Island Vibes with Reuben’s Brews and Triple Colada IPA

In a neighborhood packed with world-class taprooms, Reuben’s Brews is almost always the WeeBeers starting point of any trip to Seattle’s Ballard Brewery District. The “Ballard Brewery Hop” is almost impossible to avoid. There are so many great brewery and taphouse choices in this neighborhood, that you can spend an entire night out walking between them and never have two beers at the same place.

Reuben’s Brews has grown from a passionate homebrewing project and a small taproom in a garage with bleacher seating into a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest craft beer scene. Whether you’re a hophead, a lager lover, or just looking for a family-friendly spot to park it for a couple of hours, the 14th Ave NW taproom is where the magic happens.

The Ballard Brewery District Vibe: Industrial Meets Inviting

Stepping into the Reuben’s Brews Ballard taproom feels like walking into a friend’s (very large, very professional) garage. It’s got that quintessential Seattle industrial charm, exposed ceilings and plenty of stainless steel, but it’s softened by the warmth of a community that truly loves beer.

• Outdoor Bliss: Their beer garden is a year-round staple. Thanks to some beefy heaters and plenty of seating, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice sunny day or watch the drizzle while staying dry.
• The Crowd: On any given day, you’ll find a mix of serious beer nerds analyzing flights, families sharing giant soft pretzels, and sports fans gearing up for a game.
• The Food: Don’t sleep on the “Reuben’s Reuben.” It’s slow-cooked in their Little Fox Red Ale and is basically the perfect companion to a cold pint.

Finding Something New in Reuben’s Brews Triple Colada IPA

While Reuben’s Brews is famous for their award-winning Crikey and Hazealicious, of which we partake regularly, we chose to try something a bit more tropical on this trip: the Triple Colada IPA.

If you’re familiar with their legendary Triple Crush, think of this as its vacation-mode cousin. It’s a massive 10% ABV Triple IPA that has been “infused” with the spirit of a Caribbean getaway.

Craft Beer Tasting Notes:

• The Look: It pours a thick, hazy, sun-drenched gold. You can tell just by looking at it that it’s got some “heft.”
• The Aroma: As soon as the glass hits the table, you’re hit with a wave of fresh-cut pineapple and creamy coconut. It smells less like a brewery and more like a high-end tiki bar.
• The Palate: For a 10% beer, the balance is almost scary. You get the classic citrus and tropical hop notes Reuben’s is known for, but the addition of pineapple and coconut rounds out the bitterness. It’s velvety, juicy, and surprisingly smooth.
• The Finish: It leaves a lingering sweetness that makes you forget you’re drinking a Triple IPA, at least until you try to stand up.

The Wee Verdict

If you wonder how someone can do “big” beers without them feeling cloying or overly boozy, The Triple Colada IPA is a good answer. It’s a vacation in a glass, which is exactly what we needed during a beautiful sunny February day in Seattle.

So, if you find yourself in Ballard thinking you’d like to have a beer or three, do yourself a favor, start at Reuben’s Brews, you can’t go wrong with anything they offer. And if it’s on tap, order a Triple Colada IPA for something truly unique, and maybe a side of those beer-cheese fries. You can thank us later.