USA, WA: Downpour Brewing opens in Kingston

A little over a year after first getting the idea to open their own brewery, Kristen and Dan Williams began pouring pints in Kingston, kingstoncommunitynews.com reported on October, 29.

“It was phenomenal. We were packed,” Kristen Williams said. “It was way bigger than expected. We anticipated it to be a small opening, but we were packed all afternoon and evening.”

The brewery focuses on small, hand-crafted batches of beers that it serves in its taproom. There’s space for approximately 30 in the taproom, and 3 more in an outside patio where a game of cornhole awaits.

Williams said that they plan to continually change their lineup at the brewery, crafting new tastes as they see fit.

“Right now we have an IPA, a pale ale, a stout, a smash (single malt single hop),” she said. “We have a pumpkin brew in the works that will be released Nov. 1.”

Beer enthusiasts can also look forward to a winter ale and a double IPA to hit Downpour’s taps in the coming months.

Downpour Brewing began when Dan decided to turn a setback into an opportunity. He injured his shoulder over a year ago, something that prevented him from going to work in his career as an electrician.

“He was out of work for about a year,” Williams said.

With time on his hands, Dan decided to make it worth while; he made beer.

“He was brewing every day, all the time,” Williams said. “We thought it would be a great opportunity to brew for the community. It was a year ago in August when we decided that it would be great to start a brewery.”

The brewery the couple envisioned was a community hotspot for Kingston.

“A relaxed atmosphere where people of all ages can come, and it’s like your’e hanging out with friends. Old people, young people, families,” Williams said.

31 October, 2014