Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen – Bellingham, WA

I made a solo trip up North last night and got a chance to go to North Fork again.  It was obvious that Ski Season has begun as the bar was full at 4:30 pm with thirsty skiers returning from their day on the slopes.  On the way back to Seattle, I drove through Bellingham and stopped at the Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen.

Beer Crossing, by Lush C 2010

Chuckanut is the newest creation of Will Kemper, of Thomas Kempe fame. They recently won four medals and the honor of 2009 Small BrewPub of the year at the Great American Beer Festival.  It is located on the water in old town Bellingham;  a great location to enjoy a beer and good food.  They’ve gone with an industrial steel building, separating the Restaurant from the Brewery with an official “Beer Crossing”.  They have a small bar, ample indoor seating, water front outdoor seating, and a large covered outdoor area for special events.

Their menu consists of creative, locally and globally influenced Fresh American cuisine. (per their website) It has something for everyone one.  My favorite menu item is the Brat and Pint, a locally made Brat with fresh saurkraut, stone mustard, chips, pickle and a pint of your choice, all for $8.

I find their beer to be very good.  Everything  I’ve tasted has been true to it’s style.  Some of my favorites are the Foreign Stout, Schwarzbier, Vienna Lager, and Rauchbier.

We make it to Bellingham several times a year so I will update the Beer Sampler ocassionally, so check back.

Beer Sampler

British Brown Ale – A nice semi-transparent  light brown, thin cream head, and a nutty aroma.  It is well carbonated with a sweet nutty flavor with hints of chocolate. It has enough hops to give it some bite and crisp dry finish.  Good enough that I purchased a growler to go.

Bock Lager – Dark amber, off white head,  and a sweet malt and a little sour aroma. It has a nice caramel malt flavor, finishing with a sweet almost sour coffee and hop flavor.  I liked it.  Not too sweet.   Lush C  thought the caramel malts make it nice and pleasant, starting off with a nice bite and finish with a nice malt flavor. (updated 3/14/2010)

Porter –  Dark brown, creme colored head, and a sweet malt aroma. The flavor was very robust; dark malt, nutty, a hint of smoke, and a little earthy. Very smooth and quaffable,  I love it!!  (updated 3/14/2010)

If you like this, check out Chuckanut II.

WABLers sitting at the bar - by Lush C - 2010

Blogging and Drinking - by Lush C , 2010

Disclaimer:  Goodbeertrips.com is in no way affiliated with the Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen.  All beer and food was paid for by Goodbeertrips.com.