Fish Brewing – Olympia, WA
It was another beautiful sunny Northwest winter day, perfect for a drive to the coast to visit my Mother. On the way, to Long Beach, WA, I decided to make a brief pit stop in Olympia. South of Seattle by about 60 miles, it is an easy drive for a quick Good Beer day Trip. Once home to Olympia Brewing there are now two breweries/brewpubs in downtown serving up fresh and tasty local artesian beer: Fish Brewing and McMenamins Spar Cafe. It must be the water. I only had the time to go to Fish today; I will be back to Spar another time.
Opening in1993, Fish is Olympia’s oldest brewpub. It has grown in considerable size since those days when the brewery and pub (the Fishbowl) were in the same building. Now, the brewery is located across the street opening up for a larger pub and the brewing capacity to brew Fishtail Organic Ales, Leavenworth Biers, and Spire Ciders.
As you enter, you are greeted by a large half rectangle bar, above which is a large beautifully carved fish. There are many tables that can be moved together to accommodate large groups and several pub height tables. There are two side rooms one with easy chairs, couches, a gas/wood stove and a wall of mugs. There is additional seating upstairs. The menu is Northwest pub fare with plenty of fish and local shellfish. We are never disappointed with what we order. On this occasion I had their seafood chowder which was choked full of clams, scallops, and potatoes in a zesty tomato and stout based sauce. Their beer selection is wonderful with many Fish and Leavenworth beers and Spire Ciders on tap. Don’t forget to check out the Fish Market where you can buy beer and gear to go.
Beer Sampler:
Holiday Spiced Dark Wheat (Dunkelweizen with pumpkin pie spice) – Amber brown, cloudy little to no head, and a sweet and spicy aroma. Medium bodied Sweet, malty, hoppy, and spicy. Very pleasant and well balanced.
Organic India Pale Ale – clear golden, little head, and a floral aroma. Light bodied, crisp, and well carbonated. Sweet malty flavor, finishing with a bouquet of floral hops. Well balanced, a good NW IPA.
Disclaimer: GoodBeerTrips.com is not affiliated with Fish Brewing. Unless otherwise noted, all food and beer was purchased by GoodBeerTrips.com
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