Craft beer is our passion, and Reuben’s Brews is the North Star brewery of Ballard. But when Brady is riding the ferry across Puget Sound, and I’m commuting in from Redmond, sometimes it’s just easier to meet in downtown Seattle rather than navigate the extra 20 minutes out to Ballard. Luckily, the Reuben’s Brews downtown taproom is serving up the same “Glass for Every Taste” philosophy with a side of city energy.
Recently, Wee spent an afternoon there working our way through five distinct pours during a craft beer session. No fluff, no filler, just a deep dive into what makes Reuben’s Brews one of the top 5 breweries in Washington State. They keep winning all those medals for a reason, so here we are the pours we explored on this particular trip.
1. Blimey That’s Bitter! (Triple IPA)
We decided to kick the door down instead of knocking. This 10.5% ABV beast is a throwback to when “bitter” was a badge of honor. It’s packed with Citra, Centennial, and Simcoe, delivering a massive citrus punch followed by a piney finish that lingers just long enough. It’s bold, it’s loud, and it lives up to the name.
2. Three Ryes Men (Barleywine)
After the hop assault of the Blimey, we pivoted to something sophisticated. This is a technical marvel. Using three different types of rye, it offers a spicy, complex malt backbone with notes of caramel and dark fruit. It’s silky, warming, and reminds you that Reuben’s can do “big and malty” just as well as they do “bright and hoppy.”
3. Citrus Twist IPA
To reset the palate, we went for the Citrus Twist. This isn’t your standard juice bomb; it’s a beautifully balanced IPA where the orange and grapefruit notes feel integrated rather than added on. It’s incredibly crushable and served as the perfect bridge between the heavy hitters and the easy drinkers.
4. Crispytown (Pilsner)
You can’t hide behind hops in a Pilsner, and Crispytown has nothing to fear. It’s snappy, clean, and exactly what you want when you’re mid-session. It provided that refreshing “snap” that cleared the slate. If you appreciate the art of a well-made lager, this is your North Star.
5. Hop Tropic (IPA)
We finished the afternoon on a tropical high note. Hop Tropic is a classic for a reason. The citrus notes are vibrant but dry, keeping the beer from ever feeling cloying. It’s essentially a vacation in a pint glass, the perfect closer for a downtown trek.
Wee Verdict on Our Craft Beer Session at Reuben’s Brews Seattle
Reuben’s Brews downtown keeps the soul of the Ballard original intact. Whether you’re looking for a face-melting Triple IPA or a crisp lager to watch the world go by, they’ve got the range.
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.
