My first blog - Hales Ales

So, being new at this blogging thing I thought that I would start where my love affair with Washington beers began, Hales Ales. As mentioned in my profile, the Moss Bay Extra was my first micro- a malty beer that was perfect for the cold days of an Idaho winter. Although many of the terms to describe micro brews today were relatively nonexistent back then, I would have called it an amber.

A little Hales Ales History: Founded by owner and President Mike Hales, Hales Ales was originally in Colville, Wa (which is a ways north of Spokane and pretty much in the middle of nowhere) and opened on Independence day, 1983. By 1995 the entire brewing operation was moved to the Puget Sound and its current digs in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Much of Mike's success as a Seattle beer maker can be attributed to his initial focus on traditional English beers-in 1982 he toured southern England by bicycle learning what he could about their style of brewing. Today, although his beers are rooted in this tradition, the Hales tap lineup is a standard bearer of northwest Microbrews.

The brewpub: After the birth of my boy Porter, my wife and I began rethinking our pub visits in "child friendly" terms. On this score, Hales Ales rates very high as there are several dining areas to choose from: booths, the bar, large tables, etc. Children are welcomed, if not encouraged. I've frequented the pub about four or five times a year for the past 10 years and have noticed the following consistencies: the service is always friendly, the beers are always top notch, the food is good and the atmosphere is inviting. In a nutshell, there is a reason I keep going back.

The beers: Although the Moss Bay Extra was my first microbrew, it is not my favorite Hales Ale. That honor goes to the Mongoose IPA. This very hoppy, around 70 IBU's if memory serves, with a rounded finish this beer won't dissapoint the biggest "hop head." The Mongoose was the first IPA I poured at my former pub (Jabu's Pub) and for the five years that I owned the place we almost always had at least one Hales tap handle in the mix. Below are some stand outs:

Mongoose IPA: Hoppy, balanced, rounded. Excellent all year beer. Must Buy!
Moss Bay Extra: Malty, big. Good for those rainy, miserable days. Recommended.
Cream Ale: Dublin style with little or no gas. Very pale with a unique aftertaste, this beer is not for everyone although everyone should try it. Above Average.
Obrien's Harvest Ale: Malty, hoppy and rich, a good beer for the fall. Each year it's a bit different as they select the "best" hops of the harvest. I'm not sure how they pick the best from different varieties of hops - a bit like grading a pinot grape against a chardonnay grape. That being said, I've tried Obrien's each of the last six years and it is always a worthy beer. Recommended.
Red Menace: Malty, sweet amber ale. If you like Alaskan Amber or Fat Tire, this beer is an improvement. A good, easy drinking beer with a wide appeal. Recommended.

Closing Thoughts: A stalwart of the micro brewery movement, at least on the west coast, Hales Ales has been producing top notch beers for a quarter century. If you're visiting the Puget Sound, Hales Ales is as good a place as any to grab a pint and soak up the Seattle atmosphere. Lastly, I can't pass up a chance to plug my newest venture - Puget Sound Gift Delivery. Although the company delivers all types of gift baskets, we specialize in Seattle beer and Washington wine baskets - several of which include the Mongoose IPA and the Red Menace. If you're interested, check out our "Two Bottles of Seattle Beer" and "Seattle Microbrew" gift baskets.

Check back later for more Washington beer and wine reviews.