Seattle’s Craft Beer Scene

Seattle’s craft beer scene is the product of a perfect storm of conditions: The city is home to adventurous eaters (and drinkers) who willing to partake of the handmade, the offbeat and the hyper-local. And it’s a few hours’ drive from Washington hops country, an area that holds 75 percent of the nation’s total hop acreage. Tiny, craft breweries are popping up at a fast clip, giving residents and visitors plenty of options for local beer.

Among the best is Elysian Brewing Company, one of the city’s original craft breweries. Another mainstay is Georgetown Brewing Company, whose Manny’s Pale Ale has long been a fixture in bars around town.

More recent additions include Fremont Brewing Company, with its large beer garden, and Hilliard’s Beer, with its focus on canned brews. Pushing the envelope is Epic Ales, where odd ingredients find their way into some truly outstanding — and thoroughly creative — beer.

If you’re looking to hit several breweries in one go-round, consider taking a tour from Road Dogs or Puget Sound Brewery Tours. For something more self-guided (and self-powered), book the Cycle Saloon, a massive group bicycle contraption that you and your friends peddle from brewery to bar to brewery.