Lagunita's Brewing - 4/20 Special

One Shot Wonder

Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing

Location: Seattle, WA

Date: Apr. 20, 2018

Tag Team Partners: Ren Perry (Well...get-away driver)

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-3 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

The objective of the day was to collect all the 4/20 badges from Untappd.  Lucky for me, Lagunitas has a Taproom in Seattle, so I headed on down to get a beer, and obtain the ones I needed.  The trip was totally worth it (even if the line was nearly out the door).

Click on the link for more information about Lagunitas.

Or click this one for more on their Seattle Taproom

On my Tap for the Evening was: 

- The Waldos' Special Ale

Style: Triple IPA

Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing

Untapped Rating: 3/5

Description: "Nice sweet ale, bitter aftertaste, light, dank, trippy."

Comments: As mentioned before, I had to try this one for the 4/20 Badge on Untappd.  Plus, it was pretty well hyped up online.  It's a great beer to drink with some friends and hang out (much like the stoner culture, but minus the THC in your system).  I liked it, and apparently they do it every year.  If you're looking for a good buzz, and you like IPA, you'll like this beer. Cheers to 4/20 Friends!

Big E. Ales (Ellersick Brewing)

Brewery Review

Location: Big E. Ales (Ellersick Brewing)
Location: Lynnwood, WA

Date: Apr. 20, 2018
Tag Team Partners: None

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-3 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

I was running around Lynnwood with Ren on 4/20 hoping to get to Lagunitas for their 4/20 beer (see next review) when she wanted to go to an art store, so I made a deal, she could go to the art store, I would go to a brewery.

I saw a tag in Untappd for "Ellersick Brewing" and was shocked to find Big E. Ales when I arrived.  Later I found out, they are the same company, and so either way you put in into the GPS, you'll still get the same place.

They are heralded for their 12 1/2 Man IPA.  They also have a chart for the indecisive people to determine what beer they should consume.

Awesome list of different beers!

The bar itself is pretty relaxing, with a laid back theme, and a pretty epic looking beer shrine on display at the taps.  I always thought this looked very cool from the onset.

Overall it feels low-key.  It's not a place that's going to be some crazy orgy of partying on a Saturday night, but it is a nice quiet out-of-the-way place to go drink some good craft beer with friends, share some laughs, and just relax.

Click on the link for more information about Big E. Ales (Ellersick Brewing)

On my Tap for the Evening was: 

- Hoppy Ending
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.5/5
Description: "Smooth refreshing light ale, dry."
Comments: Pretty good pale ale, more on the dry end, light, and refreshing.

- Outcast
Style: Amber Ale
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Smooth, very malty, amber ale."
Comments: This is a nice amber.  It's got the flavor, and the maltiness down.

- Blackberry Ale
Style: Fruit Beer
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 2.75/5
Description: "Nice, very distinct blackberry taste, subtle sweet."
Comments: I wasn't too crazy about this one, but for a fruit beer it works.  The flavor is right, and the sweetness is very subtle.

- Scotch Ale
Style: Scotch Ale
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 4/5
Description: "Very smooth refreshing Scotch Ale, Malty"
Comments: This was the drink of the night.  Super smooth in taste, rich in flavor, and malt to boot.  Drink this!

- Hoppy Redhead
Style: ESB
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Bitter hoppy red ale, ESB style, malty."
Comments: This bitter beer will bite, nice and sharp, malty, with a hopping red flavor.

- 12 1/2 Man IPA
Style: IPA
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Good IPA, clean citrus hops."
Comments: I thought this would stand out more based on the name, but it certainly does the job.  I liked it, and would definitely drink it again.  One of their signatures.

- 2 Pint IPA
Style: IPA
Brewery: Ellersick Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Smooth, strong, sweet."
Comments: It's your normal IPA with a sweeter taste to it.

Mariner's Single to Center Field

Mariner's Single to Center Field

Safeco Field

Location: Seattle, WA

Date: Apr. 13, 2018
Tag Team Partners: Mat, Haley, and 25,349 other fans

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-3 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

I headed with Mat downtown to drink some beer, and catch some awesome Major League Baseball action.  We met Haley at the stadium (after a number of Uber rides to deter traffic issues).  The Seattle Mariners took on the Oakland Athletics on Ben Gamel night (Who ironically, was not in the line-up, nor in attendance).  At the door, we received some awesome Mariner's hats with the long locks of Ben Gamel attached to it.  Maybe it wasn't the real thing, but still pretty cool.  This is the 2nd time I've seen the two teams play, and this one was much better.  This was Mat and Haley's first game.  The entire place was rocking, and I had to grab some delicious brew while there.

The game was kinda strange for us as it was a rainy day, so they had the roof over Safeco Field.  You had the visual perception of being inside, but yet atmospherically you were outside.

The cool thing about Mariner's games are the Grasshoppers you can get from vendor areas.  It may look disgusting, but honestly, it's like eating a sunflower seed with some sun-dried spice to it.  Try it, you won't be disappointed.

I had 2 beers there, however due to some pregaming earlier, I only recall the one (which is fine, as the other one was not nearly as good).

Overall, it was a great game day experience.  Mitch Haniger hit his first home run, and several other belted out several others to deliver an amazing time, and I can't wait for us all to go back.




The Mariners pulled off the win with a decisive 7-4 victory.


On my Tap for the Night was:

- Oatmeal Stout

Style: Stout

Brewery: Sam Smith's Old Brewery

Untapped Rating: 3.75/5

Description: "N/A"

Comments: Delicious Oatmeal Stout.  This import came all the way across the pond and the country to be enjoyed here, and was well worth it.  It had a wonderful stout aroma, great flavors of oatmeal, and went down super smooth.  Definitely recommended for your next ballgame!

Middleton Brewery - Round 2

Brewery Review

Brewery: Middleton Brewing

Location: Everett, WA

Date: Apr. 7, 2018
Tag Team Partners: Mat Blakeslee

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-3 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

Round 2 came on a Saturday night when I was hanging out with my friend Mat.  We were running around Everett, and stopped in for a drink before heading downtown.

Even the dogs have their own tap here :)

Click the link to read the original Middleton Review.

Click on the link for more information about Middleton

On my Tap for the Night was:

- That's My Jam

Style: Fruit Beer

Brewery: Middleton

Untapped Rating: 3.5/5

Description: "Very smooth, fruity Jam beer.  Flavors of raspberry and strawberry."

Comments: This was a pretty cool fruit beer.  Sweeter than the usual, it packed flavors that were pale enough to hit the spot, but sweet enough to not be too sour.  Recommended!

- You're My Boy, Blue!

Style: Fruit Beer

Brewery: Middleton

Untapped Rating: 2.75/5

Description: "Sour blueberry taste, good sour beer."

Comments: Sour fruit beer.  This had a decent taste, but perhaps a little too sour for my liking.  Strong aromas and flavors of blueberry, and a crisp taste.  Give it a shot!

Major League Baseball Opening Day 2018 - Double Shot

MLB Opening Day 2018

Safeco Field

Location: Seattle, WA

Date: Mar. 29, 2018
Tag Team Partners: A record-setting 47,149 baseball fans

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-3 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

I headed to Downtown Seattle on March 29th to witness my first Opening Day for Major League Baseball.  The Seattle Mariners took on the Cleveland Indians, and I was not disappointed.  The entire place was rocking, and I had to grab some delicious brew while there.  The 2 beers I drank were both from Hop Valley.

As Mentioned before, the game was played in front of a record crowd at Safeco Field.  It was truly a spectacle.  To make the game even better...



...the Mariners pulled off the win with a 3-2 after a rally by the Indians was stopped in the 9th Inning.

On my Tap for the Night was:

- Citrus Mistress

Style: IPA

Brewery: Hop Valley Brewing

Untapped Rating: 2.5/5

Description: "Hoppy citrusy IPA."

Comments: This wasn't too bad.  Your standard IPA jacked up to $10 a cup.  It's not unlike other IPAs, but given the alternative was $9 Rainier beer, I'll take it.

- Divine Shine

Style: Pale Ale

Brewery: Hop Valley Brewing

Untapped Rating: 3/5

Description: "7th Inning pale ale, bitter, refreshing."

Comments: This was a pretty good Pale Ale, and I actually preferred it to the IPA.  Refreshing citrus taste, bitter, and delicious.

At Large Brewing

Brewery Review

Location: At Large Brewing
Location: Everett, WA

Date: Mar. 26, 2018
Tag Team Partners: None

(Blogger's Note: It's been a while since I've posted.  Between a long few weeks at my day job, and lots of things going on the past month, I've been pretty busy working lots of hours for multiple days in a row and traveling around the country.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-3 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

I came here on my Mom's birthday (despite being 4,000+ miles away) I celebrate by trying out this place again.  It was a pretty good time last time, so I figured a return trip to rate it for the blog would continue to be epic!

I've been here before, but it only to explore and obtain the "At Large" badge for the Untappd App.  I came back to try the beers, and found out from the brewer that they change their beers on the regular, so a lot of what I would be drinking would not be the same as before.  That's fine with me.

The beer list is pretty well packed.  12 in-house beers, and 1 cider from Locust Cider.  I only did the 12 in-house beers so I could make a pretty decent judgment of them.

SOTR1989 Shoutout Moment: The music playing in the background featured a song by Creedence Clearwater Revival.  After a few drinks I had forgotten the name of their one song, and the brewer was able to name "Fortunate Son" for me.  He was also very helpful in letting me know more about the beer, and letting me set up to write the review.  Huge kudos!

Most of the beers were very good.  There was a lot of variety, and towards the end (and my 5th IPA) I was wearing out a bit.  IPA lovers will rejoice in this place as it's a sort of IPA Mecca, and they're pretty great.  Overall a nice place to go.  IPA lovers, this must be on your list.  Recommended!

Click on the link for more information about At Large Brewing

On my Tap for the Evening was: 

- Stakeout Nitro
Style: Nitro Oatmeal Stout
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.5/5
Description: "Nice dark brown taste, good aroma, very stout with not less coffee flavors, etc."
Comments: Take the dark oatmeal taste and make it much much smoother, fluid brown beer stout.  Wonderful aroma. Recommended.

- Pushover
Style: Blonde Ale
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 4/5
Description: "Refreshing blonde ale not too light, good body, sweet taste and aroma, love it."
Comments: Light, refreshing blonde ale.  Very full body, goes down very well.  Has a wonderful sweet taste, and great flavor.  Try this!

- StrawHat
Style: Hefeweizen
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.5/5
Description: "Light hops, rich flavor, wheat based and smooth."
Comments: Very lightly hopped Hefeweizen.  Has a nice rich flavor, but sips more like a blonde than a full-on Hefe.  Wheat-based, and has a smooth taste.  Recommended.

- Helen Wheels
Style: Belgian Tripel
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Boozy, strong, sweet taste, fruity flavors, Belgian aftertaste."
Comments: Boozy Belgian Tripel.  Strong sweet flavor.  Fruitful flavors mix well, and hits the spot almost like a shot of something.  Finishes well with a nice Belgian taste.  Very good, and heavy hitting.  Go for it, but remember it's stronger.

- Audrey
Style: Red Amber Ale
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.25/5
Description: "Very good craft, almost like somethings I'd expect from the Northeast.  Malty with Fruity flavors, slightly rich hoppy taste.  Good beer"
Comments: Very good amber ale.  Malty taste, with a light hop, and slightly rich taste.  Light hops added in for effect, and this is a good solid ale.  Yes please!

- Schwarzbier (Black Beer)
Style: Schwarzbier
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.25/5
Description: "Coffee & Chocolate aromas, nods to stout, sweet, bitter, roasty, sophisticated, bravo!."
Comments: Awesome coffee and chocolate aroma.  Mild German-based lager with a nod towards stout.  Roasty in taste.

- Hitting on All 6
Style: IPA
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.5/5
Description: "Bitter IPA, hoppy, light, and dry."
Comments: Hoppy and light with a dry taste.  Not my favorite IPA, but it won't disappoint.

- At Large
Style: IPA
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Smooth lightly hoppy IPA, bitter, light, with a nice rich flavor."
Comments:

- What?
Style: Belgian IPA
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 4.25/5
Description: "Amazing Belgian IPA, crisp, clear, rich taste, banana flavors, very well done, that's What?!."
Comments: Easily the best beer of the night.  Crisp clear IPA with Belgian tones and hints of banana flavoring.  It will make you go "What have I been doing with my life before this?"  Highly Recommend.

- All Bark, No Bite
Style: Imperial IPA
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3/5
Description: "Tastes like a regular IPA, sleeper beer, catches up to you, citrus aroma, fruity taste."
Comments: Decent IPA, stronger taste catches up to you, normal citrus and fruity aromas and tones.

- Stakeout
Style: Oatmeal Stout
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 3.25/5
Description: "Dark fuller stout than the nitro, much more coffee taste."
Comments: Very nice dark oatmeal taste, almost like a brown beer stout.  Wonderful aroma, goes down very smooth, nice stout feel with not too much emphasis on Coffee or other flavors.  Recommended.

- Bonnie
Style: Session IPA
Brewery: At Large Brewing
Untapped Rating: 2.75/5
Description: "Hoppy, light, clean, IPA."
Comments: Normal IPA, it will get the job done.

Lagunitas Seattle Taproom - Round 2

Lagunitas Seattle TapRoom

Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing

Location: Seattle, WA

Date: Mar. 24, 2018
Tag Team Partners: Ren Perry

(Blogger's Note: It's been a long few weeks at my day job.  I've been working lots of hours for multiple days in a row.  The next few posts will be subsequent, but were from 1-2 months ago.  I apologize for the delay, but sleep and bills need to happen/get paid.)

Round 2 came on a Saturday night after Ren and I attended a wedding in Issaquah.  The place was pretty packed, and made full use of the expanded Taproom.

I attempted to do "Round the World" but the bartender decided all that beer might be a little too much for me to handle.  She may be right, but I'm always down for a challenge.  This means there will be additional rounds for the Lagunitas Seattle TapRoom.

Click the link to read the original Lagunitas Seattle Taproom Review.

Click on the link for more information about Lagunitas.

Or click this one for more on their Seattle Taproom.

On my Tap for the Night was:

- Pils

Style: Pilsner - Czech

Brewery: Lagunitas

Untapped Rating: 3.25/5

Description: "Night light Pilsner, smooth."

Comments: Pretty good Pilsner to start off the next round.  This had a nice light taste, very smooth to drink, and is a nice go-to beer if you're looking for something relaxing and not something "Out-There".  Recommended.

- DayTime Fractional

Style: IPA

Brewery: Lagunitas

Untapped Rating: 3/5

Description: "Bitter, hoppy, citrusy IPA."

Comments: This one was another good IPA.  It was bitter, had hops, and a nice citrus flavor.  Not anything out of the ordinary, but a good beer.

- Sumpin' Easy

Style: Pale Wheat Ale

Brewery: Lagunitas

Untapped Rating: 3.25/5

Description: "Light, hoppy, Pale Ale."

Comments: Decent Pale Ale.  It was light, it was hoppy, and enjoyable.  As the name suggests, it's something easy to sip on, and enjoy with friends.  Recommended.

- Aunt Sally

Style: Sour Ale

Brewery: Lagunitas

Untapped Rating: 3/5

Description: "Very tart, dry beer.  Not bad for a sour, but very tart in flavor."

Comments: Sour Ales are hit or miss with me, and this one bites a little.  You have to expect the tart flavor or you'll take a surprising sip that may not be the beer you were looking for.  If sour is your thing, then by all means, try this one!  You'll love it.

***Bonus Beer***
Penny's Porter (Originally reviewed in Round 1)
- This is possibly my favorite Lagunita's beer.  I enjoyed it so much the first time, I had to get a 2nd one this time as well.