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

Published 11:13 am Tuesday, August 18, 2015

By Aaron Swaney Herald Writer

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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