By Kate Scriven
In the Pacific Northwest, we really like our beer. And not the pale, safe, macro-brew lager found at any mini-mart. We like our beer to have flavor, and lots of it. Whether you are partial to the hoppy IPAs, creamy stouts, bitter ESB’s, or fruity seasonal ales it matters not. A well-crafted, balanced brew is a must for beer drinkers in our area.
The term “microbrewery” originated in the 1970’s when small, craft brewers began creating small batch, limited run beers. The focus was on quality and diversity instead of high volume and advertising. When consumers began to respond positively, the large-scale brewers tried to compete, but their commercialized version of the craft beer failed. In response, these corporations began to purchase the little guys, resulting in many craft brewers turning over the reins to the “macro-brewing” industry.
However, the craft beer movement with its devoted followers remains and has seen a resurgence in recent years. More and more small, local brewers are showing they have the talent to create high quality, unique beers and consumers, and retailers, are taking note.
In Olympia, locally owned Ralph’s Thriftway has not only had a terrific selection of true “micro-brews” from the best local craft brewers around, but they also have a secret weapon in Beer, Wine and Spirits manager Rob Beckman.
Beckman clearly loves beer. It’s evident in his enthusiasm for the products he has carefully selected and displayed for Ralph’s shoppers. He doesn’t just load the shelves with standard fare. He seeks out interesting local brewers and purchases small runs of their best offerings at special prices, passing along an excellent deal to go with his spot-on recommendations.
“I want to find beers that are off the beaten path,” he shares. And his quest is not in vain. The selection at Ralph’s is truly amazing. Featured selections are almost always from breweries in our area, too. “I want to support breweries in our own backyard,” Beckman explains. One example is local brewer Fish Brewing Company. When they release a new or limited run, Beckman is there to snatch up five cases to feature at the store. Recently, he featured the newest Spire Cider (a gluten-free cider produced by Fish Brewing) released for the fall season – Spiced Cider with hints of cinnamon and anise. And at $4.99 for the 22 ounce bottle, it’s well-priced for a seasonal treat.
Another recent find of Beckman’s is Airways Brewing, located in Kent, Washington. The name is a play on the brewery’s proximity to Boeing and their beers are as unique as they are local. The recently featured Airway’s Coconut Stout is flying off the shelves both for its unique sweet flavors and its beautiful packaging. The local craft brewer also has a chocolate stout (coffee lovers pick this one up) and hilariously labeled “Sky Hag IPA”, its label reading, “She hates you and her job. But, she gets to go to Paris twice a month. This beer’s as bitter as she is.”
“I may have picked this one originally because the label cracked me up,” shared Beckman. “But, I knew this is their best seller and Ralph’s customers love it. It’s a conversation starter, for sure.”
Another featured brew this fall is Ellensburg based Iron Horse Brewing’s seasonal Mocha Death. Starting with their beloved “Irish Death” they added coffee and cocoa, creating a brew you are tempted to pour into a coffee mug instead of your pint glass.
Standing in front of the extensive selection at Ralph’s Thriftway can be a bit intimidating, though. How do you know what to pick? Beckman has a solution. He, along with other beer loving staffers, formed “The Brew Crew”. Each Tuesday, the Brew Crew will feature a new local craft beer on their Facebook page. The beer will always be good, local, and at a special sale price. It’s a great way to taste something a little different knowing it’s a tried and true favorite of the crew.
To stay connected to the Brew Crew’s suggestions, simply “like” Ralph’s on Facebook. New Brew Crew features will be listed each Tuesday.
“I really love what I do,” shares Beckman. “I get to source excellent beers, supporting local craft brewers, and pass along the excellent finds to the beer lovers in our area at a great price.” What could be better than that?
Ralph’s Thriftway1908 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98506
360) 357-8011
Open 24 Hours
