Old Stove Brewing

Old Stove Brewing 7Oct2016

Restaurants along 1st Ave have sidewalk space.

I was on my way down to the market (Pike Place Market) to get myself some Appenzeller cheese. I had my eye on a newish (opened in May) brewery called Old Stove to try out. So the D line deposited me on 3^rd Avenue to make a short walk to the Sanitary Market where the cheese shop resides and then an even shorter walk to the brewpub.

Looking into the opening from the sidewalk. Note the mural.

The brewery is well presented in a nicely upgraded space in one of the old buildings that comprise the Public Market complex. The brewery has a large entrance onto the street with seating on the sidewalk. I am sure that when the weather turns, the large opening will be closed off to create a warmer space in which to imbibe.

One side of the printed beer list. Check both sides!

The beer list was printed on paper and plenty of lists were presented on the counter where people order beer. Food was available, but I didn’t look at the list because I had dinner to prepare when I got home. When I looked at the beer list I was surprised at the range of beers on offer. I ordered six 4 oz. tasters and retired to a small table to sample away.

Tasters and the beer list (from left to right).

Tasting Notes:

Pilsner (5.4% 35 IBU): Clear gold, with a malty, beery aroma. Rich, sweet, malt and hop initial flavor. Dry bitter finish.

Ivy’s Extra Special Bitter (6.2% 43 IBU): Dark red with a slight haze. Not much aroma. Sweet malt, with a bitter finish. Might be similar to Fuller’s.

Rake Breaker Fresh Hop Pale Ale (7% 52 IBU): Beer list says Cascades were used for the fresh hops. Hazy gold, Cascade aroma. Sweet malt with a bright Cascade flavor and an increasingly bitter finish. Late mint hint.

Rake Breaker Fresh Hop Pale Ale (7% 52 IBU): Beer list says El Dorado hops were used for this fresh hop ale. Hazy gold, with a very hoppy fruity aroma. Sweet malt with a bitter finish. Lingering flavor of melons.

IPA (6.6% 70 IBU): Mostly clear dark gold with general hop aroma. Graham cracker, sweet malt and mixed NW hop profile with restrained bitterness. Bitter, oily finish.

Manatee Grove Imperial Stout (9% 66 IBU): Black, opaque, with some red highlights. Malt aroma. Roasty malt flavor and pronounced bitterness. Dry finish.

A view through the front opening toward 1st and Pine.

Old Stove is a well laid out and nicely presented brewpub. I was skeptical that the beer would match the presentation. I was pleased that the beer was well made and interesting. I recommend it if you are in the neighborhood. Old Stove is good competition for Pike Brewing and Cloudburst. After I polished off the beers (all high octane) I staggered back to the D Line and made the short ride back home in time to prepare dinner.