Drink local: Kent-made brews, wines and spirits

October 3, 2017

In the market for some homegrown beer, wine and spirits? You can find and taste them all in Kent, Washington.

Washington state has a bounty of breweries, wineries and distilleries. And Kent is home to some of the best. Whether you yearn for a bold seasonal brew, a hearty Washington red or a delicate nutty liqueur, you’re sure to find something to please your palate.

Airways Brewing

Airways Brewing owners and brewers Alex and Dione Dittmar offer two locations in Kent to gather and enjoy the great taste of Airways. Check out the new double IPA, the 2017 Citra Fresh Hop and the Tickle Der Zwickel Festbier for fall. The award-winning Jumbo Juice IPA is always a crowd favorite.

For the 21-and-over bunch (and their pups), Airways Brewing Tap Room and Brewery is a great place to sit, relax, socialize and have a pint or two. (Open Tuesday-Saturday)

If you want to pair those delicious brews with some great food, stop by family-friendly The Airways Brewing and Bistro & Beer Garden in historic downtown Kent. The menu features locally sourced ingredients. (Open daily) 

Sidetrack Distillery

Sidetrack Distillery offers a true farm-to-bottle experience. Everything that goes into Sidetrack’s award-winning, fruit-based spirits happens right on Larry and Lucy Persons’ six-acre Lazy River Farm—from planting and harvesting to distilling and bottling. Raspberry and walnut liqueurs are farm and fan favorites. Visit, sip and take a tour to see what this craft distillery is all about.

Open Saturdays and by appointment.

Soos Creek Wine Cellars

Soos Creek Wine Cellars winemaker David Larson has been quietly producing high-quality red wine in Kent since the 1980s. Soos Creek has garnered considerable accolades and awards for its handcrafted, small-production wines, including 90+ ratings from noted wine critics. The vineyard is closed to the public, but you can order wine online or find out what the buzz is about at Reds Wine Bar at Craft Beer at Kent Station. This cozy purveyor typically serves (and sells out of) Soos Creek Wine Cellars selections.

Quench your thirst, and find out more about all there is to see and do in Kent.