Normally, when going into a local brewery, I’m greeted by a wave and a “Welcome!”, and then I find a seat or belly up to the bar.  When entering Deep Draft Brewing in Gorst, WA, however, I’m greeted by much more than that.  The incredibly gorgeous and custom-made metal gate is a statement piece to the back patio area.  If you look closely at the details and what makes up the decoration of the gate, you’ll see a hodgepodge of gears, valves, spigots, and posts.  Trust me when I say there’s a story there and if you’re able to meet with Linda Seymour-Sweet, owner and Captain of Deep Draft, she’d be happy to tell it to you.

The brewery is home to a wide variety of locally sourced metalwork, actual naval vessel parts, and a basalt rock outcropping that is millions of years old (with the historical plaque to prove it!).  It’s also home to some world-class love for a community.  Everything that emanates from Linda and the Deep Draft crew has the community and people of Gorst at heart.  In the time I spent chatting with Linda it became crystal clear that everything she does is for the good of her neighbors and it was refreshing and reassuring to hear.  We talked about her 25+ years in the Navy, her commanding of various vessels, leading the charge of women in the military, and how the brewery is the culmination of a dream she shared with her late husband Erik.  Quite the conversation and one that gave some insight into why this beer is just so good.

I first had the Huzzah!, a specialized German Maibock that was exceptionally clean.  A clear golden color, it drinks a little sweet and it has a very malt-forward taste.  There is not much of a hop-centric vibe to it which more traditional Bock beers tend to lean toward.  There was a slight note of toasted bread which was a great balance on the finish.  Huzzah was historically used as a call for coordinated physical effort, as in hoisting sails, as well as a cheer for celebration.  I highly recommend coordinating with friends to grab a pint and then cheering in celebration for how delicious it is.

The other beer I had while there was the Red Rye Returning and was truly something different.  Deep Draft gives some light on where the name came from too: “When returning from sea in this part of the globe, ships in the channel are directed to keep the red buoys to starboard (on their right), so the mnemonic sailors use to remember this is “Red Right Returning”.”  The roast scent and flavor that comes from this beer is unlike most any other red I’ve had.  There’s a body of flavor that really makes you want to sit and enjoy the drink.  While “Rye” might scare some folks off, this is well balanced out with Loral, Centennial, and Cascade hops to not have an overpowering presence.

If you find yourself out on the peninsula and in need of some tasty beer, a good story and conversation, live music, and a wonderful community, I can’t recommend Deep Draft Brewing enough.  Make sure you take the trip and truly enjoy the labor of love of Captain Linda and her Crew.