natural filter that maintains high-quality water- water that makes tasty downstream beer.

Skagit Valley Malting is the most recent member of the Brewshed Alliance and they are excited to partner with Washington Wild on charity beer collaborations, events, and conservation initiatives. Skagit Valley Malting’s current malting process uses approximately ⅓ of the water than that of traditional malting processes. Colin Griffith, Skagit Valley Malting’s Sustainability Specialist and a Washington Wild Brewshed Ambassador, is working on several projects that upcycle the by-product of the malting process in ways that promote their sustainable ideals. Skagit Valley Malting believes that transparency in the malting process helps consumers travel “upstream” from their favorite craft beers!

washington_wild_svm

Skagit Valley Malting Team

Chuckanut Brewery has been a Brewshed Alliance member for three years and has signed onto several conservation comment letters and been a strong supporter of our work. Most recently, a coalition of breweries across Washington state joined together to stand up for healthy watersheds after the USFS announced they are moving forward with a controversial proposal to eliminate longstanding protections for old-growth forests in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. A letter signed by 39 brewing industry businesses including Chuckanut Brewery, Farmstrong Brewing Co., and La Conner Brewing Co., stood up for protecting national forests as sources for clean water.

Washington Wild is especially excited to participate in the Skagit Farm to Pint Fest as we have a strong history of advocating for the protection of the Skagit River headwaters. We celebrated a recent victory on halted logging plans and continue to oppose a proposed mining permit in the headwaters. The Skagit is home to Puget Sound’s healthiest remaining runs of wild salmon and steelhead and provides drinking water, a thriving agricultural industry, and ultimately delicious craft beer.

As the Brewshed Alliance welcomes new partners such as Skagit Valley Malting and Yakima Chief Hops, we believe that expanding our conservation conversations to “Farm to Pint” is critical. We look forward to seeing folks at the Skagit Farm to Pint Fest and raising a glass to clean water and great beer!

Chuckanut Brewery December Biers

/0 Comments/in , /by

Wow it’s getting cold out there and Chuckanut Brewery has some awesome biers to warm you up starting with the Bock Bier. This strong, full bodied lager has been aged in the fermentation tank for almost 3 months. Chuckanut bock has notes of dark stone fruits with a smooth finish. Some describe Bock as a lighter weight barley wine. Following on the heels of the Bock will be the Baltic Porter, due out after December 16. Another heavy weight in the world of lagers (yes it’s really a lager beer) Chuckanut Baltic Porter has an ABV of over 8% but goes down deceptively easy. Even more body than the Bock and darker brown, almost black in color, the Baltic Porter was brewed by Baltic countries who liked the English Porter and the Russian Imperial Stouts. They used their lager yeast to brew this heavy duty strong lager. Chuckanut has bottles of Bock now and will have the Baltic Porter in bottles just in time for Christmas.

Chucknaut Stout is the seasonal ale for winter at Chuckanut Brewery. The 2019 rendition of Stout has notes of coffee, roasted malts and chocolate. A small addition of oats amp up the creamy mouthfeel without becoming overly sweet and a velvety smoothness coats the palate with hints of biscuit and toast. The malts in this Stout are an international affair with Pilsner, Munich (German), Chocolate and Roast Malts (UK and Argentina) and Oats (USA). German hops provide a clean bitterness while accenting the roasted flavors. A perfect Stout for our wet weather!

Citra Leaf Pilsner continues to please local hop heads with it’s Yakima Chief Citra Leaf hops highlighted in a Chuckanut basic pilsner recipe. Lots of citrus flavors and aromas in a clean, crisp and effervescent lager make this beer easy to drink and super refreshing.

The new Italian Style Pilsner comes out the week of December 16. This collaboration lager with friends at Chuck’s Hop Shop highlights the up and coming new style of Pilsner originated in Italy with Tipopils from Birrificio Italiano in Italy. Chuckanut has used Italian grown Pilsner malt to lay down a backbone that delivers graininess and slight honey sweetness. But the star of the show is the Noble hops: Hal­lertau Perle & Tradition for a clean bitterness and Tettanger & Saaz for flavor and aroma. This is a German Pilsner on steroids! A highly drinkable lager with huge notes of spicy and herbal hops.

North Sound 22oz Bombers Now Available

/0 Comments/in , /by

Starting on Friday, November 22nd, North Sound is offering barrel-aged beers in 22oz bottles.

This is a limited release so get them while they last. Six varieties to choose from: Bourbon 101 Imp. IPA, Sucellus Imp. Porter, Creepy Monkey, Wullie Waught Sour, Bourbon Big R Imp. Red and Stouticus Maximus!

All will be released for the Holiday Pop-up Sale at North Sound Brewing this Friday opening at 1:00 pm. Gift boxes are included. Come support local artists and get some shopping done while enjoying some of your favorite beer!

north_sound_brewing_bottles

Homebrewers Go Local to Compete for the Heavy Medal

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The 2020 Farm to Pint (F2P) Pale Ale competition slots are available starting December 3rd at Northwest Brewers Supply.  Only 50 slots are available, and last year sold out quickly.  Entry cost is $40 and includes malt donated by Skagit Valley Malting, yeast donated by Northwest Brewers Supply, and one general admission entry to the 2020 Skagit Farm to Pint FEST.  Proceeds benefit Viva Farms.

The homebrewers will have eight weeks to create their Pale Ale and are given 10 lbs. of Skagit Valley Malting Copeland Pale malt to be used as the primary base malt, along with American ale yeast.  Brewers can make their beers unique by using any amount and variety of specialty grains and hops. Winner of the 2019 competition, Ben Holm, says “I wanted to create a well-balanced beer with the available ingredients. I think the Pale Ale category was an excellent showcase for Skagit Valley Malting’s products, and that gave me a great starting position to try to keep the hop bitterness and flavors balanced with the subtle malt flavors from Skagit Valley Malting.”

The judging will take place in February at Cardinal Craft Brewing with 13 judges, including experienced judges, instructors, brewers, brewery owners, and Skagit Valley College Craft Brewing Academy students. “It will be interesting to taste the similarities with the malt and yeast used, but also the differences with how the brewers add their touch with other grains and hops,” says Trevor Lawrence, owner of Northwest Brewers Supply.  Tony Savoy, Cardinal Craft instructor, formatted the judging, which will include notes and scales on appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and style.

The winning beer is brewed by Cardinal Craft Brewing and served at the Skagit Farm to Pint FEST on April 4, along with more than 28 other beers from all 14 of the Skagit Valley breweries.  “Winning last year felt amazing.  The reaction from the crowd at the Skagit Farm to Pint FEST was excellent.  I still get comments from the brewing community a year later,” says Holm.

Three homebrewers will have some heavy medal to show off after the Skagit Farm to Pint homebrew competition awards during Skagit Beer Week at the Skagit Farm to Pint FEST 2020.

Ben Holm, Winner of the 2018 and 2019 F2P Homebrew Competition

North Sound Brewing Happenings

/0 Comments/in , /by

Seahawks Sunday
Grab a fellow 12 this Sunday and come enjoy a pint (or 2) at NSB! We will be showing the 1:25 game against the Baltimore Ravens on our 3 big screen TV’s, and as always it’s Happy Hour all day with $1 off pints. Outside food welcome! GO HAWKS!

Survival Drive!
Time to clean out those closets! Help NSB in supporting homeless youth by donating items necessary to survive a PNW winter. Items such as warm clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and food are being collected for Northwest Youth Services the month of October and will go directly to those in need in Skagit and Whatcom counties. Visit NWYS.ORG for more info. and ways to help.

Mactoberfest
Saturday Oct. 26th at the Littlefield Celtic Center in Mount Vernon. Help vote NSB the official beer for next summer’s Skagit Valley Highland Games while enjoying traditional Celtic music and Scottish meat pie! Tickets and more info at celticarts.org

Save the Dates
NSB Chicken Wing Thing Sunday, November 3rd
There are still a few spots left if you think you have what it takes to be the next Wingmaster Champion! Sign ups happening now at the taproom. Of course, you don’t have to make wings to enjoy them! Anyone can be a judge!

Hops on the Rock Saturday, November 9th
Our next big brewfest event will be in Eastsound on Orcas Island with 20+ regional NW breweries, live music and food vendors. Visit hopsontherock for more info.

Brewer’s Notes:
We’re feeling a little hazy… Sarah and I are brewing the next iteration of Hazy IPA today. We’re using Amarillo, Mosaic and Ekuanot hops to get a fruity and tropical aroma and flavor! It should be ready in about two weeks!
Get Some,
Rob

Anacortes Brewery is Warming Up for the Holidays

/0 Comments/in , , /by

New Releases for November:

Anacortes Brewery Noel Winter AleNoel Winter Ale (ABV 7.0% / IBU 45)   Brewed to celebrate the holiday season, this winter warmer uses various aromatic specialty malts and has a prominent hop character from mild American Noble varieties.

Klosterbier (ABV 5.3% / IBU 35)   Smooth, dark lager originally brewed at the Anacortes Brewery under the guidance of the visiting brewmaster of The Kalt Loch Brewery in Bavaria. Inspired by a dark lager brewed for the Engelberg Monastery. Delicately hopped with Perle hops, this beer has become a local favorite.

Events for November (WA State):

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Label Unveiling 5PM Thurs 11/7, Skagit Valley Gardens, Mont Vernon

Skagit Beer and Wine Festival 3PM Sat 11/23, Eaglemont Golf Course, Burlington

Preview: Washington Brewer’s Guild Winter Beer Festival Fri-Sat 12/6-7, Magnuson Park Hanger 30, Seattle

North Sound Brewing Co. Happenings

/0 Comments/in , /by

Grasping at those Last Straws of Summer

It’s a fall inventory clearance time, so in place of a cask this week, we will be serving the last of the Pearls Pale infused with gin botanicals and served with a wedge of lime!  Taste the last rays of summer sunshine in a glass and prepare for winter.

Brewers Night on the Island

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 10th, at Penn Cove Brewing Company in Coupeville for some tasty NSB brews and fun schwag prizes. Drink beer, win stuff! 6-8 pm

Save the Dates

Macotberfest  Saturday, October 26th

Help vote NSB the official beer for the Skagit Valley Highland Games at the Littlefield Celtic Center in Mount Vernon

NSB Chicken Wing Thing Sunday, November 3rd – Think you have what it takes to be the next NSB Wingmaster? Sign-ups happening now, and we are about halfway to our 12 chef limit- don’t delay any longer!

Hops on the Rock, Saturday, November 9th

Our next big Brewfest event will be in Eastsound on Orcas Island with 20+ regional NW breweries, live music, and food vendors.

north_sound_brewing_happenings