While we may be well into 2015 (I know, right?), many of the years’ new breweries are only just starting to get off the ground. But with hundreds (literally) of new breweries currently in the works, it can be a bit daunting when planning your brewery hopping excursions. To take some of the pain and strife out of the equation, we’ve collected for you seven new breweries to watch out for in 2015. Whether for unique offerings, or just a great place to take in the standards, the new breweries of 2015 continue to show we’re in the golden age of beer.
Holy Mountain Brewing, Seattle—Opened January || Should you be a fan of hop-forward, barrel-aged, or yeast-driven ales and lagers, Holy Mountain Breweing is the place to be! Having unveiled their line of beers in local bars and taprooms around Seattle last October, Holy Mountain opened their own taproom in January to an already adoring public. The focus of this venture is to offer a regular line of beer that is not on the common beer flight. Don’t expect too many industry standards here. Barrel-aged sours, saisons and IPAs are abound along the same lines as Cascade, The Commons or Russian River Brewing. Thus far the reviews have been dynamite, making Holy Mountain a definite brewery to watch for in 2015.
Counterbalance Brewery, Seattle—Opened February || Ordinarily, when two friends suggest (perhaps in a drunken stupor) they start a brewery, more often than not it’s just talk. But that was not the story with Jeff Howell and Frank Lawrence. Once co-workers at Seattle’s Caffe Lardo, the two soon discovered their mutual passion for beer and home brewing. Their goal was to make delicious, well-balanced beers, and share them with the world. So far they have succeeded. Offering a selection of standards done just the way you’d want them, Counterbalance adds itself to the list as the perfect place to unwind after a hard day.
Off the Rail Brewing Co., East Vancouver—Opened February || Upon opening their doors in February, Off the Rail Brewing found such success that they soon had sold out of half of their original beer offerings. (Don’t worry, they’re back up to snuff now.) Joining the ranks of the rising number of BC breweries, Off the Rail features a list of well-made standards at their East Vancouver location. Currently only licensed to offer tastings and growler fills, Off the Rail expects to become a full service brewpub in the coming months, as well as offering 650ml bottles. But for now, swing on by, and take in a sample or two (or 16).
County Line Brewing, Garden City, Idaho—Opened March || A two-year venture finally released, County Line Brewing adds itself to the ranks of the Treasure Valley Booze Belt. For the small Idaho town of just over ten thousand, Garden City currently boasts seven breweries. Making a weekend trip out that way a must. Owners Zack and Laura Kiehl have been experimenting with homebrew recipes for more than two years, and have now transferred their hobby into a profession. Offering standards, and seasonals such as Mexican Mocha Porter and City Slicker Lemon Basil Blonde by the taste or growler full, with plans to expand their operation already in the works
The Labrewtory, Portland—Opening in April || Full disclosure: this one definitely tows the line between what is, and is not, a brewery. But the idea seemed so unique and brimming with opportunity that we had to throw it in. Over the past few years, the Portland Kettle Works has been offering their equipment and space for rent to breweries. Whether you’re a successful brewery wanting to try out a new recipe, or a new brewery, lacking in space to make the quantities required, the Portland Kettle Works was on hand offering a wide spectrum of equipment and technology. In March of this year, PKW owner Thad Fisco announced plans to open a small-batch brewpub in North Portland, with the intention of having no head brewer. Rather, Labrewtory is set to be the testing ground for experimental brewing recipes. Making the patrons of Portland large sized guinea pigs. Expect a diverse, and quickly changing, lineup, with something new from different brewers from around the country being offered on a regular rotation.
Coin Toss Brewing, Oregon City, Oregon—Opening in June || The passion project of Portland radio personality Tim Hohl, Coin Toss Brewing is set for its grand unveiling early this summer. During the off hours from hosting the KPAM Morning News Show, Hohl took up the hobby of home brewing, and this hobby has now transformed into a business. Despite offering the usual standards, Coin Toss Brewing’s most intriguing aspect is their “Heritage” series, featuring a regular selection of beers brewed using historical recipes. One such recipe came from the journal of George Washington
54°40’, Washougal, Washington—Opening Fall 2015 || Long time Portland brewer Bolt Minister has laid the groundwork to open his own brewery, 54° 40’ this fall. Located in a warehouse space right off Highway 14 in the town of Washougal, the 7,500-square-foot space will house a 15-barrel brewhouse with three 30-barrel fermenters and two 30-barrel brite tanks. What this means is that Minister will be able to churn out a large chunk of beer from day one. With plans already in the works to offer both 12-ounce cans and 22-ounce bottles, 54° 40’ hopes to become the leader of emerging Southwest Washington beer scene. Minister’s resume boasts a brewing career worth respect, having brewed for Old Town Brewing, Rock Bottom, Pyramid Brewing and Walking Man.
