Everett, Washington boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that’s gaining recognition among beer enthusiasts. The city’s breweries offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between. Visitors and locals alike can explore Everett’s thriving craft beer culture through brewery tours, tasting rooms, and beer bars scattered throughout the city.
The Port of Everett waterfront serves as a picturesque backdrop for several breweries, allowing patrons to enjoy scenic views while sipping on locally crafted brews. Popular spots like Sound2Summit Craft Brewery and Scuttlebutt Brewing Company offer both excellent beer and delicious food options, making them ideal destinations for a relaxing afternoon or evening out.
For those looking to sample a variety of craft beers, The Independent Beer Bar stands out with its carefully curated selection of 16 beers and ciders on tap. This local favorite also features an impressive bottle list and wine selection, catering to diverse tastes. With numerous options available, beer lovers can easily plan a self-guided tour of Everett’s craft beer establishments or join organized brewery tours to fully immerse themselves in the local beer scene.
History of Craft Brewing in Everett
Craft brewing in Everett, Washington has roots stretching back to the 19th century. The first brewery in the area was established around 1865 in nearby Mukilteo, specializing in Steam Beer production.
Everett’s own brewing history began in the early 1900s with the Washington Brewery. This establishment supplied beer to the growing community starting in 1900.
Unfortunately, early breweries faced challenges. A wooden brewery building near the Port Gardner neighborhood caught fire and was destroyed, ending production of “Everett Beer” at that location.
The city experienced two periods of prohibition. One was the federally-mandated national Prohibition, while the other was a self-imposed ban in the early 1900s.
After these setbacks, craft brewing in Everett experienced a resurgence in recent decades. Scuttlebutt Brewing Co., founded in 1996, became an Everett institution known for quality food and beer.
Today, Everett boasts a thriving craft beer scene. Multiple breweries and taprooms offer a wide variety of locally-produced craft beers, continuing the city’s brewing legacy into the 21st century.
Key Everett Craft Breweries
Everett’s craft beer scene boasts a diverse array of breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. From waterfront taprooms to innovative brewing techniques, these establishments have put Everett on the map for beer enthusiasts.
At Large Brewing
At Large Brewing has quickly become a local favorite since its opening. The taproom features a rotating selection of 12 beers on tap, showcasing both classic styles and experimental brews. Their signature IPA, “Hop Forward,” has gained recognition for its bold, citrusy profile.
The brewery’s industrial-chic space includes indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a pint in any weather. At Large also hosts regular events, including food truck nights and live music performances.
Crucible Brewing
Crucible Brewing’s Everett Foundry location combines a passion for metalworking with craft beer expertise. Their unique space features metal art installations alongside brewing equipment, creating an immersive atmosphere for visitors.
Popular beers include:
- “Forged in Fire” Red Ale
- “Blacksmith’s Stout”
- “Molten IPA”
Crucible offers brewery tours on weekends, giving patrons an inside look at their brewing process and metalwork integration.
Middleton Brewing
Middleton Brewing specializes in small-batch, artisanal beers with a focus on traditional European styles. Their cozy taproom on Everett Mall Way provides a warm, inviting atmosphere for beer aficionados.
Signature brews:
- “Everett Kolsch”
- “Puget Sound Porter”
- “Cascade Pale Ale”
Middleton’s commitment to quality ingredients and precise brewing techniques has earned them several regional awards.
Brews Almighty
Brews Almighty stands out for its creative approach to beer-making. This nano-brewery experiments with unusual ingredients and flavor combinations, resulting in truly unique offerings.
Notable creations include:
- Lavender Honey Wheat
- Espresso Milk Stout
- Mango Habanero IPA
The taproom’s intimate setting encourages interaction between brewers and patrons, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere.
Scuttlebutt Brewing Co.
Scuttlebutt Brewing Co., established in 1996, is one of Everett’s pioneering craft breweries. Located on the waterfront, their restaurant and taproom offer stunning views of Puget Sound.
Core beers:
- Amber Ale
- Hefeweizen
- Gale Force IPA
Scuttlebutt’s large production facility allows for wide distribution across Washington state. Their commitment to sustainability includes using locally-sourced ingredients and implementing eco-friendly brewing practices.
Lazy Boy Brewing
Lazy Boy Brewing has been crafting quality beers in Everett since 2006. Known for their balanced and drinkable styles, Lazy Boy offers a range of year-round and seasonal options.
Popular brews:
- Lazy Boy Pale Ale
- Lazy Boy IPA
- Lazy Boy Porter
The brewery’s taproom features a relaxed, family-friendly environment with board games and occasional live music. Lazy Boy also collaborates with local food trucks to provide diverse dining options for visitors.
Beer Tasting and Events
Everett’s craft beer scene offers diverse tasting experiences and lively events. Local establishments host regular gatherings featuring unique brews, live music, and food trucks.
The Independent Beer Bar
The Independent Beer Bar boasts 16 rotating taps of craft beer and cider. This popular spot curates a thoughtful selection of local and regional brews. Patrons can sample flights to explore different styles.
The bar hosts weekly tasting events, allowing beer enthusiasts to meet brewers and learn about new releases. Its cozy atmosphere encourages socializing and beer discussions among patrons.
Everett Foundry
Everett Foundry, part of Crucible Brewing, offers a unique tasting room experience. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick and metal accents, reflecting its history as a former foundry.
Visitors can sample Crucible’s core beers alongside experimental small-batch brews. The Foundry holds monthly “Tap Takeover” events, showcasing guest breweries from around the Pacific Northwest.
Live Music and Food Trucks
Many Everett breweries combine beer tasting with entertainment. Local bands perform at taprooms on weekends, creating a festive atmosphere. Food trucks often park outside, offering diverse cuisine options to pair with craft beers.
Some breweries host seasonal festivals featuring multiple food trucks, live music acts, and special beer releases. These events draw crowds and highlight Everett’s vibrant craft beer community.
Brewpub Amenities and Experiences
Everett’s craft breweries offer diverse amenities and experiences to enhance visitors’ enjoyment. From pet-friendly spaces to family-oriented venues and eco-conscious practices, local brewpubs cater to a wide range of preferences.
Dog-Friendly Options
Many Everett breweries welcome four-legged companions. Outdoor patios and beer gardens often feature water bowls and treats for dogs. Some establishments even host “Yappy Hour” events, encouraging patrons to bring their pets.
Leash policies vary, so it’s wise to check ahead. Indoor seating may have restrictions, but outdoor areas typically accommodate well-behaved dogs.
Family-Friendly Venues
Several brewpubs in Everett create welcoming environments for families. These venues often provide:
- Kid-friendly menus
- High chairs and booster seats
- Board games and activities
- Non-alcoholic beverage options
Some breweries organize family-oriented events like movie nights or craft workshops. Outdoor spaces may include play areas or lawn games suitable for all ages.
Sustainable Practices
Everett’s craft beer scene embraces sustainability. Many local breweries implement eco-friendly practices such as:
- Using locally-sourced ingredients
- Implementing water conservation techniques
- Recycling spent grains as animal feed or compost
- Utilizing renewable energy sources
Some brewpubs partner with local farms, creating a closed-loop system for ingredients and waste. Others offer reusable growlers to reduce packaging waste.
Breweries often educate visitors about their sustainability efforts through tours or informational displays. This commitment to environmental stewardship adds value to the craft beer experience.
Local Craft Beer and Food Pairings
Everett’s craft beer scene offers delightful pairings with both classic pub fare and gourmet dishes. Local breweries and bars excel at complementing their unique brews with carefully selected food options.
Pub Fare Favorites
Craft beer in Everett pairs exceptionally well with traditional pub fare. Many local establishments serve hearty nachos topped with melted cheese, jalapenos, and ground beef, perfect for enjoying with a hoppy IPA. The saltiness and spice of the nachos balance the bitterness of the beer.
Crispy chicken wings are another popular choice, often offered with various sauces ranging from mild to fiery hot. These pair nicely with a refreshing wheat beer or a light lager, providing a cool contrast to the spicy flavors.
Fish and chips, a Pacific Northwest staple, find their ideal match in a crisp pilsner or a malty amber ale. The beer’s carbonation cuts through the fried batter, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Gourmet Pairings
For those seeking more refined pairings, Everett’s craft beer scene doesn’t disappoint. Artisanal panini sandwiches, featuring locally sourced ingredients, complement complex Belgian-style ales. The rich flavors of roasted vegetables, cured meats, and aged cheeses in these sandwiches harmonize with the fruity esters and spicy notes of the beer.
Seared salmon, a regional favorite, pairs beautifully with a citrusy pale ale. The beer’s bright hop profile accentuates the fish’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Wood-fired pizzas topped with gourmet ingredients like prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil find their match in robust porters or stouts. The roasted malt flavors in these beers complement the pizza’s smoky notes and rich toppings.
Home Brewing in Everett
Everett’s thriving craft beer scene extends beyond commercial breweries to a passionate community of home brewers. Local enthusiasts have access to quality supplies and resources, as well as supportive events that foster creativity and skill-sharing.
Brewing Supplies and Resources
Everett boasts several well-stocked homebrew supply stores catering to novice and experienced brewers alike. These shops offer a wide range of ingredients, equipment, and expert advice. Popular items include fresh hops, specialty grains, and advanced brewing systems.
Local homebrew clubs provide valuable resources for aspiring brewers. These groups often maintain libraries of brewing books and offer equipment rentals to members. Online forums and social media groups specific to Everett’s homebrew scene serve as platforms for recipe sharing and troubleshooting.
Community Support and Events
Everett’s home brewing community is tight-knit and welcoming to newcomers. Regular meetups and tasting events allow brewers to showcase their creations and receive feedback. These gatherings often take place at local craft beer bars or members’ homes.
Annual homebrew competitions in Everett attract entries from across the region. These events provide opportunities for brewers to gain recognition and improve their skills. Some local microbreweries collaborate with home brewers, occasionally featuring winning recipes on tap.
Workshops and classes taught by experienced brewers are frequently held in Everett. These sessions cover topics ranging from beginner techniques to advanced brewing methods. Local homebrew supply stores often host these educational events, fostering a strong sense of community among Everett’s home brewers.
Non-Beer Craft Beverages
Everett’s craft beverage scene extends beyond beer, offering a diverse array of locally-produced drinks. From crisp ciders to artisanal gins and creative cocktails, the city caters to various palates.
Cideries in Everett
Everett boasts a growing cider culture, with several local producers crafting unique apple-based beverages. The Independent Beer Bar, despite its name, features a rotating selection of ciders on tap alongside its beer offerings.
Visitors can sample a variety of local and regional ciders, ranging from dry to sweet, and traditional to experimental flavors. Some cideries incorporate local fruit varieties, creating distinctly Pacific Northwest flavor profiles.
Many Everett bars and restaurants showcase these local ciders, often pairing them with seasonal menus.
Local Gins and Cocktails
Everett’s craft spirits scene is gaining momentum, with a focus on gin and innovative cocktails. Local distilleries produce small-batch gins using botanicals sourced from the region.
Bars like Obsidian Beer Hall offer a curated selection of craft cocktails featuring these local spirits. Bartenders blend house-made syrups and fresh ingredients to create unique drink experiences.
Gin enthusiasts can find tasting rooms at some distilleries, offering flights and education about the gin-making process. Many establishments also host cocktail classes and mixology events, allowing patrons to learn from local experts.
South Everett’s Craft Beer Scene
South Everett boasts a growing craft beer scene that’s worth exploring. While less established than downtown Everett’s breweries, this area offers unique options for beer enthusiasts.
One notable spot is located at 520 128th St SW. This address houses a craft beer destination popular among locals and visitors alike.
South Everett’s craft beers reflect the region’s innovative spirit. Brewers here often experiment with local ingredients and bold flavor combinations.
The area’s taprooms provide relaxed environments to sample various brews. Many offer flights, allowing patrons to taste multiple craft beers in one visit.
Food trucks frequently partner with South Everett’s breweries, offering tasty pairings for the craft beers on tap.
Some South Everett breweries distribute their craft beers to local bars and restaurants, expanding their reach beyond their taprooms.
Beer enthusiasts can find a mix of traditional styles and creative seasonal offerings in this part of Everett. IPAs, stouts, and sours are among the popular varieties available.
Community events centered around craft beer are becoming more common in South Everett, fostering a sense of local pride in the brewing scene.
Beyond Beer: Food and Entertainment
Everett’s craft beer scene extends beyond just great brews. The city offers a variety of food options and entertainment to complement your beer tasting experience.
Unique Food Options
Many Everett breweries partner with local food trucks to provide diverse culinary options. These mobile kitchens offer everything from gourmet burgers to fusion tacos. Some breweries, like Scuttlebutt Brewing Company, have their own in-house kitchens serving pub favorites and seafood dishes.
The Independent Beer Bar pairs its extensive beer selection with a carefully curated menu of small plates and sandwiches. For a more upscale dining experience, some local restaurants feature beer-inspired dishes and pairings.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Everett’s breweries and bars often host live music events, showcasing local talent and creating a vibrant atmosphere. The Crucible Brewing – Everett Foundry frequently features acoustic performances and small bands on weekends.
Trivia nights, board game evenings, and beer release parties are common events at many Everett breweries. Some venues, like Brews Almighty, offer a combination of craft beer and arcade games for a nostalgic twist on nightlife.
The city’s waterfront area, home to several breweries, provides a scenic backdrop for evening strolls and outdoor events during warmer months.
