E-Malt.com News article: USA, WA: Bellevue Brewing Company to open in August

After years of challenges and delays, Bellevue Brewing Company will open in late August. It will be Bellevue’s first locally-owned and operated facility, Bellevue Reporter reported on June, 18.

John Robertson, who grew up in Bellevue, sees the brewery as a way to raise the cultural appeal of Bellevue by creating a signature gathering place, suitable for Bellevue’s diverse populace.

“We wanted to build a social hub, too,” said Scott Hansen, cofounder of the brewery. “We wanted to change the nature of how the city was perceived.”

When the doors open, Bellevue Brewing will feature four signature beers: an ESB, IPA, oatmeal stout and Scotch ale. Robertson said seasonal ales and specialty beers will become part of the rotation as well.

Bellevue Brewing will open at 3 p.m. daily, with all beers costing $3. At 4 p.m., the price goes up to $4, and then prices stabilize at $5 from 5 p.m. to close.

Robertson and Hansen set out on this mission with a desire to be different. One thing that stands out, they say, is an emphasis on charitable giving. They plan to donate part of the proceeds - from a pint of beer to earnings at events - to organizations benefitting children.

“If you’re going to go out and drink a beer and have some fun, you should try to do a little bit more with it,” Robertson said. “There’s got to be a way to use the power of beer to go out and do something bigger.”

Upon opening, customers will be able to get pints of their favorite brews, as well as growlers to take home. Within three to four months they may begin bottling the brews. And in a year, distribution will likely begin. Once they hit the market in what Robertson calls a 35-mile “freshness ring,” distribution of the products will likely expand as well.


20 June, 2012