Dick’s Beers On Tap Around Thurston County

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By Kate Scriven

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Iron Rabbit owner, Christian Skillings, is committed to sourcing all ingredients locally including craft beer.

Shop Local.  Buy Local.  Think Local.  These slogans pop up on bumper stickers and ad campaigns everywhere.  We are more connected to our local business owners and their products than ever before.  Now you can add one more “local” activity to your list – Drink Local.

Dick’s Brewing, in Centralia, Washington is truly local in every sense of the word.  The brewery was founded in 1994 by Dick Young, a passionate home brewer who lived his dream, making his hobby his livelihood.  The brewery is now run by his daughter, Julie Young, after Dick’s too early passing in 2009.  In his 17 years at the helm of Dick’s Brewing, Dick saw huge growth, both in production and the number of avid fans.

Today, Dick’s Beers are recognized for their consistency, quality, and drinkability.  With solid standard offerings and exceptional seasonal beers, Dick’s reputation is cemented in our community.  Loyal fans of Dick’s beers can be found quenching their thirst throughout Lewis and Thurston County restaurants and pubs.   However there are a few places where Dick’s fans know they can go for a perfect pint on tap, any day of the week.

Iron Rabbit Restaurant – 2103 Harrison Ave NW in Olympia

On Olympia’s Westside, tucked into the front of an unassuming strip mall, is a fantastic restaurant and bar that fully embraces the concept of eating locally from their tasty grass-fed beef burger, to the local salad greens to the craft beers on tap.  The Iron Rabbit opened over 7 years ago and from the beginning, owner Christian Skillings sought a partnership with the area’s only locally owned and operated craft brewery, Dick’s Brewing.

“Our house beer is called The Bitter Rabbit, which is Dick’s Best Bitter.  It’s a classic ESB style that is flattering with all our food.  It’s always very consistent and a very sessionable beer – perfect for if you are out drinking with friends or having dinner.”  Iron Rabbit also has Dick’s Working Man’s Brown on tap and doesn’t see it changing anytime soon.  The Iron Rabbit staff toured the Centralia brewery twice, learning the beer-making process and becoming more educated on the nuances of beer, helping them pair beers more effectively with customer’s orders.

A bartender at Dirty Dave's Pizza pours a Bull Dog Ale.
A bartender at Dirty Dave’s Pizza pours a Bull Dog Ale.

“We are both truly local businesses,” shares Skillings.  “I’m here every day and Julie Young is also there, every day.  When you have that kind of attention, you get a higher quality and more consistent product.  With Dick’s, you get the flavor of our community which makes us unique and we should treasure that.”

Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor – 3939 Martin Way East in Olympia

Dirty Dave’s is a local landmark.  Locals frequent the pizza restaurant for an easy family night out or a post-soccer season party.  And while we love the food, we can’t forget what goes best with great pizza –  a cold beer.  Owned by brothers Greg and Tom Wilson, who took over from their dad, the original “Dave”, Dirty Dave’s has had a partnership with Dick’s from its earliest days.  “Early on, Dick came in and asked us if we’d like to carry one of his beers, renaming it and making it our own.  It was a great offer and that is how our house beer, Bulldog Ale was born,” shares Greg Wilson.  A connection was made with a local carver to create the iconic bulldog tap handles and the Pale Ale has been flowing ever since.  The ale is a mainstay at the Pizza Parlor with its fresh, consistent flavor and is popular for its universal appeal and drinkability.  And, it goes great with pizza.

In addition to Bull Dog Ale, Dirty Dave’s rotates seasonal brews on their taps, including Dick’s Irish Ale for St. Patrick’s Day.  “Because they are local and brew small batches, it’s really easy to work with them,” shares Wilson.  And while Dirty Dave’s is, at its heart, a pizza joint, known for its family friendly atmosphere, having a high quality house brew is something they are proud of and plan to stick with for the long haul.

O’Blarney’s Irish Pub – 4411 Martin Way in Olympia or 221 Tower Ave in Centralia

With “pub” in the name, you know that this long-standing local watering hole is serious about their beers.  With an extensive menu, burgers voted “Best in Olympia” for 14 of the last 16 years, and non-stop sports viewing, it’s easy to see why O’Blarney’s is busy year round.  And when you ask for their house beer, you’ll be treated to the O’Blarney’s Celtic Ale, the house brew for over 10 years.  Behind that custom tap handle you’ll find Dick’s Irish Ale, a deep red ale, that has become a favorite of patrons.

Bar Manager Joel Wragg shares, “We love working with Dick’s.  We have a great relationship with them that you only find when working with small, local businesses.”  The staff has twice toured the Centralia facility, learning about Dick’s beers and beer making in general.  The personal connection, and generous tastings, are something all the staff appreciate.

The Shire – 465 NW Chehalis Ave in Chehalis

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Dick’s Beers are also used at The Shire for cooking bratwurst. Dick’s Mountain Ale is the house beer.

Next door in Lewis County, The Shire is a Chehalis seafood and steakhouse that was one of Dick Young’s favorite places to eat.  Owner Joel Wall knew he wanted a local microbrew on tap and Dick’s Beer was the natural choice.  Wall had previously managed McMenamin’s Olympic Club and knew Young well.  He sought out the brewery when opening The Shire and established Dick’s Mountain Ale as their house beer.  With Lava Rock Porter also on tap, patrons enjoy a choice between the refreshing amber ale and the rich, deep, malty flavors of the porter.

Wall uses Dick’s brews when cooking The Shire’s bratwurst and pairs the beers easily with their steak and seafood offerings.  “We are a small, community oriented business, like Dick’s Brewing, so the pairing is natural.  Their product is excellent and above that, this was important to Dick.  He was a one of a kind man and someone who was a good friend.  We feel privileged to have his beers on tap.”

Dick’s Brewing Company

3516 Galvin Road

Centralia, Washington 98531

Tours and Taproom open Fridays, 3pm – 7pm

 

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