Spokane, Washington has emerged as a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s brewing scene has flourished in recent years, offering a diverse array of local brews that cater to every palate. Spokane boasts over 20 unique breweries, each contributing to the city’s rich tapestry of flavors and styles.
The Spokane Ale Trail provides an excellent introduction to the city’s craft beer landscape. This self-guided tour takes visitors through 28 breweries, showcasing the best of Spokane’s beer culture. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s something for every beer lover to discover.
Many Spokane breweries pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the region’s agricultural bounty in their creations. This commitment to local flavors not only supports the community but also results in beers that truly capture the essence of eastern Washington. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy these artisanal brews in welcoming taprooms and beer gardens throughout the city.
Spokane’s Craft Beer Heritage
Spokane’s brewing traditions run deep, shaped by local ingredients and innovative techniques. The city’s craft beer scene has evolved from humble beginnings to become a thriving industry celebrated by locals and visitors alike.
The History of Brewing in Spokane
Beer production in Spokane dates back to the late 1800s. The first commercial brewery, New York Brewery, opened in 1881. By the early 1900s, several breweries were operating in the city, including the Spokane Brewing & Malting Company.
Prohibition dealt a blow to the local beer industry in 1920. Many breweries closed their doors permanently. After Prohibition ended in 1933, brewing slowly rebounded.
The modern craft beer movement took root in Spokane in the 1990s. Northern Lights Brewing Company, now known as No-Li Brewhouse, opened in 1993. It paved the way for a new generation of craft brewers.
Today, Spokane boasts over 30 craft breweries. Each contributes to the city’s reputation as a beer destination.
Influence of Local Ingredients
Spokane’s brewers have long relied on the region’s agricultural bounty. The Inland Northwest’s climate is ideal for growing high-quality barley and hops.
Many local breweries source their ingredients from nearby farms. This farm-to-glass approach highlights the area’s terroir in each pint.
Washington State produces over 70% of the nation’s hops. Spokane brewers often feature these local hops in their IPAs and pale ales.
Some breweries experiment with other local ingredients. Fruits, herbs, and even pine needles from the surrounding forests find their way into unique beer recipes.
This commitment to local sourcing strengthens the connection between Spokane’s breweries and the community. It also ensures a fresh, distinctive flavor profile in the city’s craft beers.
Exploring the Local Brewery Scene
Spokane’s craft beer scene boasts diverse breweries offering unique flavors and experiences. Local brewers blend traditional techniques with innovative approaches, creating distinctive brews that reflect the region’s character.
No-Li Brewhouse and Its Impact
No-Li Brewhouse stands as a cornerstone of Spokane’s craft beer culture. Founded in 1993, it has grown into one of the city’s most recognizable brands. The brewery’s commitment to using local ingredients shines through in their “Spokane-Style” beers.
No-Li’s Born & Raised IPA has garnered national attention, winning multiple awards. The brewery’s riverside location offers a picturesque setting for enjoying their creations.
No-Li actively supports community initiatives, hosting events and fundraisers throughout the year. Their impact extends beyond beer, contributing to Spokane’s economic and cultural growth.
The Grain Shed: Blending Tradition and Innovation
The Grain Shed takes a unique approach to brewing, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. This brewery-bakery hybrid cultivates its own grains, creating a farm-to-glass experience.
Their specialty lies in ancient grain beers, utilizing varieties like Scots Bere and Purple Egyptian. These uncommon ingredients result in distinctive flavors not found elsewhere in Spokane.
The Grain Shed’s commitment to traditional methods extends to their use of a coolship for spontaneous fermentation. This technique produces complex, nuanced beers that reflect the local terroir.
Visitors can enjoy freshly baked bread alongside their beer, showcasing the versatility of the grains used in brewing.
Iron Goat Brewing’s Creative Flavors
Iron Goat Brewing has earned a reputation for pushing flavor boundaries in Spokane’s beer scene. Their experimental approach results in a constantly rotating tap list of unique brews.
Popular offerings include the Head Butt IPA and the Goatmeal Stout. Iron Goat also excels in creating fruit-forward sours and barrel-aged beers.
The brewery’s taproom, located in a renovated warehouse, provides a rustic-industrial backdrop for sampling their creations. Food trucks often park outside, offering diverse dining options to complement the beers.
Iron Goat’s community involvement includes collaborations with local artists, featuring their work on beer labels and in the taproom.
Brick West Brewing and Community Events
Brick West Brewing has quickly become a hub for community gatherings since its opening. The spacious brewery and taproom occupies a historic building in downtown Spokane.
Their beer selection ranges from classic styles to experimental brews. The Brick West Pilsner has become a local favorite, embodying the brewery’s commitment to quality and drinkability.
The venue hosts regular events, including live music performances and trivia nights. During warmer months, their outdoor beer garden serves as a popular gathering spot.
Brick West collaborates with local businesses and organizations, fostering a sense of community through beer. Their presence has contributed to the revitalization of Spokane’s west end.
Bellwether Brewing’s Uniqueness
Bellwether Brewing sets itself apart by focusing on historical and uncommon beer styles. Their tap list often features medieval-inspired brews and forgotten recipes.
Signature offerings include the Smoked Helles Lager and the Norse-inspired Valkyrie’s Kiss. Bellwether’s approach appeals to both history buffs and adventurous beer drinkers.
The brewery’s intimate taproom creates a cozy atmosphere for exploring these unique flavors. Knowledgeable staff provide insights into the historical context of each brew.
Bellwether regularly hosts educational events, allowing patrons to delve deeper into beer history and brewing techniques. This commitment to education adds depth to Spokane’s craft beer culture.
Signature Brews and Styles
Spokane’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of distinctive brews that capture the essence of the region. Local breweries showcase their creativity through unique flavor profiles and innovative techniques.
Spotlight on Spokane IPAs
Spokane breweries excel in crafting bold and hop-forward IPAs. These beers often feature locally sourced hops, giving them a distinctive Northwest character. Many Spokane IPAs balance piney and citrusy notes with a robust malt backbone.
Some breweries experiment with fruit-infused IPAs, incorporating flavors like grapefruit or mango. These creative variations add depth to the city’s IPA offerings. Spokane’s IPAs typically range from 6-7% ABV, catering to hop enthusiasts seeking full-flavored brews.
Diversity of Lagers in Spokane
Spokane’s craft beer scene embraces lager styles, offering crisp and refreshing options. Local breweries produce a variety of lagers, from traditional Pilsners to darker Vienna-style lagers. These beers often showcase clean fermentation profiles and subtle malt flavors.
Some Spokane breweries specialize in German-inspired lagers, adhering to traditional brewing methods. Others experiment with American-style lagers, incorporating local ingredients for unique twists. Lagers in Spokane typically range from 4-5.5% ABV, providing lighter alternatives to hop-heavy ales.
Rising Popularity of Hazy IPAs and Sours
Hazy IPAs have gained significant traction in Spokane’s craft beer scene. These juicy, less bitter IPAs often feature tropical fruit flavors and a smooth mouthfeel. Local breweries experiment with different hop combinations to create distinct hazy IPA profiles.
Sour beers are also making waves in Spokane. Breweries produce kettle sours, wild ales, and fruit-infused sour beers. These tart and complex brews appeal to adventurous beer drinkers seeking unique flavor experiences.
Many Spokane breweries now offer rotating taps dedicated to hazy IPAs and sours, reflecting their growing popularity among local beer enthusiasts.
Tours and Trails
Spokane offers exciting ways to explore its thriving craft beer scene. Visitors can embark on self-guided adventures or join expert-led tours to discover the city’s finest brews and breweries.
Navigating the Spokane Ale Trail
The Spokane Ale Trail provides a self-guided journey through 28 local breweries. Beer enthusiasts can pick up a map at participating locations or download it online. The trail covers a wide area, showcasing the diversity of Spokane’s craft beer offerings.
Participants collect stamps at each brewery visited. Those who complete the trail earn a commemorative prize. Popular stops include No-Li Brewhouse, Iron Goat Brewing, and Perry Street Brewing.
The trail encourages exploration of different neighborhoods, from downtown Spokane to the outskirts. Many breweries on the trail offer food pairings, enhancing the tasting experience.
Brewery Tours and Tasting Experiences
Several companies offer guided brewery tours in Spokane. These tours provide transportation, allowing participants to sample beers safely. Expert guides share insights into brewing processes and local beer history.
Wander Spokane organizes custom beer tours, focusing on the city’s craft brewing culture. Tours typically visit 3-4 breweries, offering behind-the-scenes access and exclusive tastings.
Some breweries, like No-Li Brewhouse, offer their own tours. These provide in-depth looks at brewing operations and beer-making techniques. Visitors can often meet brewers and learn about ingredient sourcing and flavor profiles.
Tasting experiences range from flights of flagship beers to seasonal and experimental brews. Many tours include food pairings to complement the beer selections.
The Culture of Craft Beer in Spokane
Spokane’s craft beer scene thrives on community spirit and creative brewing. Local beer enthusiasts gather to celebrate unique flavors and support independent breweries.
Craft Beer Lovers and Community
Spokane’s craft beer lovers form a tight-knit community. Breweries serve as social hubs where patrons discuss flavors, brewing techniques, and local ingredients. Many establishments host tasting events and brewery tours, allowing beer enthusiasts to learn directly from brewmasters.
Local homebrew clubs meet regularly to share tips and recipes. These groups often collaborate with professional brewers, fostering innovation in the craft beer scene.
Beer-focused bars and taprooms showcase Spokane’s brews alongside regional and national offerings. This variety attracts both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers curious about craft beer.
Events and Festivals Celebrating Spokane Beer
Spokane hosts several annual beer festivals that highlight local breweries. The Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival features over 40 regional breweries and draws thousands of attendees each year.
Smaller events like tap takeovers and beer pairing dinners occur regularly throughout the city. These gatherings allow craft beer lovers to try limited-edition brews and meet brewers in person.
The Spokane Ale Trail encourages exploration of the city’s beer scene. Participants visit multiple breweries, collecting stamps in a passport-style program. This self-guided tour has become popular among locals and tourists alike.
Awards and Recognitions
Spokane’s craft breweries have garnered significant acclaim, earning prestigious awards and recognition for their exceptional beers. These accolades highlight the city’s growing reputation as a craft beer destination.
Washington Brewery of the Year and Other Accolades
No-Li Brewhouse stands out as a shining star in Spokane’s craft beer scene. In 2022, the family-owned brewery claimed the title of “Washington Brewery of the Year” at the New York International Brewing Competition. This impressive achievement underscores No-Li’s commitment to brewing excellence.
But the accolades don’t stop there. No-Li also secured the “Washington Hard Seltzer of the Year” award in the same competition, showcasing their versatility in craft beverage production.
Other Spokane breweries have also made their mark. The Washington Beer Awards, an annual craft beer competition, recognized several regional breweries in 2024. These awards celebrate the best of Washington craft beer and help raise awareness both within the state and nationally.
Where to Find Spokane Brews
Spokane’s craft beer scene offers a variety of options for beer enthusiasts. The city boasts numerous breweries, each with its own unique flavors and styles.
One popular way to explore Spokane’s breweries is through the Spokane Ale Trail. This self-guided tour features 28 local breweries, allowing visitors to sample a wide range of craft beers.
Some top-rated breweries in Spokane include:
- No-Li Brewhouse
- Iron Goat Brewing
- Perry Street Brewing
- Whistle Punk Brewing
- River City Brewing
Many of these establishments are located in the downtown area, making it easy to visit multiple spots in one outing.
Spokane breweries often source local ingredients, creating distinctive flavors that reflect the region. Visitors can expect to find a range of beer styles, from traditional lagers to innovative sour beers.
Several breweries also offer food options, enhancing the tasting experience. It’s advisable to check individual brewery websites for current hours of operation and food availability.
For those interested in exploring beyond the city limits, the surrounding Spokane area also features noteworthy craft breweries worth visiting.
