American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
Seattle is known for its craft beer, and perhaps there is no neighborhood in Seattle better known for its beer than the Ballard neighborhood in the northwestern part of Seattle. Indeed, Ballard’s newest brewery, Peddler Brewing Company, is located down the street from brewery Hale’s Ales and has adopted the space formerly occupied by another local brewery, Maritime Pacific Brewing Company. Peddler Brewing Company’s location is strategic in more than one way, however – owners Haley Woods and David Keller explained that, in addition to being situated close to other local breweries, their primary focus when choosing a location was to ensure that the brewery was located near a bike path. Dave spent “months scouring the neighborhood looking for a place” that could house a business based on two of their passions – homebrewing and bicycling. The aptly named brewery will house an indoor bicycle rack and a free public bike repair stand in addition to bicycle-themed décor – including a homemade concrete countertop embedded with bike gears.
Aiming to open by the end of February, Peddler Brewing Co. is the result of ten years of homebrewing experience plus months of planning and implementation. The pair “always wanted to open a brewery, but the time felt right” a year and a half ago, at which point Dave and Haley began the process of applying for the business license, scoping out locations, and devising the business plan. They signed the lease on the space in Ballard six months ago and since then have done “everything – permits, electrical, plumbing ” – on their own while managing to work full-time. “I’ve learned how to use every saw that we own,” Haley acknowledged sweetly, and the couple’s dedication and hard work is evident in every detail.
Peddler brewed its first test batch on its seven-barrel brewing system in early January and plans to offer growler fills as well as a 32-ounce bottle exchange upon opening. The bar houses eight taps, which will eventually pour the first five Peddler beers – a pale, an IPA, a Kölsch, a caramel ESB, and a tangerine wheat – and may also feature a few beers from local breweries.
If you’d like to stay posted on David and Haley’s progress or stop by for a pint, check out their website, stayed tuned in on Facebook, or visit the Peddler Kickstarter campaign, which ends tomorrow!
