Aaron Swaney’s favorite beers from the Everett Craft Beer Fest

Here’s a look at the beers I tried at Saturday’s Everett Craft Beer Fest. For those concerned at the number of beers here, some of the beers I only had a sip.

Couple of notes first: Behind Fremont, which always has a huge line, the biggest and most consistent line was that of Marysville’s At Large Brewing. I think a lot of people were curious about the brewery and the watermelon Randall probably didn’t hurt. Good job, Jim and Karen.

I chatted with a volunteer who had worked the Bremerton beer fest a few weeks ago. According to him Everett’s numbers were larger and he said the crowd was great.

The Randalls were a big hit. The curiosity factor is large and I think it brings out many people who just want to TRY that weird combination. I know it affected my choices.

Anyway, it was a great time. Here were my favorite beers from the day:

IPA with Sorachi Ace Randall, Diamond Knot Brewing: My first beer of the day. Wasn’t as hoppy as I was thinking, but very nice. Definitely got some the dill and cilantro in the finish.

Cedar Dust with cedar chip/Centennial hop Randall, Boundary Bay Brewing: A great beer. Brewed with Mosaic and Calypso hops, this IPA is then Randalled through Centennial hops and … giant hunks of cedar. Very piney and had a bite and earthy mouthfeel. Wouldn’t drink more than a pint at a sitting, but very interesting and bonus points for creativity.

Cedar Dust IPA Randalled through cedar chips and Centennial hops by @bbaybrewery. Best beer so far.

A photo posted by Aaron Swaney (@swaney_aaron79) on Aug 15, 2015 at 2:41pm PDT

Water Your Lawn Cream Ale, At Large Brewing: Very refreshing and a perfect palate cleanser after the two big IPAs.

ITS Honey Basil Lemon, In the Shadow Brewing: This blonde ale had a real nose of basil. Another interesting beer. Very refreshing and a nice subtle lemon finish. Great job by Cole Rinehardt.

Grapefruit Summer Kölsch, Postdoc Brewing: Staying light I wanted to try the Randalled version of this beer (coconut), but it was not available. Real grapefruity bitterness. Very thirst-quenching.

Truck Nuts Porter Randalled with coffee, cocoa nibs, and cherries, Whitewall Brewing: My favorite beer from the beer fest. Very balanced between the coffee and chocolate with a nice hint of cherry. It wasn’t too in-your-face and brought out the best aspects (slight smokiness, good malt backbone) in Whitewall’s porter. Great beer. And the Whitewall guys say they don’t care for Randalls

Kushetka Russian Imperial Stout, Counterbalance Brewing: Decided to stay with the big, bold beers. Plenty of coffee in the nose and a nice roasty character. Good.

Second Sight Scotch, Black Raven Brewing: Can’t go wrong with Black Raven. These guys usually rule beer fest with their great beers and this is no difference. Very malty Scotch with a slight hop finish. Good beer.

Kolsch through Randall with raspberry and peach, Lazy Boy Brewing: A great idea. I love kolschs and sending it through some sweet fruit was nice. It was a bit too sweet by the time I got it, but still very good.

Bourbon Barrel-aged Dark Star through a Coffee Randall, Fremont Brewing: Time to do the thang. Stood in line for 15 minutes to get this behemoth of a beer. Very alcohol taste, but still very good. The coffee was a little too strong, which is too be expected.

Extra Special Belgian, Hilliard’s Beer: Really enjoy Hilliard’s Beer. This is made with Saison yeast and has a nice spicy character.

Brass Monkey from @nolibrewhouse. 8% goodness.

A photo posted by Aaron Swaney (@swaney_aaron79) on Aug 15, 2015 at 3:58pm PDT

Brass Monkey, No-Li Brewhouse: Last big beer. This isn’t your dad’s malt liquor. It’s a strong ale brewed with orange peel. Fun beer and not for the gun-shy.

Brass Monkey from @nolibrewhouse. 8% goodness.

A photo posted by Aaron Swaney (@swaney_aaron79) on Aug 15, 2015 at 3:58pm PDT

Full 90 Session Ale, Kulshan Brewing: Time to lighten up and this session ale had a nice citrusy finish.

Orange Creamsicle Pale Ale, Harmon Brewing: Interesting beer. Light and fruity. Wanted to try it on the Randall but it was out. Nice subtle vanilla flavor.

Ziggy Zoggy Summer Lager, Silver City Brewery: Good way to finish. A Zwicklebier with unfiltered finish was bright and beautiful.

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