Seattle Beer Week began last Thursday, and ends this Sunday, so I’m essentially through the hump at this point on the Double Dog Dare Challenge. Of the six days of Beer Week so far, I have only missed one night out (which I didn’t even technically miss, since I was out, just not at a sanctioned Beer Week event).
The hardest part hasn’t been the exhaustion, or trying to balance the carbs like I expected it to be. Its been the look on my dog’s face that says, “Seriously? You’re going out AGAIN?” Sorry Lola, but beer duty calls. It’s a good thing I don’t have children, because I counter the sad puppy dog eyes with lots of treats.
I’ve had to deviate from my original plan already – I expected that, and in the challenge allowed myself the flexibility to change events as needed so that I could accommodate my busy work schedule. Here’s my Beer Week so far:
For opening night, I went to Naked City as planned for the Kick-off event. It was a seriously crowded place Thursday but I managed to find a seat at the bar, try out pickled hop shoots (not for me), and sample a range of Naked City beers, including my new favorite “Clothe the Naked.” You can read about my whole evening on Washington Beer Blog.
On Saturday I found myself surrounded by beer and needles – at the Inkin’ and Drinkin’ event put on by The Pub at Piper’s Creek. Although I recently discovered that my parents essentially never read my blog, I still feel compelled to assure them that no, I didn’t get a tattoo Saturday. But I did watch other people get them, cringe a little, and enjoy some tasty brews from Skagit River and Left Hand Brewing.
Sunday was an amazing evening all about the food and beer pairings from Anderson Valley and The Leary Traveler. With six courses and seven beers, I was ecstatic to get home and throw on my fat pants. Courses included ling cod, lamp lollipops, and steak with fried bananas.
Monday was another deviation from my original plan, and to make life easier after a long work day I ended up at my trusty Latona Pub for Sierra Nevada appreciation night.
With six Sierra Nevada beers on tap, I wasn’t able to try them all, but I did enjoy their Southern Hemi Hop Fresh brew. Latona was also my first chance to order and enjoy a Maritime Decompression Ale, which is the official beer of Seattle Beer Week.
Tuesday night I decided to take a break and stay home…but that decision didn’t last long when I realized the stars of Washington Beer Blog were going to be back out at Naked City. So, I mustered up the energy to get out again. I’m glad I did, because this was probably my favorite event so far – the West Sound Brewer’s Night. Naked City removed all of their own beers from the taps (something I’ve never seen them do) and replaced it with only beers from across the sound – Silver City, Sound Brewing, Port Townsend, and more. It was a great opportunity to try a lot of beers that I hadn’t ever tasted before, and I definitely came away with a clear favorite – Silver City’s Prima Donna Belgian Blonde.
Sadly, tonight has my work schedule taking me out of the game. I hope to be back on track tomorrow to finish out Beer Week in style!
NORTH SEATTLE SARAH 