Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in Washington? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer in Seattle and the rest of Washington state so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in Washington, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of The Evergreen State so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#10 Burke-Gilman Brewing Company

Burke-Gilman Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Burke-Gilman Brewing:

1. **Location**: Burke-Gilman Brewing Company is situated in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, specifically in the historic Ballard Brewery District. The brewery’s address is 3626 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105.

2. **Founding**: Burke-Gilman Brewing Company was founded in 2016 by Matthew Edwards and Lee Kilmer. The brewery takes its name from the Burke-Gilman Trail, a popular recreational trail that runs through Seattle, including the Ballard neighborhood.

3. **Brewing Philosophy**: Burke-Gilman Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that reflect the Pacific Northwest’s brewing traditions. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are committed to producing beers of exceptional quality and flavor.

4. **Beer Selection**: Burke-Gilman Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their commitment to brewing a diverse range of styles, ensuring there’s something for every beer enthusiast.

5. **Taproom Experience**: Burke-Gilman Brewing Company operates a welcoming and family-friendly taproom at their brewery in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. The taproom features a cozy atmosphere with communal seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their beers in a relaxed setting. They often host events, such as trivia nights, live music, and food pop-ups, to enhance the taproom experience.

6. **Distribution**: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Burke-Gilman Brewing Company distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout the Seattle area. They have gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Burke-Gilman Brewing Company is a beloved fixture in the Seattle craft beer scene, known for its dedication to brewing high-quality beers and its welcoming and community-oriented approach. With its diverse selection of beers and inviting taproom atmosphere, Burke-Gilman Brewing Company continues to attract locals and visitors alike.

#9 Cloudburst Brewing

Cloudburst Brewing is a craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Cloudburst Brewing:

1. Location: Cloudburst Brewing is situated in downtown Seattle, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike. The brewery’s address is 2116 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121.
2. Founding: Cloudburst Brewing was founded in 2015 by Steve Luke, a veteran brewer with a passion for creating innovative and flavorful beers. The brewery started as a small-scale operation with a focus on producing high-quality, handcrafted beers.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Cloudburst Brewing is dedicated to brewing a diverse range of beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles. They focus on using high-quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques to create unique and memorable brews that showcase bold flavors and creativity.
4. Beer Selection: Cloudburst Brewing offers a rotating selection of beers on tap, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and experimental brews. They are known for their constantly changing lineup of beers, with new and exciting offerings frequently added to the tap list.
5. Taproom Experience: Cloudburst Brewing operates a welcoming and laid-back taproom at their brewery in downtown Seattle. The taproom features a cozy atmosphere with communal seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their beers in a relaxed setting. They often host events, such as live music, trivia nights, and food pop-ups, to enhance the taproom experience.
6. Distribution: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Cloudburst Brewing distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout the Seattle area. They have gained a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Cloudburst Brewing is known for its dedication to brewing innovative and flavorful beers and its welcoming taproom atmosphere. With its constantly changing lineup of beers and commitment to creativity, Cloudburst Brewing continues to be a favorite destination for beer lovers in Seattle.

#8 Ravenna Brewing Company

Ravenna Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Ravenna Brewing Company:

1. Location: Ravenna Brewing Company is situated in the Ravenna neighborhood, which is located in the northeast part of Seattle, near the University District and Green Lake.
2. Founding: Ravenna Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by Patrick “Pat” Jansen and Michael Kester. The brewery opened its doors with a focus on creating high-quality, handcrafted beers in a community-focused setting.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Ravenna Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing a diverse range of beers that reflect the Pacific Northwest’s brewing traditions while also incorporating innovative and creative approaches. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are committed to producing beers of exceptional quality and flavor.
4. Beer Selection: Ravenna Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their commitment to brewing a wide range of styles, ensuring there’s something for every beer enthusiast.
5. Taproom Experience: Ravenna Brewing Company operates a cozy and inviting taproom at their brewery in Seattle. The taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers, with ample seating, friendly staff, and a rotating selection of beers on tap. They often host events, such as live music, trivia nights, and food trucks, to enhance the taproom experience.
6. Distribution: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Ravenna Brewing Company distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout the Seattle area. They have gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Ravenna Brewing Company is a beloved fixture in the Seattle craft beer scene, known for its dedication to brewing high-quality beers and its welcoming and community-oriented approach. With its diverse selection of beers and inviting taproom atmosphere, Ravenna Brewing Company continues to attract locals and visitors alike.

#7 Skookum Brewery

Skookum Brewery is a craft brewery located in Arlington, Washington. Here’s an overview of Skookum Brewery:

1. Location: Skookum Brewery is situated in Arlington, a city in Snohomish County, Washington. Arlington is located about 40 miles north of Seattle.
2. Founding: Skookum Brewery was founded in 2013 by Ron and Jackie Walcher. The brewery started as a small family-owned operation with a focus on brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Skookum Brewery is dedicated to brewing a diverse range of beers that showcase bold flavors and quality craftsmanship. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing techniques to create unique and flavorful brews.
4. Beer Selection: Skookum Brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and barrel-aged beers. They are known for their creative and innovative approach to brewing, often experimenting with unique ingredients and flavor combinations to create distinctive and memorable beers.
5. Taproom Experience: Skookum Brewery operates a taproom at their facility in Arlington, providing a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as special events and food trucks.
6. Distribution: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Skookum Brewery distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout Washington state. They have gained a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Skookum Brewery is known for its dedication to brewing high-quality and innovative craft beers and its commitment to providing a memorable beer-drinking experience for its patrons. They have quickly become a respected member of the Washington craft beer scene and continue to attract attention for their exceptional offerings.

#6 Fremont Brewing

Fremont Brewing is a well-respected craft brewery located in Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Fremont Brewing:

1. Location: Fremont Brewing is situated in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, which is known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and craft breweries. The brewery’s address is 1050 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103.
2. Founding: Fremont Brewing was founded in 2009 by Matt Lincecum and Sara Nelson. It started as a small family-owned brewery with a mission to brew small-batch, artisanal beers using locally sourced ingredients.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Fremont Brewing is dedicated to brewing high-quality, environmentally sustainable beers that reflect the unique character of the Pacific Northwest region. They focus on using organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are committed to reducing their environmental footprint through initiatives such as recycling, composting, and using renewable energy.
4. Beer Selection: Fremont Brewing offers a diverse lineup of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, porters, and barrel-aged beers. They are known for their flagship beers like Interurban IPA and Universale Pale Ale, as well as their seasonal and limited-release offerings. Fremont Brewing is particularly renowned for its barrel-aged program, producing award-winning beers like Bourbon Barrel-aged Dark Star Imperial Stout.
5. Sustainability: Fremont Brewing places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. They were the first brewery in Washington state to join the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Reduction Label program, which certifies that their beers are brewed with renewable energy and have a low carbon footprint. Fremont Brewing also participates in initiatives such as the Salmon-Safe certification program, which promotes sustainable land management practices to protect salmon habitat.
6. Taproom Experience: Fremont Brewing operates a spacious and inviting taproom at their brewery in Seattle. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as brewery tours, special events, and food trucks. It provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to gather and enjoy Fremont Brewing’s offerings.

Overall, Fremont Brewing is a beloved fixture in the Seattle craft beer scene, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement. With its innovative and flavorful beers, Fremont Brewing continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

#5 Fair Isle Brewing

Fair Isle Brewing is a craft brewery located in Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Fair Isle Brewing:

1. Location: Fair Isle Brewing is situated in Seattle, specifically in the Ballard neighborhood. Ballard is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, with several breweries, bars, and restaurants in the area.
2. Founding: Fair Isle Brewing was founded by Andrew Pogue and Geoffrey Barker. The brewery officially opened its doors in 2019, with a focus on brewing farmhouse ales and mixed fermentation beers inspired by traditional European brewing techniques.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Fair Isle Brewing is dedicated to brewing rustic and complex beers that showcase the unique characteristics of locally sourced ingredients and wild fermentation. They focus on using a variety of yeast and bacteria strains to create diverse and flavorful brews, often incorporating barrel aging and blending techniques into their brewing process.
4. Beer Selection: Fair Isle Brewing offers a diverse lineup of beers, including saisons, wild ales, barrel-aged beers, and mixed fermentation beers. They are known for their creative and innovative approach to brewing, often experimenting with unique ingredients and fermentation methods to create distinctive and memorable beers.
5. Taproom Experience: Fair Isle Brewing operates a taproom at their facility in Seattle, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as bottles and cans available for purchase. Fair Isle Brewing’s taproom is known for its rustic and welcoming ambiance, with a focus on showcasing their unique beer offerings.
6. Distribution: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Fair Isle Brewing distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout Washington state. They have gained a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Fair Isle Brewing has quickly gained recognition and acclaim for its dedication to brewing rustic and complex beers inspired by traditional European brewing techniques. They continue to push the boundaries of craft beer in Seattle and beyond, attracting attention for their exceptional brews and commitment to craftsmanship.

#4 Holy Mountain Brewing

Holy Mountain Brewing is a well-known craft brewery located in Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Holy Mountain Brewing:

1. Location: Holy Mountain Brewing is situated in Seattle, specifically in the Interbay neighborhood. Interbay is located in the northwestern part of the city, near the Ballard and Queen Anne neighborhoods.
2. Founding: Holy Mountain Brewing was founded by Colin Lenfesty, Mike Murphy, and Adam Paysse. The brewery officially opened its doors in 2014, quickly gaining recognition for its unique and meticulously crafted beers.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Holy Mountain Brewing is dedicated to brewing traditional and innovative beers inspired by old-world brewing traditions. They focus on using high-quality ingredients and precise brewing techniques to create complex and flavorful brews.
4. Beer Selection: Holy Mountain Brewing offers a diverse lineup of beers, including saisons, farmhouse ales, barrel-aged beers, and mixed fermentation ales. They are known for their creative and adventurous approach to brewing, often experimenting with unique ingredients and fermentation methods to create distinctive and memorable beers.
5. Taproom Experience: Holy Mountain Brewing operates a taproom at their facility in Seattle, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as bottles and cans available for purchase. Holy Mountain Brewing’s taproom is known for its minimalist design and focus on the beer-drinking experience.
6. Distribution: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Holy Mountain Brewing distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout Washington state. They have gained a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Holy Mountain Brewing has become a respected and beloved member of the Seattle craft beer scene, known for its dedication to brewing high-quality and innovative beers. They continue to attract attention and acclaim for their exceptional brews and commitment to craftsmanship.

#3 Structures Brewing

Structures Brewing is a highly regarded craft brewery located in Bellingham, Washington, not in Seattle. Here’s an overview of Structures Brewing:

1. Location: Structures Brewing is situated in Bellingham, a city in Whatcom County, Washington. While Bellingham is not Seattle, it is located about 90 miles north of Seattle and is part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area.
2. Founding: Structures Brewing was founded by James Alexander and Ryan Grieve. The brewery opened its doors in 2016 with a focus on producing high-quality and innovative craft beers.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Structures Brewing is dedicated to brewing beers that showcase balance, complexity, and precision. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing techniques to create beers with distinctive flavors and aromas.
4. Beer Selection: Structures Brewing offers a diverse lineup of beers, including IPAs, stouts, saisons, and sour ales. They are known for their commitment to quality and consistency, as well as their creative approach to brewing. Structures Brewing often experiments with different ingredients and brewing processes to create unique and memorable beers.
5. Taproom Experience: Structures Brewing operates a taproom at their facility in Bellingham, providing a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as special releases and events. Structures Brewing’s taproom is known for its laid-back ambiance and friendly staff.
6. Distribution: In addition to serving beer at their taproom, Structures Brewing distributes their products to select retailers and bars throughout Washington state. They have gained a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and commitment to quality.

Overall, Structures Brewing has become a respected member of the Washington craft beer scene, known for its dedication to brewing high-quality and innovative beers. While not located in Seattle, Structures Brewing’s reputation extends throughout the Pacific Northwest, attracting visitors from near and far to enjoy their exceptional brews.

#2 Great Notion Brewing

Great Notion Brewing is a renowned craft brewery based in Portland, Oregon, but they now have a taproom in Seattle, Washington as well. Here’s an overview of Great Notion Brewing:

1. Location: Great Notion Brewing has multiple locations in Portland, Oregon. They have a brewery and taproom in the Alberta Arts District and another location in Northwest Portland.
2. Founding: Great Notion Brewing was founded by three friends: James Dugan, Andy Miller, and Paul Reiter. They opened their doors in 2016 with a focus on brewing innovative and flavorful beers.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Great Notion Brewing is known for its innovative brewing techniques and creative beer recipes. They are particularly famous for their hazy IPAs, fruited sours, pastry stouts, and barrel-aged beers. Great Notion often uses unconventional ingredients, such as fruit purees, breakfast cereals, and candy, to create unique and memorable brews.
4. Beer Selection: Great Notion Brewing offers a wide variety of beers, with a focus on bold flavors and experimentation. Their beers often feature intense fruit flavors, creamy textures, and decadent sweetness. Some of their most popular beers include “Double Stack” (a maple syrup-infused stout), “Blueberry Muffin” (a fruited sour ale), and “Juice Box” (a hazy IPA).
5. Taproom Experience: Great Notion Brewing’s taprooms provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beers. The taprooms often feature a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as special releases and events. Great Notion’s taprooms are known for their lively ambiance and friendly staff.
6. Expansion: While Great Notion Brewing started in Portland, they have expanded their reach with satellite locations and distribution in other states, including Washington and California. This expansion has allowed more people to experience their unique beers.

Overall, Great Notion Brewing has quickly gained a reputation as one of the top craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest, known for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing and creating exciting and flavorful beers that delight beer enthusiasts.

#1 Floodland Brewing

Floodland Brewing is a renowned craft brewery located in Seattle, Washington. Here’s an overview of Floodland Brewing:

1. Location: Floodland Brewing is situated in Seattle, Washington, a city known for its vibrant craft beer culture and thriving beer scene.
2. Founding: Floodland Brewing was founded by Adam Paysse. The brewery officially opened its doors in 2016 with a focus on producing small-batch, artisanal beers with a strong emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
3. Brewing Philosophy: Floodland Brewing is dedicated to brewing beers that reflect the terroir of the Pacific Northwest region. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients, including hops, grains, and fruits, to create unique and flavorful brews. Floodland Brewing takes a minimalist approach to brewing, allowing the ingredients to shine and express themselves fully in the final product.
4. Beer Selection: Floodland Brewing offers a limited but carefully curated selection of beers, including saisons, wild ales, barrel-aged beers, and spontaneous fermentation beers. Each beer is meticulously crafted and aged to perfection, resulting in complex and nuanced flavors.
5. Taproom Experience: While Floodland Brewing primarily focuses on production and distribution, they occasionally host special events and releases at their brewery in Seattle. Visitors to the taproom can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and sample a rotating selection of beers, often featuring rare and limited-edition releases.
6. Distribution: Floodland Brewing distributes their beers to select retailers and bars in the Seattle area. Due to the limited production and high demand for their beers, Floodland Brewing often sells out quickly upon release, making their beers highly sought after by craft beer enthusiasts.

Overall, Floodland Brewing is known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in brewing. They have gained a loyal following among beer enthusiasts for their exceptional beers and unique approach to brewing, cementing their place as a standout brewery in the Seattle craft beer scene.