by Lee Reeve

On Wednesday, November 14th, Evergreen Imports, Japan’s latest importer of fine American craft beers, held a debut release party at Goodbeer Faucets in Shibuya for Silver City Brewery of Bremerton, Washington, U.S.A. Both the industry and public tastings were intimate affairs, hosted by Yuko Kon, president of Evergreen Imports, and her husband, Jason Koehler, of Devil Craft Beer Pub & Pizzeria.

The release featured eight beers: Ridgetop Red Ale (Irish Red Ale 6% ABV, 15 IBUs), St. Florian IPA (American IPA 6.9% ABV, 55 IBUs), Whoop Pass Double IPA (Double IPA 8.5% ABV, 85 IBUs), Fat Scotch Ale (Strong Scotch Ale 9.2% ABV, 30 IBUs), Panther Lake Porter (Robust Porter 6% ABV, 35 IBUs), Clear Creek Pale Ale (English Pale Ale 5% ABV, 15 IBUs), Bavarian Style Hefeweizen (German Hefeweizen 5.3 ABV, 15 IBUs), and Big Daddy’s ESB (Northwest ESB 6% ABV 50 IBUs).

The beers were all excellent, surprisingly refreshing (even the Strong Scotch Ale was incredibly easy to drink), and yet each retained distinct flavor and aroma profiles perfectly suited to their styles. And with beers ranging from 15 to 85 IBUs, there was a beer for every kind of beer drinker. The Ridgetop Red Ale was a crowd favourite, with its sweet caramel and biscuit finish; my personal quaff of the evening was the Clear Creek Pale Ale, which reminded me of a fuller bodied session ale.

I spoke with Jason Koehler, who briefly told me about Silver City’s history and brewmaster, Don “Big Daddy” Spencer. Silver City Brewery started back in 1996 as a brewpub. When demand for Silver City beers began to exceed the brewpub’s capacity and as Silver City beers became readily available in the Puget Sound area, the brewery’s owners, brothers Scott & Steve Houmes, in 2010 were forced to relocate its facilities to Bremerton, Washington, to allow room for growth and continued demand. Silver City beers are now widely available in bars and restaurants all over the Pacific Northwest – and now Japan!

During that time, Big Daddy’s brews have won nearly 60 awards – everything from the prestigious World Beer Cup and North American Beer Awards to the Great American Beer Festival, making Silver City one of the most decorated breweries in the Northwest. Taste the beer and you’ll know why!

For more information about Silver City Brewery: www.silvercitybrewery.com
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