Industry News: WA: Make room in the Ballard neighborhood for Stoup Brewing
Seattle, WA - This coming Wednesday (October 23rd, 2013) a new brewery opens in the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard. Situated just a couple of blocks, Southeast of Reuben's Brews, Stoup Brewing is an endeavor conceived by Brad Benson, Lara Zahaba, and Robyn Schumacher.
Stoup Brewing is a long held dream of Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba – two hopeless drink and chow hounds. That the two found each other twenty years ago seems fated – Brad, a scientist to the very last DNA strand, would proffer a hypothesis based on proximity and human nature, we’re sure (ahem). Whatever your take, the takeaway is this: Brad loves beer and has been a loyal student, courter, and crafter for years that number beyond his fingers and toes. Lara loves all things gastro – from a savory plate to a smart pour. The pair, professionally and recreationally, have spent the better part of their hours improving their palate’s quality of life. It was only a matter of time before they ponied up and joined the community of talented purveyors. Source, Stoup Brewing
If one of those names sounds familiar it's because Robyn Schumacher was the first woman in Washington state to be award the title of Cicerone®.
Located at 1108 52nd Avenue Northwest, Stoup hosts a 15 barrel brewhouse which showcases co-owner Brad Benson's experience as both a homebrewer, scientist, and craft beer enthusiast. Pair this with Robyn Shumacher's Cicerone education (plus experience teaching Biology) and we think the beers will satisfy most palates. In fact on opening day Soup will have a India Session Ale, India Pale Ale, and a Porter; available to try.
Curious what people should expect from the brewery, I asked Brad their future plans. Happily Brad confirmed that he would love to brew some barrel-aged beers either using wild yeast (ala Engine House 9, Hair of the Dog, etc.) as well as using bourbon or whiskey barrels. However they will instead focus on expanding awareness of their brewery before expanding their brewery's list of recipes.
And I almost forgot to mention the brewery's "Stouperstars" Founder's Club membership. For $250 you receive a lifetime membership, entitlement to 20oz pints (instead of 16 ounces), invitation to the exclusive Founder's Club party, a shirt, a growler, and lastly your name featured in the brewery. Oh and you get a wallet-sized bottle opener with Stoup's logo etched into it. One caveat associated with this membership is they only have a handful available.
You're probably tired of me prattling on about how great the brewery looks, or the taproom, and the beers. Instead I want you to stop by their brewery, starting this Wednesday, and enjoy their beers.
P.S. if you can't make it to the brewery on Wednesday then I welcome you to stop by during the following days.
- Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
- Thursday 4pm - 8pm
- Friday 4pm - 9pm
- Saturday 12pm - 9pm
- Sunday 12pm - 8pm
- Closed Monday & Tuesday
Cheers
About Stoup Brewing
Two thirsty science nerds and a curious connoisseur walk in to a brew pub…Okay, so it wasn’t quite like that, but it might as well have been.
Stoup Brewing is a long held dream of Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba – two hopeless drink and chow hounds. That the two found each other twenty years ago seems fated – Brad, a scientist to the very last DNA strand, would proffer a hypothesis based on proximity and human nature, we’re sure (ahem). Whatever your take, the takeaway is this: Brad loves beer and has been a loyal student, courter, and crafter for years that number beyond his fingers and toes. Lara loves all things gastro – from a savory plate to a smart pour. The pair, professionally and recreationally, have spent the better part of their hours improving their palate’s quality of life. It was only a matter of time before they ponied up and joined the community of talented purveyors.
Enter, Robyn Schumacher – friend, teacher and self-professed beer geek graduated Cicerone. She had the same dream. Fitting that Robyn’s infatuation with beer bloomed under the tutelage of a Biology degree. Robyn’s regard for all things hop and malt only deepened while her teaching career flourished. Brewing in her spare time was the final hook. Call it what you will – the stars aligning, simultaneous fermentation – Stoup Brewing is in the works. We’re thrilled to join Seattle’s burgeoning craft beer community in Ballard’s Brewing District. We anticipate tapping the first round in Summer of 2013.
To follow our progress, please visit our contact page and provide your email address. And connect with us on Facebook.
