Finally getting around to writing up how great of a trip we had in Seattle—mainly to visit fellow HBT’er, tour guide, beer expert, and awesome taphouse owner, Brewtopia.
We got into Seattle in the afternoon, and made our way to the Taphouse pretty much right after we checked into our hotel. Don met us at the door and immediately started us with a steady flow of awesome beer. Of course my first one was Naked City Dubbel, OMFG what an awesome beer. Now I know why he chose this to be on tap first. It kicks serious butt.
Unfortunately, I only got one, because
fortunately Don had other plans as far as showing us other great beers. That first night is a blur, but it was such an awesome time. The next day, SWMBO and I (with a right nasty hangover) toured Redhook and the Chateau St. Michelle winery. Beautiful place. Later that day, we had the extreme pleasure of participating in a beer dinner sponsored by Collins Pub. The beers were featured by Lost Abbey and Port Brewing. It was an amazing experience. I posted a blurry pic of the menu below. It was incredible food and incredible beer. We also got to see Don’s awesome wife again. She’s a trip.
The next day, Don met us at Pike’s Market and totally went all out as tour guide. It was so cool. We started at Pike’s Pub, got to schmooze with the brewmaster a bit (I’m convinced Don knows EVERYONE in Seattle if it has to do with beer), got an awesome brewery tour (SWMBO even got a complimentary sixxer of Kilt Lifter plucked right off the bottling line), and then we headed to Elysian, where again Don’s first stop was to chat with the brewmaster who happened to be eating lunch at the bar. We got some more amazing beers and a friggin awesome lunch (Mushroom and Steak Stroganoff) and another brewery tour.
What impresses me about Don is that he is so generous and so gracious--he didn't have to take time from his busy schedule to be such an awesome host guiding us around--but what most impressed me was that he
always introduced SWMBO and myself to whomever he was talking to, no matter the status of that person. That is
really cool. Plus, I’d bet he has forgotten more about beer than I’ll ever know, and I highly doubt he forgets much.
He knows so much about different beers he’s had—it is truly an awesome experience just chatting with him.
Now, more on Naked City. Pictures don’t do it justice. It is exactly how I imagined it would be, eclectic, classy, and yet completely down to Earth. The staff there was totally awesome—helpful from the word go and you could tell everyone really enjoyed working there. I told Don it is a good sign when the employees hang out there on their off-time. I can't wait until he starts brewing. I'd clean the mash-tun anytime!
We totally fell in love with Seattle, and I guarantee I'd be a regular at Naked City--it is a perfect place. The "Don's" really have something special.
Truly awesome visit!
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