Situated in the upper left corner of Washington State, Aslan Brewing is bringing a community together with good food and even better beer. Once just a stray thought between friends, the brewpub is now the reason for the hustle and bustle of downtown Bellingham’s Forest Street.
Staying true to the city’s roots, Pat Haynes, Jack Lamb and Boe and Frank Trosset created a brewery that was dedicated to using organic ingredients and locally sourced goods to continuously foster the environmentally conscious community that Bellingham is praised for.
Like many local joints, Aslan follows the organic movement, but it’s the brewery’s authentic food style that has made it a fan favorite in town, taking pub food to new heights. Aslan has taken the traditional mac n’ cheese and turned it into a gourmet dish and reinvented Brussels sprouts with the famous Brussels n’ bacon. Have a hankering for something heavier? The tacos are an Aslan staple – and are gluten-free to boot. When you’re looking to fulfill your sweet tooth, throw in an order of churros to pair with a root beer float.
The crew at Aslan created a menu that would coincide with the noteworthy lineup of brews. Originally brewing over 130 batches, the owners of Aslan narrowed in on their favorite recipes, which are now known as the Flagship lineup. From IPAs to stouts, guests can enjoy this lineup all year round. But don’t worry about choosing a favorite – order a flight for a chance to sip ‘em all.
During our latest visit, we munched on the waffle fry poutine to start. Tossed in seasoning and layered with gravy, the fries offer a hint of spice that we chased with the Batch 15 IPA, a medium-bodied, citrus-y and unfiltered IPA.
Next up were the roasted yam tacos. Vegetarian and gluten-free, the chipotle-lime cashew cream creates a savory taste that paired well with the spiced Ginger Rye ale.
The loaded menu and bar list can be overwhelming – the choices are truly endless. Our server reminded us of Aslan’s Tours and Tastings, an educational trip through the facilities giving guests a chance to get a behind the scenes look at the brewing process and learn what style is right for you.
On your way out, grab an Aslan shirt for the warm weather ahead, or a hoodie to keep you dry during the sporadic rain showers. Maybe even fill up your growler to bring a little sip of Aslan home.
