Thursday 10th of September 2009 01:17:28 PM

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Walla Walla Washington.

Sounds funny, doesn't it?

Musically, it's almost like a waltz: "As we danced to the Walla Walla waltz."

But Walla Walla is a bit like Mecca to us beer geeks. Close enough to the Yakima Valley, it's considered to be Central Washington rather than Eastern and this is where 80% of the world's hops are cultivated and grown. Truth be told, it is not the prettiest area in our state but it does get a bow of respect from beer lovers.

Until now, Walla Walla had but one brewpub but the competition has picked up.

Walla Walla Brewers opened 18 months ago in a converted double-wide trailor out near the airport making it a tad hard to find. (Bring your GPS).

There is a tasting room although a pint of their beer in a pub would cost about the same as a 4-ounce sample so...

Only 3 were available when wife Persimmon, sons Lewis and Clark and I arrived on a beautiful summer Labor Day; a Golden Wheat, Pale Ale and IPA, each the exact same gold color with full white head, floral aroma and tangy bite. The wheat had a sweetness that would have enhanced the flavor if the beer were ice cold but that wasn't the brewer's fault.
Unfortunately, I do ascribe blame there for the lack of unique quality for each of these beers.

Eric Wydra has been a 10-year brewer and I would expect more risk taking from someone so versed in the art. Still, he tells us (and number of taverns where Walla Walla beers are sold bears witness) that a Pilsner and Red were both well received and a Porter was the hands-down favorite. That from a customer who arrived to have his growler refilled onlyh to be turned away for a time until the next batch was ready. So a return trip will therefore be necessary for me as well.

This sampling beers can be a grueling job but...well, someone - y'know.

Tuesday 25th of November 2008 02:39:59 PM

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The next stop on our Eastern Washington Beer journey was Walla Walla Brewers. Just on the outskirts of Walla Walla near the airport sits this new brewer for the area. They have been open roughly for about 7 months and the 3 friends and then some are brewing up some great beers. Thank God cause the other place in town was “NASTY”. The beers ranged from a very nice golden wheat to a tasty robust porter. The place was very unique that it was an old warehouse converted into a beer drinkers dream. 4 taps no waiting and great beer and conversation from the brewers themselves. Just think in a few years when they are big and you will never see them only the staff helping you. I love the fact they are so new and fresh. This is a stopping area each time to see how they grow and what they become. I wish all the luck to the Walla Walla Brewers.