Similar to Mason Lake, I have attempted or meant to go to Dru Bru many times before, but was thwarted. However, Beers at the Bottom recommended it as their pairing brewery to go with Mason Lake, in their book Beer Hiking the Pacific Northwest, so I felt that if Mason Lake happened, Dru Bru was going to happen.
Dru Bru is as alpine as an alpine brewery can get–they are literally located on top of Snoqualmie Pass. Home to a ski area but also tons of hikes and the start of the PCT’s section J, the location makes perfect sense. They honor their alpine location by serving mostly German-style beers. They also have a great ski-lodge vibe going on inside.
Inside at the bar, I was too torn between their Copper alt and their Schwarzbier (the beer personally recommended in Beer Hiking the PNW) to make a decision, so I ended up getting a sampler. The picnic tables on the patio were just covered enough to enjoy the sun but not get burnt, and had we had more time the patio games would have been a blast. To round out my sampler, I got the Bohemian Pilsner, their session and regular IPAs, and the Pacific Crest Hazy Pale. To my surprise, I really liked their Pilsner , a style I don’t usually gravitate towards. The Schawzbier was tasty, and I liked the mosaic hops in the Pacific Crest Pale. My favorite by far though was the copper, a style of beer not enough breweries are making. I have since had Dru Bru’s Marzen (Oktoberfest), which was also delicious.
As I made my way through my sampler, I leafed further through Beer Hiking the Pacific Northwest. As mentioned last week, this book has 50 hikes in Western Washington, Oregon, and Canada, each paired with a nearby brewery and beer to savor afterwards. The authors, Brandon and Rachel, are from Western Washington, and really know their brews–and hikes with views. I really liked how the hikes in this book span from a walk through Discovery Park in Seattle up to hikes I’ve never heard of up in Canada or on the Oregon Coast. Thanks to the Washington Trails Association I have a huge list of Washington wish list hikes, but this book had me adding in tons to the north and south as well! I think the book would be a wonderful Christmas gift for the outdoorsy beer lover in your life, and I think Dru Bru is a perfect stop if hiking or snowshoeing in the Snoqualmie Pass area.
In summary (to the best of my knowledge)…
- Full kitchen: No, food trucks present
- All-ages: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes (on patio)
- Merch: Yes (glassware, hats, apparel)
- Coasters: Yes
- Outdoor seating: Uncovered area with umbrellas for shade, would assume heaters in the winter, had giant connect 4 and other games.
I love this!!! I am such a beer nerd but I have not been here yet! It definitely seems like someplace I need to visit! Thanks for the awesome post.
Cheers!
-Rebecca
http://www.bloggernotbillionaire.com
Thanks! I’m a bit biased, but Washington is a pretty amazing state for anyone who likes beer! I’ve been told we have good wine too, but why bother then there’s beer? Hah!
Oh this looks like fun and right up our alley!! Love a good hike followed by beer and bonus points for kid friendly!
The location is hard to top!
Ok, we definitely need to get back in there and try that Copper Ale. Thanks again for including our book in your blog! Adding this to our media page 🙂
Of course! I’ll be telling everyone to put it on their Christmas shopping list for the outdoorsy person in their lives 😃 Cheers!