In 2013, Annette Hatten noticed a local fruit stand go out of business just outside her hometown of Naches, Washington. Deeply rooted in agriculture and outdoor recreation, the small community northwest of Yakima acts as a gateway to the Cascades, and by lucky happenstance, this a newly vacant spot was the perfect locale to plant her brewery.
Running a brewery had been a shared dream for Annette and Mike Hatten, but this seemed like the right moment for the couple to pull the trigger. Mike had been improving his brewing skills for over 15 years — he had even installed a walk-in cooler in their home and converted the whole basement into a lab. And the two had been visiting brewery after brewery, collecting certain ideas and aspects that fit the vision for their own place.
In a leap of faith, they left careers and used their retirement funds to embark on a new journey together: Bron Yr Aur Brewing. The three Hatten children — Zach, Amanda and Trevor — also left their jobs and committed to the new family affair at the old fruit stand.
Bron Yr Aur — pronounced “bron yar” — means “hill of gold” in Welsh, paying homage to the family’s Welsh background and how the Hattens view the brewery itself. It is specifically named after a well-known estate in Wales, and they finished the 10-barrel brewery in 2015 to reflect its essence.
The location acts as a destination brewery. Nestled in the Naches Valley, it entices passersby headed east to Yakima, or west to adventure in the Cascade Mountains along the scenic roads of Chinook Pass or White Pass.
“We get tourists on a regular basis, and for the most part, it’s a good place for families to stop,” says Annette. Visitors can expect to feast on the widely acclaimed, gourmet pizzas and sip from a lineup of guest wines and handcrafted brews, including the Kashmir IPA and Tyrant’s Face double red ale.
The Hattens recommend flagship Beaver Deceiver cream ale for first time beer drinkers, with Annettte explaining how it has “turned quite a few visitors into craft beer lovers.”
A notable part of Bron Yr Aur is the charming, remote-yet-lively atmosphere, allowing guests to truly unwind in the open air. The picturesque sunset over the soaring, west ridges of the valley make the open-concept brewery and alfresco seating truly memorable. The crew finds joy in making the atmosphere welcoming — swing by a couple of times; they will remember your name.
Though the Hattens are new to the craft beverage game, they are humbled by the acceptance from the beer industry in the Yakima Valley and beyond. “I’m surprised by all the good people,” Annette says. “Everyone is friendly and helpful.”
Bron Yr Aur has no plans to distribute its beer for the time being. “We want to stay small, we want people to visit and come find us,” Annette explains.
And bringing in visitors doesn’t seem to be a problem for them. The brewery has been bustling at capacity every weekend, accommodating sojourning guests with its charm and delicious brews.
Though you won’t be able find Bron Yr Aur beer in your city, growlers are welcome or, later this summer, you can snag a 32 ounce crowler of draft onsite. “It’s a beer to go for your adventures,” Mike says.
The Hatten duo relishes in the work of running a brewery and holds high hopes for the future, aspiring to host events such as live music, add to the beer lineup and to continue to improve their product.
Although the couple admits they wish they had done this in their 30s, the greater Yakima Valley plays a consummate host to a burgeoning beer scene and entrepreneurs of all ages.
