In the Pacific Northwest, craft beers reign supreme. Washington State is home to nearly 400 breweries, with over 40 located right here in the South Sound.
From light beers and bold IPAs, to dark and chocolatey stouts, local brewers have mastered the art of creating some seriously good suds. Ring in the New Year with new beer at some of the South Sound’s newest breweries and taprooms.
Black Fleet Brewing
Black Fleet Brewing opened their doors in 2018, brewing their beers with a true passion for their craft. The brewery was named after a historic trio of warships captained by a fierce French Noblewoman who sought revenge over the unfair death sentence of her late husband. Jeanne de Clisson bought three ships, painted them black, and adorned the boats with crimson sails, calling them The Black Fleet and becoming notorious for her brutal piracy.
Black Fleet Brewing’s bold craft ales feature everything from classic beers to new batches using Pacific Northwest-inspired ingredients and unique brew styles. Their taproom features 12 taps where 10 pour Black Fleet’s house-brewed beers, while the other two pour gluten friendly local ciders. Come hungry and enjoy Black Fleet’s beer-infused takes on classic pub fare like their warm soft pretzels with house-made beer cheese sauce, wild-caught Alaskan cod fish and chips, and beer brats made with their Crown SMaSHed Ale.
Black Fleet Brewing is located at 2302 Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402.
Beer Star
Beer Star joined the scene in December, quickly becoming a popular spot for local beer lovers. Developed by the co-owners of Tacoma’s Rhein Haus, this new all-ages beer hall features 50 rotating taps of Pacific Northwest ales, ciders, and wines. The back of the taproom is lined with coolers where guests can choose from an expansive selection of top quality canned and bottled beers. Beer Star can seat up to 100 guests, has a play area for kids, and will host different local food trucks onsite throughout the week.
Beer Star is located at 4328 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406.
Locust Cider
Locust Cider recently opened as Tacoma’s first cider-only taproom. Showcasing 12 taps, Locust Cider offers different drafts ranging from sweet aged apple and watermelon, to a New England amber and Madagascar vanilla bean ciders. The family-owned cidery got its roots in Woodinville, but has expanded its way down the West Coast and into the state of Texas. Locust Cider uses only locally sourced ingredients to create their ciders, giving them a modern twist that brings out the best in every apple.
Locust Cider offers take out from their neighboring restaurant, The Pizza Press, and has a collection of video arcade games in the back of the taproom. Join their cider club, The Swarm, to reap member benefits while supporting a cause dear to their hearts, helping support children with hydrocephalus. Member benefits include one free flight or pint every time you visit a Locust Cider location, enjoy half-off growler and grunt fills, exclusive access to limited edition ciders not available to the public, and $25 from each membership is donated to the Hydrocephalus Association.
Locust cider is located at 2805 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406.
State Street Beer
State Street Beer is just shy of two years old and is worthy of checking out in the year to come. The cozy, modern taproom is home to 16 continuously rotating taps, showcasing local beers and ciders. From strong IPAs to a bubbly saison, pair your craft brew with one of State Street’s snackable small plates like their triple cream brie or charcuterie board, among a variety of flat bread pizzas, and small batch chocolate bars by Ritual.
State Street Beer is located at 606 North State Street, Tacoma, WA, 98403
7 Seas Brewing
7 Seas Brewing recently announced their plans to move their Gig Harbor taproom down to the waterfront closer to the mouth of the harbor. Describing their future new digs as space that will offer views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, with a family friendly vibe, as well as a 21 and over seating area. While the new location isn’t expected to open until 2020, 7 Seas fans are eagerly awaiting more information on the brewery’s newest venture.
7 Seas Brewing is located in Gig Harbor at 3006 Judson Street #110, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, and in Tacoma at 2101 Jefferson Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
