Western Bound

Sometimes fortune smiles upon you, and you get an opportunity that is too good to be true. I was offered the chance to take some necessary training in one of the best beer towns in the world, when my beloved Phillies were in town. And although the timing stunk (end of school year), I have been looking forward to this journey for a while. So I caught the early flight from Philly (thanks for the ride Dad), and made it into town by lunchtime, stopping in the Green Lake section of Seattle at the Latona Pub.

Latona was what I expect from Seattle pubs; great beer selection, a gastropub’s attention to detail to food, and a laid back staff and clientele. I had the Odin Ruby Amber and the Everybody Daily Bread on draft, to accompany my ploughman’s. Their version contained a loaf of bread, 3 cheeses (gorgonzola, white cheddar and brie), chutney, apples, honey (that’s a new one), and almonds. It was great, stretching my legs from the flight, eating, sampling, and talking beer. A great start, but I was then off to Tangletown, an Elysian brewpub in the area. I got a sampler (what else?), which had their Immortal IPA and Wise ESB both on cask. Again, a great neighborhood location (there is a theme here, reminded me a lot of the UK). But since I was going to checkout other Elysian locations, I moved on to Murphy’s Pub. This pub had Guinness (of course), but it also had a great selection of local beers. I compared the Skagit River Sculler’s IPA to American Breakaway IPA, both on cask. Both were excellent, but I gave the nod to Sculler’s. Down the street was the Bottleworks, a bottle shop with an impressive selection of beer. I got to try the Mikkeller Green Gold on draft while I perused, and make my selection. Limiting myself to twelve, some to take back and some to drink here, I found some Maui brewing cans and some unique beers from Japan. Of particular note was the Mikkeller Two Gypsies Our Side Saison, done with Stillwater, and the Lost Abbey Deliverance, a mix of their brandy Angel’s Share and bourbon barrel Serpent’s stout, and the Stone Belgo Anise Russian Imperial Stout.

It was a great start of the day, so I checked into the hotel and took a nap (much needed from the jet lag). I had to go back to the airport to pick up my compatriot Kevin, so I needed the rest. And when the ballpark traffic was too much, I changed my plans (yes, I can do that once in a while) and stopped by at the Stumbling Monk. Listed at #124 on Beer Advocate’s favorite bars, I wanted to check it out. Again, a great neighborhood bar with a modest draft selection. I tried the New Belgium La Folie on draft, and got to taste the Avery Samael (at 15% ABV, my 1 oz taste was enough). Next it was time for dinner, so I made it down to West Seattle to Prost!, a German restaurant. The food selection was excellent, I had a German Ploughman’s with spicy mustard, pickle, cheese and two kinds of sausage. I was able to try an Aktien Zwick’l Kellerbier, a kind of unfiltered lager. And since their beer selection was limited, I headed down the road to Elliott Bay brewpub for their Demolition Ale and some soy/ginger steak skewers while watching the Phillies avenge their loss to the Mariners the night before. The food certainly did hit the spot, but I was tired and had enough.

I picked up Kevin, and we called it a day. No matter how excited I sound, it isn’t all perfect. I will be away from my family on Father’s Day. I will miss Jessica’s moving up ceremony (I can’t believe that she’s off to middle school), and I’ve left the responsibility to wrap up the school year and pack for vacation to Jenn (I really do appreciate all that she does to support me). But I’m here, and will work hard to get the most out of this opportunity. - 5785/10931

"I never met a pub I didn’t like." – Pete Slosberg, Founder of Pete’s Brewing