In the tiny, artist-filled village of Edison, Terramar Brewstillery can be found down an alley off the main road. Terramar Brewstillery is a liquid tribute to the geography of the Pacific Northwest where the fertile soil of Skagit Valley meets the salt air of the Salish Sea (Terra for land, Mar for sea).
Since opening in 2019 in a refurbished 1890s slaughterhouse, Terramar Brewstillery has become a destination for those who want to “taste” the valley. Here is what makes this Skagit gem a must-visit.
A “Farm-to-Glass” Craft Beer Philosophy
Terramar Brewstillery isn’t just a brewery that buys local grain; they are active participants in the Skagit agricultural ecosystem. Almost every ingredient used in their production is sourced within a few miles of the taproom:
- The Malt: 100% of their barley is grown in Washington and malted by the nearby Skagit Valley Malting.
- The Foraging: You’ll often find ingredients like Samish Island hazelnuts, local blueberries, and even bull kelp appearing in their recipes.
- The Water: Their proximity to the sea and the slough influences the “terroir” of their barrel-aged projects.
One Property, Two Experiences
Terramar Brewstillery is unique in that it offers two distinct atmospheres on a single historic property:
1. The Taproom (Family & Dog Friendly)
This is the vibrant heart of the operation. It’s an airy, community-focused space where kids can play and dogs are welcome in the spacious “backyard” fire pit area.
- The Drinks: 20 taps featuring everything from the crisp Old Number Six Blonde Steam Beer to the award-winning Octopus’s Garden Gose (brewed with San Juan sea salt).
- The Food: Famous for their artisan pizzas, made with a 3-day fermented sourdough crust using Cairnspring Mills flour.
2. The Speakeasy (21+)
Hidden behind a door is an intimate, moody speakeasy space that focuses on the Terramar Brewstillery spirits program. Here, the silver distillery stills take center stage.
- The Spirits: They produce world-class American Single Malt Whiskey, Vodka, and Gin.
- The Cocktails: The menu rotates seasonally, featuring house-made bitters and infusions that highlight Skagit botanicals.
Wee Highlights: What’s on Tap at Terramar Brewstillery?
If you’re visiting this season, look out for these standout releases:
- Space Quadyssey: Their annual flagship Belgian-style Quadrupel, featuring a 50/50 blend of fresh beer and whiskey-barrel-aged vintages.
- Samish Bay IPA: A West Coast IPA that changes its hop profile regularly to showcase the latest harvest.
- Edison Crisp Cider: A bone-dry cider made from Washington-grown Cosmic Crisp apples.
A Community Creative Quarter
Under the vision of owners Chris and Jen Barker, the Terramar Brewstillery property has expanded into more than just a place to drink. It has become a “creative quarter” for Edison, housing:
- A Working Artist Studio
- A Bookstore
- The “TerraMarket”: A seasonal market featuring local glassblowers, farmers, and artisans.
Wee Tip: Parking in Edison can be famously difficult on weekends. Your best bet is to look for the public parking behind the nearby arts store or arrive early to catch a spot on Gilkey Ave.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
