As an experienced hospitality and culinary consultant writing for the renowned destination magazine The Loch & Quay, I’m delighted to take you on a journey through the thriving craft beer scene of Tacoma, Washington. This vibrant city, nestled along the picturesque shores of the Puget Sound, has emerged as a hub for innovative microbreweries that are redefining the local culinary traditions and crafting exceptional experiences for discerning beer enthusiasts.
Brewery Culture
Beer Scene
Tacoma’s brewing culture is a testament to the Pacific Northwest’s enduring passion for crafting unique, flavorful beers. The city’s craft brewing landscape is dotted with a diverse array of microbreweries, each offering its own distinct interpretations of classic styles and innovative flavor profiles. From hop-forward IPAs to sessionable lagers, Tacoma’s brewers are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be, drawing inspiration from the region’s abundant natural resources and thriving agricultural community.
Craft Brewing
The rise of craft brewing in Tacoma has transformed the city’s ambience, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. These microbreweries serve as hubs for community gathering, where patrons can savor the nuances of expertly brewed beers while enjoying the company of friends and fellow enthusiasts. The city’s brewing culture is a testament to the enduring appeal of the artisanal approach, where quality, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the craft take precedence over mass-produced uniformity.
Microbreweries
Tacoma’s microbreweries have become beacons of local pride, showcasing the region’s unique terroir and celebrating the adventurous spirit of their brewers. These establishments have not only built a loyal following among beer aficionados but have also become destinations for discerning diners, who seek to pair the city’s exceptional craft brews with its burgeoning culinary scene.
Brewery Visits
7 Seas Brewing Tacoma Taproom & Brewery
Located in the former Heidelberg Brewery space, the 7 Seas Brewing Tacoma Taproom & Brewery is a colossal industrial-chic oasis that seamlessly blends the city’s rich brewing heritage with a modern, inviting ambience. Stepping into the cavernous space, one is immediately struck by the soaring ceilings, exposed rafters, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that permeates the taproom.
The 7 Seas story is one of evolution and expansion, as the brewery, founded in 2008 in nearby Gig Harbor, has grown to become a regional powerhouse, known for its innovative approach to beer production and unwavering commitment to quality. The Tacoma taproom, opened in 2016, showcases the brewery’s diverse portfolio, with 16 taps offering a range of styles, from the flagship Rude Parrot IPA to more experimental offerings that showcase the brewers’ creativity and technical prowess.
As I sipped on the Rude Parrot IPA, I was struck by the beer’s balance – the citrus and pine-forward hop aromas gave way to a pleasantly bitter, yet surprisingly refreshing, finish that left me craving another sip. The taproom’s industrial-chic design and ample indoor and outdoor seating made it an inviting space to linger and savor the nuances of the beer, while taking in the bustling energy of the surrounding neighborhood.
E9 Brewing
Staking claim as Tacoma’s first craft brewery, established in 1995, E9 Brewing has become a venerable institution in the city’s burgeoning beer scene. The brewery’s current location in the Brewery District, nestled within the former Tacoma Radiator & Fender Works building, exudes an industrial-inspired ambience that pays homage to the city’s rich manufacturing heritage.
As I stepped into the taproom, I was immediately struck by the vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and the sense of history that permeated the space. The brewery’s focus on traditional styles, such as the crisp and malty T-Dome Pils, alongside its exploration of more adventurous, brett-driven offerings, showcases the breadth of E9’s brewing expertise.
The outdoor covered seating area, which evokes the feel of a beer garden, further enhances the convivial atmosphere, inviting guests to linger and savor the flavors of Tacoma’s past and present. E9’s commitment to celebrating the city’s history while pushing the boundaries of what beer can be is a testament to the brewery’s role as a cornerstone of the local brewing community.
Sig Brewing
Tucked away in the hills of downtown Tacoma, Sig Brewing is the newest addition to the city’s thriving craft beer scene, having opened its doors in 2020. The taproom’s contemporary design, featuring white brick walls, hanging light fixtures, and a sleek, unlabeled tap wall, immediately sets it apart from the more industrial-inspired spaces of its counterparts.
As I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by the aroma of fresh hops, a tantalizing harbinger of the Pilscifer Fresh Hop that awaited me. This seasonal offering, brewed with just-picked Centennial hops, showcased the brewery’s commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients to craft exceptional beers.
Complementing the fresh hop offering was the brewery’s Festbier, a crisp and drinkable lager that paired beautifully with the gnocchi dish I ordered, featuring local tomatoes, peas, pecans, and microgreens. The interplay of the beer’s malt-forward profile and the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures exemplified Sig’s dedication to pairing its beers with the finest locally sourced ingredients.
While the outdoor seating area at Sig felt a bit like an afterthought, the inviting ambience and innovative beer offerings more than made up for it, solidifying the brewery’s status as a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts exploring Tacoma’s thriving craft beer scene.
Local Tourism
Attractions
Beyond the exceptional craft beer experiences, Tacoma offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions that captivate visitors. From the iconic Tacoma Dome, a multipurpose arena that has hosted countless concerts and events, to the stunning Chihuly Bridge of Glass, which showcases the region’s renowned glassblowing artistry, the city’s diverse array of offerings caters to a wide range of interests.
Dining
Tacoma’s culinary landscape has also blossomed in recent years, with a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants, innovative chef-driven establishments, and diverse ethnic eateries that showcase the region’s abundance of local produce, seafood, and artisanal ingredients. Visitors can savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while enjoying the refined, yet welcoming, atmosphere that permeates the city’s dining scene.
Lodging
For those seeking a luxurious and comfortable home base during their Tacoma explorations, the city boasts a range of upscale hotels and boutique accommodations that prioritize exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. From waterfront properties offering al fresco dining experiences to historically significant buildings reimagined as modern, design-forward sanctuaries, Tacoma’s lodging options cater to the discerning traveler’s every need.
Brewing Processes
Fermentation
The brewing process at Tacoma’s microbreweries is a delicate dance, where the brewers’ expertise and attention to detail are paramount. The fermentation stage, in particular, is a crucial step that requires precision and patience, as the yeast transforms the wort into the desired beer style, imparting complex flavors and aromas.
Hops Selection
The selection and handling of hops, a defining characteristic of the Pacific Northwest’s brewing tradition, is another crucial aspect of Tacoma’s craft beer production. Brewers in the region have cultivated an intimate understanding of how different hop varieties, from the citrusy and piney Centennial to the resinous and tropical Mosaic, can be leveraged to create balanced and nuanced beers that showcase the region’s terroir.
Malt Varieties
In addition to hops, the choice of malt is equally essential in shaping the flavor profile of Tacoma’s craft beers. From the caramel-tinged Munich malts that lend depth to the city’s lagers to the roasted and chocolate-y malts that impart richness to its stouts and porters, the brewers’ mastery of malt selection is a testament to their commitment to quality and authenticity.
Beer Enthusiasts
Tasting Notes
For discerning beer enthusiasts, Tacoma’s craft breweries offer a veritable treasure trove of tasting experiences. From the crisp, refreshing pilsners that pay homage to the region’s German brewing heritage to the hop-forward, juicy IPAs that showcase the Pacific Northwest’s abundant hop resources, each sip promises a journey of flavor and complexity.
Beer Styles
The diversity of beer styles on offer in Tacoma’s taprooms is equally impressive, catering to a wide range of palates and preferences. Whether one seeks the malt-forward richness of a traditional bock, the tart and effervescent notes of a sour ale, or the roasty and chocolatey depths of a stout, the city’s brewers have honed their craft to deliver exceptional experiences that elevate the art of beer drinking.
Pairing Recommendations
For the discerning diner, Tacoma’s craft beer renaissance has unlocked a world of culinary pairings that elevate both the food and beverage experiences. The citrusy, hoppy notes of an IPA can cut through the richness of a decadent burger, while the malty sweetness of a dunkel lager can complement the earthy umami of a mushroom-forward dish. Tacoma’s brewers and chefs have forged a harmonious collaboration, empowering visitors to discover the synergies that elevate the dining experience.
Regional Influences
Pacific Northwest
Tacoma’s craft beer scene is firmly rooted in the enduring traditions and terroir of the Pacific Northwest, a region renowned for its abundance of high-quality hops, pristine water sources, and thriving agricultural communities. The city’s brewers have embraced this natural bounty, crafting beers that capture the essence of the region, from the hop-forward IPAs that evoke the verdant forests to the crisp and clean lagers that reflect the region’s glacial waters.
Washington State
Within the rich tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma’s craft beer scene is further shaped by the unique microclimate and cultural influences of Washington state. The state’s long-standing reputation for innovative brewing, coupled with its diverse agricultural landscape, has imbued Tacoma’s beers with a distinct regional personality that sets them apart from their counterparts in neighboring states.
Urban Development
The resurgence of Tacoma’s craft beer scene has also been inextricably linked to the city’s broader urban revitalization efforts. As former industrial spaces have been transformed into vibrant hubs of creativity and community, the city’s breweries have played a pivotal role in this evolution, serving as catalysts for economic growth, cultural exchange, and the celebration of Tacoma’s rich heritage.
Sustainable Practices
Water Conservation
In a region renowned for its abundant water resources, Tacoma’s craft brewers have recognized the importance of water conservation and sustainability in their brewing processes. From implementing advanced water treatment systems to optimizing their water usage, these breweries have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to preserving the natural assets that are essential to their craft.
Energy Efficiency
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond water usage, as Tacoma’s breweries have also prioritized energy efficiency in their operations. From the installation of renewable energy sources to the implementation of state-of-the-art brewing equipment, these establishments are minimizing their carbon footprint and setting new standards for environmentally conscious beer production.
Waste Reduction
In addition to their water and energy initiatives, Tacoma’s craft brewers have also made significant strides in waste reduction and recycling. By adopting innovative strategies to repurpose spent grains, recycle packaging materials, and minimize their overall environmental impact, these businesses are leading the charge in sustainable brewing practices that resonate with the region’s eco-conscious consumers.
As you plan your visit to The Loch & Quay, I encourage you to explore the vibrant craft beer scene of Tacoma, Washington. From the industrial-chic ambience of 7 Seas Brewing to the historical charm of E9 Brewing and the contemporary elegance of Sig Brewing, these establishments offer a unique window into the city’s evolving culinary and brewing landscape. Immerse yourself in the artisanal traditions, sustainable practices, and community-driven ethos that define Tacoma’s craft beer culture, and discover why this dynamic city is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for discerning beer enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.