Black Raven Brewing

Redmond's pioneering cult brewery, serving experimental, small-batch Northwest ales.

Black Raven Brewing Company established its nest in Redmond in 2009, founded by brewer Beaux Bowman and Kathryn Gillespie. At a time when the local craft beer scene was beginning to surge, Black Raven quickly earned a reputation as one of Washington's first true cult breweries, with patrons lining up outside the warehouse-district doors before opening. While the company expanded its primary production to a larger facility in nearby Woodinville in 2019, the original Redmond location on Northeast 95th Street remains the creative heart of the operation. Here, the brewers utilize a 15-barrel system specifically dedicated to small-batch experiments, wild collaborations, and limited-release projects that rarely make it beyond the taproom walls.

The Redmond taproom is designed as a straightforward, adult-only sanctuary, maintaining a strict 21-and-over policy that sets it apart from the family-friendly Woodinville outpost. Housed in a light-industrial business park, the space balances a rugged, working-brewery atmosphere with a lively community spirit. Inside, a row of pinball machines hosts the weekly Tuesday night Black Raven Pinball League, drawing local players to compete over 50-cent games. Guests can grab a seat at the sturdy indoor tables or head out to the small, dog-friendly outdoor patio. While the focus is heavily on the draft list, the taproom kitchen serves a select menu of hot pressed sandwiches, including a pesto grilled cheese with goat cheese, alongside warm soft pretzels and a rotating lineup of local food trucks parked outside.

The draft list highlights the brewery's skill in balancing classic Northwest styles with creative infusions. The flagship Trickster IPA remains a benchmark of the region, dry-hopped with a blend of Simcoe, Amarillo, Chinook, Cascade, and Magnum hops to deliver a clean, resinous citrus profile. For those seeking more adventurous flavors, the Kitty Kat Blues pale ale offers a unique infusion of blueberries, vanilla, and hibiscus, while the Coco Jones coconut brown porter provides a rich, toasted alternative. Seasonal releases, such as the award-winning Grandfather Raven Imperial Stout, pay homage to Pacific Northwest heritage, while the Alternate Dimensions series showcases their evolving sour program. Every pour represents Black Raven's founding philosophy: brewing beers they want to drink, with zero compromises on quality.

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