Wee recently headed north to Bellingham and grabbed a couple of pints of Brake Lights DIPA at Stones Throw Brewery on a perfect sunny spring day. Bellingham is a town that just knows how to do craft beer right, and our recent trip reminded us exactly why we keep coming back.
Thanks to bad traffic on I-5, we went the scenic way up Chuckanut from Bow-Edison into Fairhaven and since we were right there, we pulled into Stones Throw Brewing. If you’ve never been, the vibe here is unmatched. It feels less like a commercial taproom and more like the ultimate backyard gathering of your closest, beer-loving friends.
The weather absolutely cooperated for this trip. The sun was out, cutting through that crisp spring air, so we grabbed a spot outside by a fire pit. It wasn’t long before we struck up a conversation with a few local regulars. That’s the beauty of a spot like Stones Throw, the seating naturally invites you to chat, share stories, and just enjoy the community.
As for the liquid in the glass? We both opted for their Brake Lights Double IPA, and it was exactly what the afternoon called for.
Brake Lights DIPA from Stones Throw Brewery in Bellingham
- Style: Double IPA
- Location: Stones Throw Brewery (Bellingham, WA)
- Vibe: Patio-ready, campfire-warmed, big-hop goodness.
This isn’t a beer that hides its identity. Pouring a beautiful, clear golden-amber, it hits you immediately with a robust aromatic wave of classic Pacific Northwest hops—think bright citrus, deep pine, and a hint of resinous dankness.
On the first sip, Brake Lights DIPA delivers exactly what you want from a proper double IPA. It balances a hefty, resinous hop bite with a sturdy, slightly sweet malt backbone that keeps the higher ABV from taking over the palate. It’s smooth, full-bodied, and carries a clean bitterness that lingers just long enough to make you look forward to the next sip. Sitting by the lively fire with the sunshine breaking through, this beer absolutely sang.
Wee Verdict
Between the exceptional execution of Brake Lights DIPA, the broad selection on tap, warmth of the fire pit, and the fantastic company of the regulars we met, this stop reminded us what the craft beer community is all about. Stones Throw Brewery remains an absolute must-visit whenever you find yourself in Bellingham.
I rated it 3.75 caps on Untappd!
WeeBeers Cheers!
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.
