Manny & Roger

This past weekend we decided it was time for another brewery tour! Let's face it, no one really goes to actually see the brewery... you go to taste. And that we did!

The BF and I lucked out and squeezed in at the Saturday Georgetown Brewery Tour (you have to call and make a rez ahead of time; only 15 to a tour and only one tour, only on Saturdays).

Georgetown Brewery, which I never knew was actually called that, is the home of Manny's Pale Ale and located just south of Sodo in a large warehouse. When we arrived, the place was packed with folks purchasing growlers, mini kegs, large kegs, etc. If there was a grocery store for beer in all shapes and kinds, this would be it... i guess that's kind of like a mini-mart, but whatever...

The "tour" started with awesome staffer, Crystal, who gave us the history on Manny and his partner Roger. These two guys really have it made... literally. Both under 40 and produce something like 30,000 barrels annually (to compare, Red Hook does like 450,000). They are considered a Craft Brewer, but if you can believe it, they are also considered smaller than Mac & Jack's!! Not sure how that is possible (have you ever been to Mac& Jack's brewery!?) Any who, we also got to sample all of their beers (also didn't realize they had other flavors). They have all the yummy standards, but with a twist. Rogers is their pilsner, which I really liked a lot. I would compare it to a light Manny's actually. Then there is Choppers (BTW, these are all named after staff members) which is a red ale; the BF's favorite. Next up the porter, followed by their new IPA, Lucille's. IPA's are typically super bitter for me, but this one was very smooth and perfect blend of hops and those other things they throw in there ;) Lastly, Lisa's... um, how cool is it that there is a beer called Lisa's!? It would have been that much cooler if there was a Marge blend. Lisa's was named after a staff member who apparently hates sunlight and wears sunglasses even when it rains and loves chocolate. Her beer actually has chocolate in it! 15 lbs of Theo Chocolate in each barrel and 8.3% alcohol! Would be darn tasty over some vanilla ice cream.

Next we saw the lay of the land, tasted some Manny's straight out of those things that make the beer (see photo) and tasted some beer they bottle in champagne form. The Belgian Double Donkey Deux, which is sweet and zippy and has a fun label (see below); and the Georgetown Braggot, which has honey in it that you can totally call out when you taste it. Super yummy just wouldn't be able to drink more than a glass.

Overall I would say one of the better brew tours I have been. AWESOME beer, AWESOME staff/guides, and fun atmosphere with a group of friends. Although they don't offer the space for private events, we are determined to make friends so they will let us some time.

As they say, Good Beer = Happiness!