Category Archives: Redmond

Are You Ready To Have Your Beak Tweaked By Black Raven Brewing?

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Just the other day, I was telling you about how the changing seasons bring with them all the different Seasonal craft beers we enjoy as they make their annual returns.  As the weather warms that, of course, means it’s time for most people’s taste buds to leave Stouts, Porters and other malt-heavy beers behind (for the most part) and start seeking out crisper, lighter (in some cases), refreshing, hoppier beers.

For me, the tipping point each year is the annual Underberg Back In Black Stout Fest at Brouwer’s Cafe during Seattle Beer Week. It’s sort of the last hurrah for the year before the Seasonal changeover.  Granted, that changeover came a bit earlier this year, since Seattle Beer Week began a week earlier than in previous years.  That doesn’t mean I never drink Stouts in the Summer, but far less so than in the colder months.

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Hochzeit Pilsner Returns From Black Raven Brewing

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When the temperatures cool down, our palates often crave something a bit more thick and malty, like a good Stout or Porter.  Likewise when the temperatures start to warm up, as they have been lately, we often crave something a bit lighter and crisper that’s not quite as heavy on the palate.  That’s why, as Summer approaches, we see more releases of lighter ales and Lagers (like yesterday’s release of Lima Loca from Two Beers Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor)).

Now, after the release of their popular Wisdom Seeker Double IPA in March and in anticipation of their annual Flock Party anniversary celebration, Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor) is pleased to announce this year’s release of their Summer Seasonal, Hochzeit Pilsner.

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Discover The New Growler USA In Redmond

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What happens when you take the basic concept of a growler refill station and decide to take it National?  Well, what happens is, you get something like Growler USA.  Founded in 2013 by Dan White (CEO), Dave Shaw (President), and Vern Whittaker (Retired CFO), Growler USA now has 10 locations across the U.S. and are slated to open 50 more throughout 2017-2018.

Each location boasts up to 100 taps of beer (including microbrewed craft beers), hard cider, draft wine & kombucha, plus an extensive food menu. Their tap list varies by location, of course, in order to offer locally-sourced options for their patrons, and their “True to the Brew” system ensures that each brewer’s vision for their product is honored.  Things are kept tightly controlled all the way from keg delivery and storage (using ‘gentle’ keg handling systems to avoid sloshing), to a meticulously maintained tap system and the proper glassware for each pour. Yesterday afternoon I took a trek out to their Redmond location, courtesy $30 in credit from Growler USA, to see what they had to offer first hand.

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Black Raven’s 8th Annual Flock Party & Ravenmaster Club Open Enrollment

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Each year around this time, there’s a big party out in Redmond.  If you’re a fan of Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor), then you know that I’m referring, of course, to their annual Flock Party anniversary celebration.

Set to take place on Saturday, May 6th from noon – 7 pm, this year’s Flock Party will include live music, plenty of ‘rare birds’ (rare and unique Black Raven beers, including some Tiki-drink inspired infusions this year), food, a retail merchandise booth and even an outdoor cigar lounge/booth.  Well-behaved and leashed dogs will also be welcome and, if you run short on cash, there will be an ATM on site.

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La Mort Bourbon Returns From Black Raven Brewing

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Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor) makes lots of excellent beers.  Their popular Kitty Kat Blues was recently added to their year-round lineup and what is probably their most overall popular beer, Wisdom Seeker, just made it’s annual return as well.  Now, Black Raven is preparing to bring back one of my absolute favorites.  Arriving this Friday, March 24th is their popular and award-winning La Mort Bourbon.

Part of Black Raven’s Corbeaux Series and crafted by aging their equally popular La Petite Mort in Kentucky bourbon barrels, La Mort Bourbon is a complex beer that satisfies fans of Belgian Ales and bourbon-barrel aged beers alike.  I’m a big fan of both, which helps explain why this is one of my favorite offerings from Black Raven.

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Wisdom Seeker Returns This Weekend From Black Raven Brewing

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Time for a short history lesson.  Benjamin Franklin (who lived from 1706 – 1790) is often credited with the quote: “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is Freedom, in water there is bacteria.”  Unfortunately, he never said it. For one thing, the word ‘bacteria’ wasn’t first used until the year 1881.  For another, I happen to believe there’s just as much wisdom in beer than there is in wine.

In any case, perhaps that’s where Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor) got part of the inspiration for one of their most popular beers: Wisdom Seeker Double IPA, which makes it’s annual return this coming Friday, March 10th.

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Kitty Kat Blues Joins Black Raven’s Year Round Lineup

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Back in 2009, Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor) introduced one-off Cask beer that was brewed with vanilla, blueberries and a slightly more unusual ingredient: Catnip.  Their press release below says it was called Kitty Kat Blues but I can also recall a version (which you can still get) of Kitty Kat Blues mixed with Trickster IPA – called Tricky Kitty.

The combination of ingredients worked well and, despite it’s slightly unusual description, Kitty Kat Blues has become one of my favorite Black Raven beers.  Until now it’s been a seasonal offering, so it wasn’t always available when I wanted one.  Now that’s all changed.  This Friday, March 3rd Kitty Kat Blues joins Black Raven’s stable of year-round  beers during a Cat Shirt launch party.

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Spring Break IPA Arrives This Week From Black Raven Brewing

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I hear a lot of people saying, now that President’s Day (or ‘Not My President Day’ depending on who you talk to) and the rest of the holidays are behind us, they just want Spring to get here.  I can relate.  This Winter hasn’t bee too harsh, but I’m definitely ready for more sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Many breweries are getting into that Spring frame of mind too, as they prepare their Spring releases/Spring Seasonals.  To that end, Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor) is happy to announce the impending release of their latest IPA (which they’ve created specially for Bartell Drugs): Spring Break Key Lime IPA.

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2017 Old Birdbrain Barleywine Arrives This Weekend From Black Raven

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Barleywine season is almost here.  The 15th Annual Hard Liver Barleywine Festival is coming up next month at Brouwer’s Cafe and the 15th Annual Barleywine Bacchanal will happen at Beveridge Place Pub in March.  With these and other barleywine festivals on the way, local breweries are working hard to get their 2017 barley wines ready to go.

To that end, Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor) is just about ready to release their 2017 Old Birdbrain Barleywine, which has been a multiple award winner at the annual Great Alaskan Beer & Barleywine Festival. This year’s vintage will arrive this coming Friday, Jaunary 27th.

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Redfeather IPA Arrives This Week From Black Raven Brewing

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I hope you’ve all been having a wonderful Holiday season.  Winter officially arrived yesterday, though it feels like it’s already been here a bit longer.  To keep warm through our chilly Fall, I’ve been enjoying plenty of high octane, barrel aged beers (Lord knows, there have been enough great barrel aged releases around here lately).  I really love all those dark, strong, Winter-time beers but sometimes, even in the colder temperatures out there, my palate (and my liver) could use a break from something so heavy.

That’s where the Session IPA comes in.  Session IPAs are lower in alcohol, but still retain much of the hoppy punch you love from traditional IPAs. They’re crisp and refreshing and one the Northwest’s finest examples of the style, Redfeather Session IPA, returns tomorrow (12/23) from Black Raven Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor).

Here is some more information about Redfeather Session IPA from Black Raven Brewing Company:

Release date: Friday, December 23rd

The Redfeather SIPA is brewed in the session IPA style. This beer presents the hop bitterness and flavor of a red IPA but in a more refreshing, lower alcohol version.

Additional crystal malts contribute the red hue and malt backbone to layer the hops onto. Hop varieties include Super Galena, Northern Brewer and Citra.

2016 GABF WINNER
Gold Medal – ESB category

ABV: 4.8%

On draft, growler fills and 22oz bottles available to go.

So, while I’m sure most of you will be digging into your cellars this Christmas to impress friends or family with a few extra special bottle selections (or just enjoying them yourself), be sure to stop by Black Raven to grab a growler or two of Redfeather Session IPA, so you and your guests have something a bit lighter and hoppier to enjoy as well.

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.