In 2013, a dream among friends blossomed into a cherished local institution within The puget sound
this is a story about
odd otter brewing
Seated in the heart of downtown Tacoma, across from bustling bars and restaurants, lies a true Tacoma staple: Odd Otter Brewing Company. Since its establishment in 2013, this brewery has been a beacon of individuality, offering a refreshing departure from the norm for those seeking a memorable night out in the city.
In a town renowned for its rich beer culture, Odd Otter stands out as a distinct personality. While other breweries like e9 Brewing Company with its award-winning sour beers and Harmon Brewing Company, a longtime influencer in the Tacoma beer community, have left their mark, Odd Otter has carved its own unique niche.
Navigating the integrated and historically rich beer scene of Tacoma can be a daunting task, but Odd Otter has succeeded in creating a space where everyone feels welcome. By embracing its individuality and doing things differently, Odd Otter has not only found its place but has also allowed another side of Tacoma's beer culture to thrive.
As Odd Otter has grown, so too has the vibrant community around it. With a calendar packed full of events ranging from trivia nights and live music to open mic sessions, the brewery has become a hub of activity, providing something for everyone five days a week.
Step outside the brewery, and you'll find an inviting outdoor space complete with wooden bar seating and steel railings, where patrons can enjoy a cold pint of beer while soaking in the sights and sounds of downtown Tacoma. It's a place where locals and visitors alike come together, forming connections and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Recently, Odd Otter underwent an ownership change, with the torch passing from the previous owners to a dynamic father-and-son duo who were once regulars at the brewery. Despite the change in ownership, the spirit of Odd Otter remains unchanged, with a renewed focus on innovation and creativity in the beer department.
Leading the charge is head brewer Shelby Bible, whose passion for crafting exceptional brews has breathed new life into Odd Otter Brewing in recent years. With his expertise and creativity, Odd Otter continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in craft brewing, delighting patrons with a diverse and ever-evolving lineup of beers.
Shelby, a true Puget Sound native, has poured his Tacoma roots into every aspect of his brewing journey. Growing up in the Tacoma area, his brewing style and attitude are a reflection of his surroundings. From crisp, crushable light lagers to take with you on hikes out into the woods, to IPAs bursting with vibrant citrus and tropical flavors, Shelby pours plenty of thought, research, and care into every brew he creates.
His foray into the world of craft beer began with a fevered passion for homebrewing. Drawing on his years of experience in the culinary scene, where he honed his skills in various restaurants and kitchens around town, Shelby found a natural transition into the world of brewing. The ability to orchestrate, curate, and create with a diverse range of ingredients felt like second nature to him.
As he delved deeper into the craft, Shelby discovered a newfound sense of artistry and creativity. The curiosity and satisfaction of understanding how each ingredient influences and complements the others opened up a new path for him—a path of passion and purpose. It was a pivotal moment in his life, a moment where he had to decide where to invest his time and energy to create something truly meaningful.
Inspired by brewing history, traditional styles, and rustic brewing methods, Shelby found himself drawn to the art of brewing like never before. And so, with a sense of peace and purpose, he decided to trade in his kitchen knives for a pair of brew boots, embarking on a journey that would ultimately define his future.
Today, Shelby's dedication to his craft shines through in every batch of beer he produces. With a deep respect for tradition and a fearless spirit of innovation, he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in brewing, all while staying true to his Tacoma roots.
The first time I reunited with Shelby after a five-year hiatus post-high school graduation, it felt like stepping back into a familiar groove. He welcomed me into his home for an evening of beer and brewing talk, igniting a sense of camaraderie that transcended the years of separation.
As I made my way through his house towards the gathering in the garage, I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the thought that beer truly has a way of bringing people together, even those who've been apart for far too long. The summer evening had faded into the enchanting blue hour typical of Pacific Northwest summers, casting a serene glow over our gathering.
Shelby, standing by his mash tun, greeted me warmly as I joined the group, the glow of the propane burner beneath his steel kettle casting a warm hue in the dim light. With beers cracked open and laughter flowing freely, the nervousness of reconnecting with an old friend melted away, replaced by the comfort of shared memories and mutual passions.
As we chatted and laughed into the night, I found myself drawn to Shelby's brewing setup, admiring the array of glass carboys filled with actively fermenting beers. Each carboy held a unique concoction, from muddled orange juice hues to hazy straw colors adorned with fluffy light brown krausen—the telltale signs of fermentation in full swing.
Shelby's eagerness to experiment with wild yeast struck me as both daring and impressive. The risks involved were substantial; a single mishap could contaminate his entire operation. Yet, his passion for pushing the boundaries of brewing outweighed any fear of failure, and I couldn't help but admire his dedication to the craft.
As we continued our conversation, the sweet aroma of wort filled the garage, signaling the next phase of the brewing process. We delved into discussions about oak barrels and aging techniques as he knocked out into a freshly cleaned carboy, our enthusiasm for the Tacoma beer scene fueling our late-night dialogue.
In Shelby, I saw echoes of my ambition and drive for craft beer—an industry that had captivated my imagination for months. Sitting in the taproom of 7 Seas Brewing in Gig Harbor, savoring a hefeweizen, I had dreamt of one day making my mark on the brewing world. Months of persistence and determination eventually led to an opportunity to pursue my passion professionally—a journey that mirrored Shelby's own pivotal moment at the crossroads of life.
As I reflect on that memorable evening with Shelby, I'm reminded of the transformative power of shared passions and the bonds forged over a pint of beer and a crazy dream. As we both continue to navigate our respective journeys in the world of craft brewing, I'm grateful for the friend who inspires me to pursue my dreams and embrace the unpredictable adventure that lies ahead.
That hangout night sparked a conversation about Tacoma's brewing legacy, particularly the venerable Harmon Brewing Company. I encouraged Shelby to seize every opportunity to showcase his passion and dedication, urging him to flood the brewery with resumes and engage with the brew team in any way possible—whether through sharing beer ideas, homebrewing, or simply spending time chatting over pints.
To my delight, Shelby was already a step ahead, immersing himself in the world of brewing by working there as a chef upgrading kitchen ingredients by day, and engaging with brewers to exchange ideas and techniques after hours. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unwavering commitment to his craft did not go unnoticed. Before long, the brew team recognized his potential and welcomed him into the fold, starting with keg washing duties and quickly elevating him to cellar work and brewing assistance.
Throughout his journey at Harmon Brewing Company, Shelby and I remained in close contact, often meeting over pints to share insights and troubleshoot challenges in our respective breweries. Despite the demanding nature of our work, the sense of fulfillment and pride we derived from being part of the brewing process made every moment worthwhile.
As time passed and our roles evolved, it's heartening to see that the same passion and drive that fueled us then still burns brightly within both of us today. Shelby's journey with Odd Otter Brewing is a testament to his dream and dedication, crafting beers that not only delight the Tacoma community but also reflect his pride and vision.
As Odd Otter Brewing continues to evolve and thrive in the Puget Sound area, I can't help but don a pair of shades and eagerly anticipate its bright future. With Shelby at the helm, I do not doubt that the brewery will continue to blossom and grow, leaving an indelible mark on Tacoma's vibrant brewing landscape.
All images showcased in this article have been employed with explicit permission from Thru The Sightglass and Odd Otter Brewing who retain the copyrights for these images.