On a rainy fall Saturday up here in the Pacific Northwest. I mapped out an area where I had not visited yet Redmond WA with 3 great beer places. Mac & Jacks Brewing Co., Malt and Vine (Beer and wine shop) and last but not least Black Raven Brewing Company.
First stop Mac & Jacks Brewing Company. Production only facility with a small tasting/retail was not sure what I was going to find. Why has no one made fresh brewed cologne sure baffles me? I say this as I just passed a huge vat of malted grains as they vent off steam and wonderful aroma. I was not the only one standing there wafting at the aroma. Once inside the small sampling room you where greeted by a young man asking what would you like to try. Hell I can’t hurt the kid’s feelings so I tried them all. Yes, I have lived here in the Pac NW for a few years so yes Mac & Jacks African amber is like a staple but when free you taste. They have lots of tee shirts growlers and posters to buy. You can get your growler filled or buy a new one when there.
Next I stopped at Malt & Vine I knew they had a good beer selection but I did not know about the wine or the taps they had going on. 6 different taps at the ready with some killer beers being poured. They have 700 different bottled beers from near and far to the crazy Belgian stuff from Belgium-land. Also have an extensive wine area. Very knowledgeable service I know I will be back when I am in the area.
Last stop for the trip was Black Raven Brewing. 
Now being a beer geek I have had a few of there beers but not the whole list. So I pulled up to the bar got out my note book and ordered the sample tray. This place was awesome great service which was also very knowledgeable about the product. It was hard the tasters where so good which one do you get as a pint? Oh be ready when you arrive at any time this place is packed. The beers where so damn tasty I was so glad I made it here and found a spot to sit. No food here but hey do have a pizza place on the ready for delivery and a few snacks from peanuts to pretzels. Black Raven is a must for any beer geek. You will have a blast and there glassware is unique enough even if you have an extensive glass collection you will leave with one more.
Redmond was a great time for this beer geek.
Mac & Jacks Brewery
17825 NE 65th St.
Redmond, WA. 98052
www.macandjacks.com
Malt & Vine
16851 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone:(425) 881-646
www.maltandvine.com
Black Raven Brewing Company
14679 NE 95th ST
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 881-3020
www.blackravenbrewing.com
