I’ve always believed that a good brew is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. And when it comes to Kirkland, a city that’s brimming with craft beer culture, this couldn’t be more true. With its eclectic mix of microbreweries and taprooms, Kirkland offers a beer adventure like no other.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newbie, there’s something in Kirkland’s beer scene that’s sure to pique your interest. From cozy brewpubs offering unique, locally brewed beers to stunning waterfront views that pair perfectly with a cold pint, Kirkland has it all. So, join me as we dive into the heart of Kirkland’s vibrant beer culture, exploring the flavors, the places, and the people that make it so special.

Mountain Homebrew & Wine Supply

Mountain Homebrew & Wine Supply merits a spot on your exploration map. Established in 1995, this company has made a name for itself as a pillar in Kirkland’s craft beer scene. Their inventory is vast, covering all the essentials for home brewing and wine making ventures.

Whether you’re a novice looking to dip your toes into home brewing or an experienced brewmaster seeking the best for your craft, this is the place for you. It offers an impressive array of quality beer brewing and wine making supplies. This includes everything from fermenters and bottle fillers to corks, caps, and cleaning solutions.

Their staff isn’t simply purchasing manage. They are avid brewers and winemakers, boasting a wealth of knowledge to ensure you get the right products for your specific needs. Few places match the level of expertise on display here. They’re always ready to offer advice or guidance, making your brewing journey as smooth as possible.

Imagine brewing a perfect IPA right at home, with the precise ingredients and tools you need, all sourced from Mountain Homebrew & Wine Supply. Or crafting a splendid Merlot, with supplies and insights gleaned from the same place. Their community holds monthly brewing events, ideal for meeting fellow enthusiasts while honing your craft.

When we talk about Kirkland’s exciting beer scene, we don’t Just mean the beers available at local pubs or restaurants. It extends into homes, kitchens, garages, and wherever else residents are inspired to create their own brews. Mountain Homebrew & Wine Supply is a major player in fostering this culture.

Finally, it’s not just about the products. It’s about the sense of community. It is a hub for craft beer and wine enthusiasts. The staff’s passion for brewing is infectious, and it’s visible in the quality of their products and services. They’ve formed a thriving network of brewers who not only share a love for brewing but also a commitment to quality.

Trivia nights, brewing competitions, and product launches are fixtures on their calendar. These serve as fun, educational platforms for fellow brewing aficionados to learn, share, and grow.

Here, Kirkland’s craft beer culture does not just thrive – it brews. And Mountain Homebrew & Wine Supply plays a pivotal role, acting as a beacon for all who want to be part of this vibrant scene.

Maelstrom Brewing Company

Adding to the unique taste of Kirkland’s craft beer culture, the Maelstrom Brewing Company stands its mark. As a key player in the scene, they prioritize quality, tradition, and innovation in brewing. The outfit’s dedication is evident in their meticulously crafted ales, lagers, and pilsners. They earned a reputation for using traditional brewing techniques that enhance the flavors and aromas of their beers.

A visit to Maelstrom Brewing Company truly is a delightful journey. Small batch brewing is their specialty, with quantities rarely exceeding 10 barrels per operation. The attention given to each batch ensures a rich, flavorful product, with each sip relishing the palate. Sample Maelstrom’s Storm Stout or Vortex IPA, both brimming with complex flavor profiles that are the outcome of hand-selected grains and hops, making the experience worthwhile.

For beginners to beer tasting, the accommodating staff at Maelstrom is ready to offer a lesson or two. They take pride in educating guests about different beer styles, ingredients, and the brewing process. Walk in without an idea about craft beers, leave with a better understanding, and a new appreciation for Kirkland’s thriving craft beer scene.

Maelstrom Brewing Company goes beyond just brewing beer. They’ve fostered a sort of brotherhood amongst their patrons, many of whom are repeat customers. It isn’t just the unique beers that draw them in, but the sense of community and warmth that they’ve created within their walls. Events like ‘Pub Trivia Night’ and ‘Open Mic Night’ provide an engaging atmosphere, as the beer flows and conversations ignite.

From the brewhouse, the sweet aroma of malt wafts through the air, a testament to the bustling activity within. It’s here that beer is more than just a beverage; it’s a culture, an art, a way of life. Dive into the flavors, savor each sip, and soak in the ambiance – visiting the Maelstrom Brewing Company is an integral component of the Kirkland beer journey.

Flatstick Pub

While stepping from the traditional ambiance of Maelstrom Brewing Company, I wandered into a distinctly modern craft brew experience: Flatstick Pub. As Kirkland’s premier destination for a unique brew and mini-golf combination, Flatstick makes its presence dear in the city’s craft beer landscape. It represents a fresh, fun perspective on Kirkland’s beer scene, establishing itself as much more than just a traditional pub.

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Founded In

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 2014

Specialty

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Craft Beers
Food

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Yes
Activities

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Mini-Golf
Kid Friendly

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Yes
Dog Friendly

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Yes

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Flatstick Pub is known for its carefully curated selection of locally brewed beers. With over 30 Washington-only beers and ciders on tap, patrons have endless choices for finding a brew that fits their palette. They remind us, with every sip, of the core values of craft brewing: a focus on local, quality ingredients; artisan techniques; and unique, flavorful brews.

Dexterity Dependent®, Flatstick’s signature game, uses putt-putt golf with a twist. Visitors can indulge in a playful game while delighting in their choice of beverage. A divide and conquer approach best suits this pub: one hand masters the game, the other savors the brew.

As unique as its offerings of brews and games, so too is the pub’s commitment to the community. Flatstick Pub actively involves itself in Kirkland’s communal life through its ‘Drink and Donate’ program, where $1 from every pint of ‘Beer of the Month’ goes to a local charity. This initiative adds another dimension to Kirkland’s craft beer community, fusing social awareness with the art of brewing.

Entering Flatstick Pub, it isn’t just about finding great beer; it’s about enjoying a comprehensive experience comprising local brews, innovative games, and community connection. This unique fusion places Flatstick as an anchor in Kirkland’s thriving beer culture. Next time you’re embarking on a Kirkland pub crawl, don’t forget about Flatstick Pub; after all, where else could you combine great beer, mini-golf and supporting local causes into one memorable experience?

Chainline Brewing Company

Taking the baton from Flatstick Pub’s unique mix of brews, games, and community engagement, Chainline Brewing Company gallops into the Kirkland craft beer scene with a distinct identity. Occupying a renovated warehouse on the Cross Kirkland Corridor, Chainline’s establishment is an ode to Pacific North-western industrial aesthetics, seamlessly blending history with modern sensibilities.

Chainline distinguishes itself with its specialized brewing system. Boasting a traditional Czech-style method, it focuses on crafting fresh, unfiltered lagers. Chainline’s Polaris Pilsner, for instance, encapsulates the Czech technique impeccably, offering sippers a crisp, full-bodied lager with noticeable hops for a unique experience.

However, lagers aren’t Chainline’s only speciality. It’s also adept at creating a diverse range of high-quality ales. Their “Tune Up” IPA reflects this expertise, fusing rich malt undertones with bold, citrusy hops to deliver a balanced, yet robust, taste sensation.

Keeping inclusivity at the forefront, Chainline caters to the gluten-sensitive crowd, producing a variety of gluten-decreased beers. This thoughtful initiative provides an opportunity for every individual to enjoy their craft delicacies without dietary concerns, mirroring the community-centric approach prevalent in Kirkland’s brewing scene.

Expanding on their offerings, Chainline provides a charming outdoor seating area for folks to take in the sights and sounds of Kirkland while sipping on their favourite brews. They also allow food trucks on site, blending delectable food choices with their own liquid masterpieces, an arrangement that showcases their commitment to providing an inclusive, enjoyable beer drinking atmosphere.

In keeping with the Kirkland spirit of community engagement, Chainline frequently organizes events and collaborations with other breweries and local businesses. For example, their partnerships with Kirkland Urban and The Village at Totem Lake result in exclusive brews that offer original, localized experiences to patrons.

From its tap room that resonates with history to its inventive beers and community collaborations, Chainline Brewing Company exemplifies the rich tapestry of Kirkland’s craft beer scene. It continues the legacy of blending high-quality, innovative brews with strong community ties, writing its own chapter in Kirkland’s flourishing beer diaries.

The Cave Craft Beer & Smoke

Adding to Kirkland’s brewing panorama, The Cave Craft Beer & Smoke undeniably plays a significant role. Not just another beer joint, The Cave offers an amalgamation of crafted beers, fine wines, and a unique range of artisanal cigars.

Diverse in selection, The Cave boasts an expansive collection of 500 craft beers sourced from around the world. The rotating tap list ensures that patrons have a varying range of choices to explore, including stouts, pilsners, lagers, and ales. It’s a global beer tour without the need for a passport.

As part of its commitment to deliver quality, The Cave places an emphasis on regionally sourced beers. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, the area proffers a wealth of local breweries that garner national acclaim. By tapping into this local bounty, The Cave provides its clientele with the freshest and most authentic brews.

However, The Cave’s offerings don’t end at the pint glass. For the discerning aficionado seeking depth, they maintain a curated choice of premium cigars. Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta, some of the top names in the cigar industry, are regular features here. Thus, The Cave acts as a pivot where beer lovers and cigar enthusiasts can intersect, adding another dimension to Kirkland’s vibrant craft beer scene.

Further enhancing its role as a community hub, The Cave often hosts events like beer and cigar pairing sessions. Such events add a layer of depth and education to the drinking and smoking experience, creating informed patrons and fostering community spirit. Given that The Cave’s ethos centres around conveying the art of enjoying good beer and cigars, it’s only suitable that they offer these educational escapades.

Being an active player in Kirkland’s craft beer scene, The Cave’s combined offerings of wonderful brews, premium cigars, and community-focused events make it a unique and integral part of the local brew scene. Just like the previously mentioned establishments such as Chainline Brewing Company, Mountain Homebrew & Wine Supply, Maelstrom Brewing Company, and Flatstick Pub, it too celebrated and upholds the city’s rich and diverse beer culture.

Thirsty Hop

Venturing further in Kirkland’s dynamic craft beer community, I stumbled upon Thirsty Hop, a blend of a bar and a beer shop. Boasting an assortment of over 250 beers, Thirsty Hop sets itself apart with an extensive line of bottled beers and 20 rotating draft options, presenting different local, regional, and international brews.

Recognized for its commitment to quality, Thirsty Hop sources its vast selection from renowned breweries, ensuring every bottle and draft retains its authentic, rich flavor. Seasonal beers make an appearance on Thirsty Hop’s menu, offering exciting new experiences for beer enthusiasts.

Thirsty Hop also makes room for community engagement. Like many other beloved establishments in Kirkland’s brewing landscape, it hosts diverse events. These include new beer release parties, tastings, and brewery collaborations, fostering a warm, engaging environment where patrons can immerse in the vibrant beer culture of Kirkland.

Additionally, visitors at Thirsty Hop find culinary delights to pair with their chosen brews. Curating a menu centered on comfort food like paninis, sausages, and nachos, Thirsty Hop ensures food aficionados can pair enticing bites with their chosen craft beers. The beer-centered gastronomy, coupled with a welcoming atmosphere, offers a unique, immersive beer experience not found often.

Another enticing feature of Thirsty Hop is its growler-fill station. Patrons can have their favorite beers filled up and taken home to enjoy, highlighting Thirsty Hop’s dedication to making quality craft beer available to everyone, even outside its walls.

To sum it up, Thirsty Hop serves as a hub for both craft beer lovers and enthusiasts looking to expand their horizons. Through its vast selection of quality brews, commitment to community involvement, and unrelenting focus on enriching the beer experience, Thirsty Hop has rooted itself among Kirkland’s key craft beer players, further boosting the city’s vibrant beer culture.

Purple Cafe and Wine Company

Purple Café and Wine Company offers an exceptional experience that stands out in Kirkland’s flourishing craft beer environment. Known primarily for its exquisite selection of wines, what’s less known is its impressive range of craft beers that cater to varying taste buds.

Featuring a meticulous selection of local and international brews, you won’t find a monotonous array of beers at Purple Café. Variety, indeed, takes center stage here, with a line-up that spans from traditional pilsners to crafty IPAs, porters, and stouts. What’s more, members of staff can, undoubtedly, guide you through the extensive selection ensuring you find the beer that will tickle your taste buds just right.

But Purple Café and Wine Company isn’t just about the beverages. The food menu, it’s a culinary adventure designed to complement the beers. From small plates like the Dungeness Crab Bruschetta and House-Made Ricotta Gnocchi to large ones like the Painted Hills Ribeye and Duck Confit, there’s an offering capable of perfectly pairing with your chosen brew.

Aside from the food and drinks, the establishment’s ambiance further uplifts the gustatory experience. Its rustic yet modern architecture fosters an inviting vibe which ensures you’re immersed in an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and sophisticated. In addition, the professional and courteous staff add to the charm and make you feel welcomed, reinforcing the venue’s dedication to provide an exceptional customer experience.

In essence, Purple Café and Wine Company amps up Kirkland’s craft beer scene, not only through its diverse selection of beers but also by combining it with a tantalizing menu and a warm, inviting ambiance. So, for a comprehensive beer tasting experience, it’s definitely one venue that begs your visit.

FlyCaster Brewing Company

Stepping into our next destination, we find ourselves at the FlyCaster Brewing Company. As Kirkland’s pioneer in the brewing scene, established in 2013, FlyCaster has taken the lead in brewing an interesting blend of classic and innovative beers. The brewery is well-known for its unique combinations, particularly in concocting flavorful IPA’s, full-bodied porters, and refreshing lagers.

FlyCaster embraces the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, drawing inspiration from the natural world. The FlyCaster’s co-founder, a dedicated fly fisher, symbolizes this craft with the brewery’s clever name. It isn’t just mere branding, as such inspiration also reflects in the beer lineup, with aptly named brews like “Copper Spring Pale Ale” and “Steelhead Extra Stout”.

What sets FlyCaster Brewing Company apart is its commitment to quality and innovation. Its traditional brewing methods are complimented by its experimentation with unique hops and grains, leading to distinctly flavorful brews. You’re likely to find a varying selection of their 8-12 beers on tap, depending on the season, translating the flavors of the Northwest into your glass.

FlyCaster does not just serve beer; it also fosters a sense of community. Encouraging customers to bring in their own food or snacks, or order from the variety of food trucks invariably stationed outside the brewery, it exemplifies the hospitality of Kirkland’s craft beer scene. Events, such as regular music nights and special beer releases, keep the company’s taproom abuzz.

Visiting this brewery, one can’t help but appreciate the breadth and depth of Kirkland’s craft beer scene. FlyCaster Brewing Company harnesses traditions, quality, creativity, and the spirit of the community, making it a paramount stop on your craft beer tour. It’s worth noting that their taproom also sells their beer in cans and growlers, so you’re able to take a bit of Kirkland’s craft beer scene home with you.

Table 1: FlyCaster’s Hit Beers

Savage Brewing Company

Well folks, that’s the scoop on Kirkland’s craft beer scene. From the diverse selections at Thirsty Hop and Purple Café to the innovative brews at FlyCaster Brewing Company, there’s a pint for every palate. It’s clear that Kirkland is more than just a city, it’s a community that comes together over a shared love for craft beer. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and the result is an array of beers that truly reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. So next time you’re in Kirkland, don’t just pass through. Stop by, grab a brew, and soak in the views. And remember, whether you’re sipping on a full-bodied porter in FlyCaster’s taproom or taking a growler home, you’re not just enjoying a beer, you’re part of Kirkland’s craft beer story. Cheers to that!