When it comes to craft beer, everybody has his or her favorite. Everyone’s tastes are different, too. That’s why it’s so exciting that our selection of breweries in Bellingham just got a lot more interesting, with the launch of not one, but two new microbreweries: Wander Brewing and Aslan Brewing Company. I recently checked out both breweries, tasted their beers and visited with the owners. While their beers couldn’t be more different, the brewers all share the pursuit of brewing high-quality beers their patrons will love. And lucky for us, they are upping the diversity of Bellingham’s brewery scene, so just about every beer lover’s needs can be met. Here’s the lowdown on our two new breweries:
Clockwise from upper left: Colleen working in the brewery; whiskey barrels waiting for Baltic Porter; what's on tap; the Wander logo on a table leg.[/caption]
Wander is a true taproom: you enjoy your pint in the low-key Brew Hall, right where the beer is made. Or, you can fill a 32 oz. barker or 64 oz. growler to go. You won’t find a kitchen at Wander, but you'll always find a food truck parked outside, rotating between waffles, barbecue, tapas, pizza and more. There is plenty of inside and outside seating, including beautiful, live-edge tables that feature the Wander logo at the base.
"So, why Wander Brewing?" I asked. Colleen said, “We spent our whole life wandering, traveling and moving all over. It’s a spirit that encompasses us and lots of others—everybody has a different reason for why they wander in life. It’s about finding what makes you happy.”
I like that philosophy! And now, for the philosophy behind the beer: Chad and Colleen's approach was to add to Bellingham’s beer culture by brewing styles that weren’t being explored as much as others. They’re doing a couple of Belgian beers, and plan to add many more. Their other offerings represent styles that Bellingham imbibers don’t often see, such as the California Common, which sports the lengthy moniker Washington Uncommon California Common. Oh, and it’s my favorite.
Wander Brewing has a 20-barrel brewing capacity—so lots of room for growth, but they plan to steer away from the hop-filled beers that are readily available in Bellingham. When I asked Chad who influenced his brewing style, he said John Maier at Rogue, for his style and background; Ryan Hilliard, who taught him how to do a startup brewery successfully; and Adam Robbings from Reuben’s Brews, for his diversity and creativity.
The Kuehls sourced as much equipment as possible from as close to home as possible, and many of the wood and metal furnishings in the tasting room are crafted locally, as well. After all, says Colleen, “You can’t ask people to support your local brewery if you’re not supporting the people around you.” Much of the wood is reclaimed from barns, Birchwood Elementary School and Chad’s grandfather’s bar in Iowa. The table legs were made by Black Fin Design and Fabrication in Bellingham.
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Clockwise from top left: A sample flight, the gorgeous bar, the brewery and Brew Hall, brewing equipment.[/caption]
Wander's biggest sellers so far are the Shoe Toss Rye IPA (this is Bellingham, after all), followed by the Wanderale Belgian Blonde and the Common. Also on tap are the Bellingham Wee Heavy (a strong Scotch Ale), the Global Mutt Coffee Baltic Porter, a Belgian Brown and an Extra Stout. Chad and Colleen look forward to making a wide range of styles that are creative but not too far “out there” for the everyday craft beer drinker.
Bellingham craft beer drinkers are definitely showing their love for Wander. Each time I've been in, a nice crowd is filling the space. Chad and Colleen love being able to work together in their small business and supporting the community. Wander, they say, is about sharing their love of craft beer with the community and creating happiness. Stop by the Brew Hall soon, or check out the Wander Brewing/Aslan Brewing Co. Brewer's Night at The Local in Bellingham on May 26th.
Wander Brewing 1807 Dean Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
Brew Hall hours: Tuesday – Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday noon – 10:00 p.m., Sunday, noon – 7:00 p.m.
Outdoor and indoor bike parking. All ages in the Brew Hall.
Wander Brewing on Facebook
Clockwise from top left: A random satisfied customer, what's on tap, the Aslan space, a schooner of Pilsner.[/caption]
Aslan is Bellingham’s first all-organic brewery, with a 15-barrel capacity. They’re aiming to brew filtered, sessionable beers, along with some herb brews and beers with other fun ingredients not typically found in Bellingham. The owners love to describe Aslan's beers as “dank,” which to them means delicious, high quality beers. (It means something else in the urban vernacular.)
But first, they wanted to get the standards out. On tap when I visited were the Flagship IPA, Irie Eyes Red Ale, Oatmeal Pale Ale, Pilsner, Cascadian Dark Lager, Stout-ly Man Ale, Bellingham Brown and Ginger Rye Ale. Aslan's brewers were influenced by Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland, along with Will Kemper, from Chuckanut Brewery, right here in Bellingham. “Chuckanut has been a massive influence. We have much appreciation for their standards and quality,” said Jack.
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Clockwise from upper left: brewing equipment; Pilsner, Ginger Rye and IPA; food and cute napkins; the Lion says "Welcome."[/caption]
My companion and I decided to each get two-ounce samples of three beers. For me: the Red Ale, the CDL and OPA. For him, the Pilsner, Ginger Rye and IPA, each of which they'll be canning, starting in July.
Aslan is also a full-service restaurant. Between the two of us, we tried the yam tacos, the Carne brat with house-made sauerkraut and waffle fries. The food was tasty, especially the fries, which are served in little steel buckets. I also loved the chipotle lime cashew cream on the tacos.
