Maritime Pacific Jolly Roger Taproom – Seattle, WA (#208)

Maritime Pacific Brewing was part of my first Good Beer Trip in 1992.  Back then, they just poured you samples in the office next to the Brewery and sold bottles to go.  A few years later they open the Jolly Roger Taproom right next door adding great food to go with their excellent beer.  It was perhaps one of our favorite spots to go for a beer in Seattle, but because it was so small and often crowed, we didn’t make it there too often. Therefore we were excited to hear that they were moving to a new and larger location.  Lush C was on hand in February for their Grand Opening, but I was unable to make it.  (see Dharma Bums post)  Last Sunday, it was finally time for me to visit the new Jolly Roger Taproom.

Although much larger, the new location captures the charm of the original location.   As you enter you can’t miss the very cool metal Jolly Roger Flag on the wall directly in front of you.  They’ve done a great job keeping with the pirate theme with flags hanging from the rafter, and rope looking lights on the wall.  Don’t forget to look down, because you might miss the pirate map painted on the floor.  With the added space they now have a much larger bar, with flat panels over head to watch games. They have very good pub grub including sliders, fries, deep fried pickles, excellent smoked onion rings, and a deep fried bacon.

Their beer has always been top notch in my opinion.  Back in the day, I used to love drinking their Flagship Red along with the sausage spaghetti I used to make. (I’m not sure why I haven’t tried this in a while.)  I look forward every year for the release of the Jolly Roger Christmas Ale and am also a big fan of their Nightwatch Porter.

On this visit I started off with the Islander Pale Ale.  The menu describes it as, “Light blond in color with gentle malt flavor and subtle hop character. Islander is a blend of malted barley and wheat with Yakima and Czech Republic Hops. (5% ABV)” I found it to be a darker blond with a thin white head.  The aroma was sweet and florally. It is light bodied with a slight malt flavor followed by a dry floral and pine hop finish.   I liked it, but thought it was a little dry for my taste in a session beer.

I followed it up with the same thing Lush C went for at first, the Salmon Bay ESB on cask.  The menu says, “A true English style bitter that is rich in malt hop flavor and aroma. Brewed with no less than 4 types of malt and English and Yakima hops. (5.5% ABV” It was a cloudy amber with a lingering cream colored head and had a sweet malt aroma. The flavor was a sweet and malty; very smooth and pleasant leading to a nice bitter hop finish.  Lush C said, ”It’s good, makes me think of Nomar Garciaparra. It hits me hard like a big fighting salmon, a perfect accompaniment to a Red Wings game.” (Where the heck did that come from?)  I liked it too, but it did not remind me of Nomar, and look forward to enjoying this beer again.

If you make a Beer Trip to Seattle make sure to check out the Jolly Roger Taproom, you just might like it.

Cheers,

DraughtE

FTC Info: Goodbeertrips purchased everything they ate and drank, so there.

(photos to come)