Future Primitive Brewing

 Future Primitive Brewing 16Nov2019

The connection from the D-Line to the 120 was bang-bang as the 120 pulled into the 3^rd and Seneca stop right in front of my bus. I had to run for it even though the line-up delayed the inevitable departure. The trip to White Center featuring a long drive along scenic Delridge Way was survivable because I had a good book – William Gibson’s The Peripheral.

The warehouse-like building housing Future Primitive inspires little confidence. 

The approach from the south. The impression isn't helped by the neighboring business

As you approach from 100^th SW along SW 14^th Avenue you see an industrial scene with unkempt grounds and weeds. 

The view from directly in front of the brewery is a little more inspiring

The approach to the taproom takes you past the attractively appointed dining area for the permanent food wagon “Das Wagon.” 

The nicely woody interior of Das Wagon. The kitchen had yet to open

Once inside, the inviting bar area beckons to ply you with beer while windows into the brewing area present evidence of a serious brewing concern. 

Looking straight ahead as you enter the taproom

Looking right as you enter the taproom

A chalked-up tap list informs with the latest offerings including guest beers and cider. 

The tap list behind the bar

A flight of up to 6 tasters is available as well as full pours and growlers. I picked 6 and sat at the bar sipping my tasters while a health inspector checked out the operation.

From left to right: Pale Ale (4.6), Zwick’l Lager (5.9%), 1889 Smoked Lager (5.8%), Green River IPA (6%), Sunshine on My Porter (4.5%), Beautiful Terror Imperial Stout (8.8%). All well made. Not pictured is the Glamour Boy

Tasting Notes:

Pale Ale (4.6): Slightly hazy yellow. Tropical fruit (pineapple) aroma. Tropical and slightly savory hop flavor. Very dry and thin body with some minerality. Finishes dry, bitter, and tropical. Light and moreish.

Zwick’l Lager (5.9%): Clear gold. Pils malt and fruit aroma. Balanced sweet malt (pils) and bitterness. Full body and the fruit aroma did not carry through to the sip. Finishes malty and bitter.

1889 Smoked Lager (5.8%): Clear pale gold. Rich hardwood smoke and malt aroma. Smoke and sweet malt flavor with late bitterness and full body. Finishes bitter and smoke. Dedicated to the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.

Green River IPA (6%): Orangish gold and clear. Citrus and piney hop aromas. Sweet malt and berry fruit up front followed by intense bitterness and perfumed hops. Full body. Bitter finish.

Sunshine on My Porter (4.5%): Coffee porter. Coffee black color; smells like coffee grounds; tastes like coffee. Dry finish. No thanks. I didn’t notice the coffee designation when I was ordering. My mistake.

Beautiful Terror Imperial Stout (8.8%): Opaque black, no highlights. Fruit ester aroma. Sweet malt, some esters, restrained roast, and some heat. Bitter sweet and roasty finish. The heat disappeared with warming.

Glamour Boy (8%): Slightly hazy dark gold. Tropical hops and fruit esters. Sweet malt, slightly sour, perfumed fruit and hops. Bitter finish. Dangerously drinkable. A black raspberry extra pale ale brewed in collaboration with Stillwater Artisanal Brewing.

While I sipped my beers, the health inspector checked the brewery and the food truck – two separate businesses. He had one small concern but otherwise gave them a thumbs up. The beers went down pretty easy since they were well made. The brewery is less than a year old and given time I think the beers can excel as the brewer dials in recipes and processes.

After I finished my flight of tasters I ordered some food and sat outside in the partially enclosed patio to eat and drink my full order of Zwick’l Lager. 

Sliced kielbasa on a bun with cream cheese. Onion and jalapeno peppers act as vegetables - for health

Something to wash the dog down

The view is not very impressive, so the wood planking and wood furniture are welcome and friendly to the eye. Just a hint if you decide to sit on the patio this time of year; wear warm shoes and socks. My feet required a bit of time to warm up after I got home.

White Center is yet another Seattle neighborhood that is gentrifying rapidly. The taproom and patio are dog and kid friendly and a lot of family types came in to enjoy the premises. The vibe is friendly and welcoming.

I reversed my bus routes to get home with the transfer from the 120 to the D-Line another matter of bang-bang timing that involved running and crossing against the light. I did get some more reading done and arrived home in time to prepare dinner, such as it was.