about

Sip Magazine.

Seattle-based Sip Magazine has been a Northwest resource for all things craft beverage since 2009. Family-owned and female-run, Sip shares stories and news through its print magazine and website, along with new releases, events and industry insights through its social channels.

Formerly Sip Northwest, the publication evolved into Sip Magazine in 2020. Through its group of thirsty contributors, we’re dedicated to celebrating craft culture with a focus on wine, beer, spirits and cider, along with zero-proof options. Discover profiles on producers to learn their history and goals in the industry, beverage reviews to find your next favorite sip, boozy recipes from cocktails to desserts, travel-focused stories highlighting libation destinations and more. 

Locals themselves, Sip‘s publisher, editor and writers are engrained in the Northwest and passionate about sharing all that the Pacific Northwest — and beyond — has to offer.

Kristin Ackerman Bacon

Publisher, CEO

A Washington native whose family has long ties to the wine industry in Eastern Washington, Ackerman Bacon brings more than a decade of experience with luxury lifestyle magazines to Sip Northwest. Her extensive resume includes management positions at Robb Report Vacation Homes, Estates West Magazine and Luxuryrealestate.com and selling within titles such a Robb Report, The Robb Report Collection, Worth, Denver Life and Desert Living. Since launching Sip Publishing, she has also brought to life CIDERCRAFT magazine and Sip’s Wine Guide: British Columbia launched in Spring 2017.

EMAIL:  kristin@sipmagazine.com

Melissa Ackerman Miller

Chief Operating Officer

A native to Washington State, Miller brings over a decade of business development and operation experience to Sip Northwest magazine. Prior to her involvement with Sip Northwest, Miller spent over 12 years in the business operations of an Arizona Spring Training Facility and management of Recreation Department. Her diverse experience includes managing multi-million dollar operational and capital budgets, revenue/expense forecasting, project planning and implementation, marketing and advertising, sponsorship development and event development, along with marketing and implementation.

EMAIL:    melissa@sippublishing.com

Eugene Brewery and Applegate Valley Cidery Launch Cooperative Distribution Model 

Drop Bear Brewery of Eugene and Blossom Barn Cidery of the Applegate Valley have launched  the Oregon Makers Cooperative, a self-distribution partnership that allows each company to  sell the other’s cans and kegs directly to retailers. The goal is to expand...

2 Towns Ciderhouse Unleashes Spring Kong as the Latest Addition to Its Seasonal Lineup

A larger-than-life cider built on tropical pink guava and sun-ripened strawberries  CORVALLIS, Ore. — Feb. 5, 2026 — Spring has met its match. 2 Towns Ciderhouse today announces Spring Kong, a bold, fruit-forward seasonal cider crafted for the sunny days ahead,...

Sparkling Ice® x LIFE SAVERS® Collab Brings Four New Candy-Inspired Flavors 

PRESTON, Wash., January 27, 2025 – For candy lovers, the Sparkling Ice® brand, crafted by Talking Rain Beverage Company®, has embarked on a new collab with LIFE SAVERS®...

Athletic Club Boise and Sockeye Brewing Launch “Striker” as Club’s Official Craft Beer

BOISE, ID — Athletic Club Boise today announced the official launch of Striker, the club’sfirst-ever official craft beer, brewed in collaboration with Sockeye Brewing. Striker is a crisp,easy-drinking Kölsch (5.1% ABV) designed to be enjoyed across the Treasure Valley...

February is One of the Toughest Months for Breweries. Here’s How to Support

While January is Dry, February is Frigid. Local breweries need people to go out to brewpubs and taprooms to survive a slow winter. SEATTLE — While Dry January gets most of the attention, February beer sales at breweries are nearly as bad, according to data from the...

Romance in the Canopy: A Pacific Northwest Escape at Skamania Lodge

Romance is a funny thing. It means something slightly different to everyone, subtle, subjective and alchemic. Add two people with their own histories, inside jokes, shared challenges and private language, and you have an infinite number of possible meanings. But one...

Doc Swinson’s Whiskey and Northwest Tune-Up Launch Opening Act Contest for Washington Musicians

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Feb. 2, 2026 — Doc Swinson’s Whiskey and Northwest Tune-Up announced today the launch of the Doc Swinson’s Opening Act Contest, a statewide search designed to spotlight emerging Washington musicians and give one...

pFriem Releases Tropical Hazy IPA

Building on the success of pFriem’s fast-growing Hazy IPA, Tropical Hazy IPA turns up the tropical flavor experience HOOD RIVER, Ore. — At a time when many craft breweries are simplifying portfolios and pulling back on new releases, pFriem Family Brewers is making an...

From Portugal to the PNW: The Art of Port-Style Wines

Port wines (often just called Port) bring to mind that warm, slow sip in front of the fire after a good meal or perhaps after a day hitting the slopes. While people tend to serve Port as a solo sipper, it also pairs well with chocolate and cheese – including blue...

Double Mountain Releases Cans

Hood River, OR - January 2026 Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery is excited to announce that Hop Lion IPA, Dry Cider, and a new upcoming Czech-style Pilsner will be available in 12-ounce six-packs of shiny, lightweight, adventure-ready recyclable...