Discretely slipped into an industrial parking lot in suburban Lynnwood, Wash., sits Big E Ales/Ellersick Brewing Company, since 2005. Recent years have brought Big E’s a facelift – what was once a small-time brewpub is now a neighborhood haunt for enjoying some nosh, good company and solid brews. If the locals are feeling the need to go sans alcohol, Big E Ales has an old-fashioned root beer that will do the trick. Brewed with 22 ingredients like real vanilla and pure cane sugar, this non-alcoholic ale smells of wintergreen, molasses and ginger, with a mouthful of creamy vanilla and sassafras.
