a love and passion for hazy ipa a story about no boat brewing
Situated in the picturesque town of Snoqualmie, WA, No Boat Brewing enjoys a prime location in a rapidly expanding community. Famed for its array of outdoor pursuits including climbing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, Snoqualmie is increasingly becoming a haven for families seeking a tranquil lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Seattle. After a day of outdoor adventures under the sun, locals and visitors alike flock to the heart of town for food and libations, with No Boat Brewing standing out as a premier destination. But before diving into its charms, let's explore the origins of No Boat Brewing.
Raised in Redmond, WA, David's formative years were a blend of athletic pursuits and outdoor adventures. His parents, dedicated professionals in the technology and financial sectors, instilled in him a strong work ethic. While his mother remains at Microsoft, his father oversees the operational aspects of No Boat Brewing, leaving David to helm the brewery's front-end and brewing operations.
With a thirst for knowledge, David pursued studies at Saint Olaf's College in Minnesota, majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. His academic journey culminated in a master's degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis in California after a stint in Australia and extensive travels. Returning to Washington after seven years of education, including time spent in Napa Valley working at a production winery, David found himself drawn back to his roots.
Though he initially leaned towards winemaking, David's interest in brewing beer flourished during his college years, where he experimented with home brewing. Inspired by his travels across the United States and abroad, he honed his skills, crafting recipes that spoke to his adventurous spirit.
During his time in Napa Valley, David balanced his winemaking duties with brewing sessions at home, producing small batches of Bia Hoi, a Vietnamese lager. His brews garnered attention, leading to a partnership with Seattle's acclaimed Asian-fusion restaurant and bar, Stateside.
Like many homebrewers turned brewery owners, David's initial focus was on consistency and quality. As demand for his beer grew, the dream of opening a brewery became more tangible, buoyed by the knowledge that there was already a market for their unique brews.
In 2014, the idea of launching a brewery began to take shape in David's mind, prompting discussions with his father about the logistics and vision behind such an endeavor. Despite being just 24 years old, David approached the prospect with unwavering determination, armed with the skills to manage both the front-of-house and production aspects of the brewery. Recognizing his son's capabilities, David's father offered to oversee the financial and operational aspects of what would soon become No Boat Brewing.
As fate would have it, the universe seemed to conspire in their favor. Good friends of David had recently constructed a sizable boat warehouse in Snoqualmie, complete with double doors at the rear, envisioning the possibility of a brewery someday. This fortuitous alignment of circumstances provided the perfect foundation for their aspirations. Fueled by this momentum, they embarked on transforming the space into the future home of No Boat Brewing.
In 2016, No Boat Brewing proudly opened its doors to the public, extending a warm invitation to the community of Snoqualmie to experience their innovative brews firsthand.
The setting of No Boat Brewing resembles a vast warehouse space that has embraced the charm of a small brewery. Towering ceilings, reaching upwards of 50 feet, overlook orange storage racks brimming with materials for crafting wakeboards and water skis. Within this industrial enclave, cargo containers and repurposed walls define an intimate area for patrons and brewing equipment, infusing the atmosphere with a cozy yet rugged vibe.
Above the bar, warm Edison bulbs emit a soft glow, illuminating a substantial wooden countertop with live edges that evoke the essence of driftwood. Taps are integrated into a sleek blue storage container housing kegs and chilled items, while nautical maps and sailing memorabilia adorn the walls, igniting a sense of maritime adventure and boundless exploration.
A colossal projector screen plays episodes of Friends, providing a welcome diversion for guests seeking a break from their devices or entertainment for children, allowing weary parents a moment of reprieve. Spacious tavern tables and lengthy bar areas encourage communal gathering, fostering new connections amidst a layout conducive to easy movement, especially during balmy summer days when the space is bustling with outdoor adventurers and their canine companions.
While lagers hold a cherished place in the hearts of many brewers, David has found himself captivated by the art of crafting Hazy IPAs, skillfully accentuating tropical and juicy notes in this particular beer style. Originating on the East Coast before making its mark across the United States, particularly in states like Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington, the Hazy IPA has found a home in the portfolio of No Boat Brewing.
Driven by a passion for exploring the interplay between hops and oils, David and his team at No Boat Brewing delve deep into the nuances of this brewing process. Their Hazy IPAs exhibit a spectrum of hues, ranging from the pale tint of orange juice to the rich, ripe tones of mango, evoking tropical aromas and flavors such as guava, grapefruit, mango, and cantaloupe.
David's enthusiasm for hops is palpable as he discusses the intricacies of hop varieties, hopping ratios, and experimental hop products. Take, for instance, the beer named Under Under, an homage to the New Zealand hop growers with whom No Boat Brewing has forged a close relationship. Through collaborations with Freestyle Hops from New Zealand, No Boat Brewing serves as a platform to showcase and educate American drinkers about the diverse hop varieties cultivated in New Zealand.
Yet, the brewery's approach to crafting Hazy beers extends beyond hops alone. Meticulous planning and experimentation guide their selection of malt ratios and yeast strains. Recent endeavors have led them to consistently experiment with Thiolized yeast strains, genetically engineered to heighten thiol production during fermentation. These compounds, rich in sulfur, contribute to the vibrant aromas and flavors characteristic of fermented beverages like beer.
As I glance around the taproom, it's evident that their dedication to innovation is paying dividends. A majority of patrons are indulging in various Hazy beer offerings, a testament to No Boat Brewing's commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor and aroma in the craft beer landscape.
Witnessing the blend of creative fervor and pragmatic foresight driving No Boat's beer program is both enlightening and inspiring. It strikes a delicate balance between pushing boundaries and maintaining fiscal responsibility, a lesson that many new breweries grapple with but gradually master over time.
As our conversation unfolds beneath the setting sun, the taproom sees a steady stream of families, friends, and furry companions drifting in and out. The beer cooler showcases an array of canned styles, each label bursting with vibrant hues, beckoning patrons to explore and perhaps take home a few packs.
Our pints dwindle and the conversation draws to a close, I find myself lost in contemplation. The atmosphere at No Boat Brewing, brimming with passion, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging, feeds the fiery ambition within me. The dream of creating a similar space ignites my imagination, fueled by the infectious enthusiasm exuded by David and his team.
Launching a brewery with family at the tender age of 24 may seem daunting to some, even bordering on the realm of insanity. Yet, through the highs and lows, David maintains an unwavering optimism for the future, radiating smiles and excitement for the journey ahead. As I bid farewell, I eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued growth and success of No Boat Brewing, awaiting the next chapter in their remarkable story.
All images showcased in this article have been employed with explicit permission from Thru The Sightglass and No Boat Brewing who retain the copyrights for these images.