Washington Beer: A Heady History of Evergreen State Brewing

Michael F. Rizzo traces the evolution of Washington’s brewing industry through a chronological narrative that begins with early territorial operations and concludes with modern developments in 2015. The text examines how homesteader ventures like the Colville Brewery helped establish local towns, while also detailing Joseph Meeker’s pioneering role in planting the state’s first hops in Steilacoom in 1865. This agricultural boom eventually positioned Washington as a national leader in hop production by the turn of the century. The book documents the contributions of figures such as Emil Sick and Catherine Stahl, who galvanized early Pacific Northwest brewing efforts. It covers the impact of Prohibition during the 1910s through the 1930s, followed by a period of market competition from the 1940s to the 1970s. A significant portion focuses on the craft beer revival, starting with Bert Grant’s opening of the first brewpub since Prohibition in 1982 and the subsequent rise of Seattle’s Independent Ale Brewing Company. The narrative continues through the new millennium, addressing industry shifts in the early 2000s and the growth seen between 2011 and 2015. This work suits readers interested in regional history and the specific timeline of craft beer development. It provides a structured account for those seeking factual records of Washington’s brewing milestones rather than recipes or tasting notes.