Brewery #15: Salmon Creek Brewery

Kyle and I stopped at Salmon Creek on the way to a Blazers game in Portland. They opened at 4:00 and we got there at 3:59 so when they let us in we were the only people in the bar for at least the first half hour. Even with the place empty, I really enjoyed the feel of the bar and the waitress was really friendly. She was very proud of the brewery and told us all about the awards they had won and how their small town brewery from Vancouver that no one had heard of beat the popular Seattle brewery Pike Brewing Co. in some kind of brewing competition.

We met the owner's wife who had a bat that had different types of bad beer written on it like Bud Light, Coors and Miller Lite and apparently when people ask, "Can I have a Bud Light" she brings out the bat and says, "I'll give you a Bud Light". Yes, a little creepy, but she really is a charming old lady.

The sampler at this place was intense. There were lots of specialty beers with flavors I haven't tasted yet and everything was really pretty tasty. If, for some reason, you are ever in Vancouver, WA (not Canada) I would highly recommend stopping by. There's also a specialty beer store next door where we found the delicious Kona beer that I have been trying to track down for about a month. That made me very happy.

Golden Ale (4)
This beer is very sweet with a great flavor. The only thing a little off about this beer, and actually all of the beers, was that is wasn't cold enough. Another hour in the fridge and this beer would've been perfect.

Scottish Ale (4.5)
This one is a slightly sour amber. I really liked the malts in this one.

IPA (3)
This IPA has a hint of orange in it. Kyle did not like this one but I thought is was ok.

ESB (4.5)
I used to really not like ESBs but I have recently changed my mind. This one was delicious, I think even better than Redhook's. I, unfortunately, don't know beer well enough to describe these flavors but it's a really good beer.

Sweet Stout (3.5)
This one has a sweet, coffee flavor. I can really taste why they call it a "sweet" stout. I really like the little twist it gives to most stouts I've had.

Thunderbolt Porter (3)
Not my favorite porter. It was missing a lot of that flat coffee flavor I've come to appreciate in this type of beer.

Salmon Clause '06 (3?)
This one has the most distinct flavor I've noticed in a beer. There are all kinds of spices in this beer. I can taste coriander and maybe even some nutmeg. I give it a 3 because the flavor is so unusual I'm not sure if I like it or not.

German Alt Bier (2.5)
This one has a funky taste. There's a unique sourness to it that I can't describe adequately but it's really not my favorite.

Most of the beer at this place was delicious. I'd definitely give it an overall score of 4. I actually kind of surprised I haven't seen this brewery on tap in more bars around Seattle. I hope that they are given the opportunity to expand so that I don't have to drive 3 hours to Vancouver to enjoy it. The brewery food and character also gets a 4 for a total score of 8. This one was great!

Brewery #14: Pike Brewing Co.

I have to start this one with a disclaimer. I have been to Pike multiple times and I'm really not into it. The food is mediocre, the restaurant is too loud, and I really only like one of their beers. I know this brewery has a great reputation in Seattle because it's right on the waterfront and associated with Pike Place Market. Even so, there's really nothing at this brewery that I enjoy.

If you're visiting Seattle and want to do the touristy thing, it's probably a fun place to visit. There's lots of activity and they have some cool pictures on the walls, plus they have a whole lot of souvenirs. But, if you're from the Seattle area and are just looking for a good bar to hang out, relax and enjoy good beer, this really isn't it.

Pike Naughty Nellie (4)

Naughty Nellie is a golden organic. It's got a good balance of hops and a solid flavor. I haven't had a lot of organic beers but this one peeks my interest.

Pike Pale Ale (3)

Too hoppy. I thought it was just ok.

Pike IPA (3)

This one has a light, flowery smell and a hoppy, flowery taste. Goes down pretty smooth. Not bad.

Pike Kilt Lifter (4.5)

By far the most popular of Pike's beers. This is a sweet, delicious amber with a great blend of malts. This is the only one from this brewery that I would drink at another bar.

Pike Tandem (2.5)

Dark brown ale with a sweet, coriander flavor. Definitely not my favorite. It's that awful coriander taste that's ruined the beer once again.

Pike XXXXX (4)

A scotch ale with a good, chocolate taste. I wrote GOOD in caps for this one. (I should probably start taking more descriptive notes)

The beer at Pike is just average. I'd give it a 3.5 overall. The brewery, again not my favorite, will get a 3 out of me. If you want to add half a point for the tourist attraction go right ahead. Overall score of 6.5-7.0. I promise the next two get better.

Brewery #13: Twin Rivers Brewing

Unlucky #13 certainly didn't do anything to help this brewery out. Twin Rivers is located in Monroe, Washington, a small town about a half hour Northeast of Seattle. I don't know much about the town, and I've only driven through on my way to Leavenworth or to some lake/river that's way more fun than Monroe. What I've learned from the trip is it's a small town that's trying to be a bigger town so it lacks small town charm and stinks as a big town. The brewery is a perfect example.

Unfortunately, this bar is not set up for the mid-20's, fresh out of college, brewery hopping clientele. This brewery is better suited for the 80+, senior discount, have nothing better to do with my day type. ( I apologize if that offends anyone) The brewery is somehow connected with the Sailfish Bar and Grill, a fancy seafood restaurant that also sells beer. The wine list is longer than the beer list, and to be honest, they probably would be better off just sticking with the wine. The food is really expensive and not that spectacular and the whole place gave me a bad vibe. I'd avoid this one unless you're in Monroe for some other reason and really craving expensive seafood and beer.

The beer:

Pilsner (4)
This is a clean, crisp, refreshing pilsner. It reminds me of champagne but better because it's beer.

Copper Ale (3.5)
This one has a delicious blend of malts with a warm, amber taste. Kyle thinks it tastes bitter but I think it's supposed to.

Bock (4)
A think, amber lager. I really enjoyed this one.

India Pale Ale (3)
This one smells like flowers and tastes like flowers. Typical IPA with nothing that really makes it stand out.

Abbey Ale (2)
Sour, blond ale with a hint of coriander. I hate coriander in beer, it makes it taste bad.

Porter (3)
I could really taste more coffee than chocolate in this porter. It wasn't bad, but pretty light for a porter. I'm not sure this one was done correctly.

Imperial Stout (4)
Rich and creamy stout with great flavors. I can really taste the chocolate and coffee in this one.

I'd give the beer at this place a 3.5. At best, I would order the bock online, but I don't really plan on making a trip back for the beer. The ambiance of Twin Rivers deserves a 2 for an overall score of 5.5. Probably my worst one yet. Adios Twin Rivers!