5 Year-Round Experimental Beers to Try Right Now

There’s no shortage of creativity in Seattle’s beer scene. The variety that floods our glasses with every new season is a testament to the world of craft beer being constantly tapped (pun intended) with new delights. 

But, because life is just this way, it seems that most of these experimental beers cannot grace us with their presence for long. Perhaps that gose you adored wasn’t a total hit with the everyday patron. Or maybe next season’s line-up doesn’t have room for that peach sour that had grown on you. And those barrels that aged the stout you fell in love with this winter? Well, they just couldn’t house enough beer to last us through spring.

Yes – we must be careful in what boundary-pushing brews that we give our heart to, as they too often seem to slip away. There’s no shortage of creativity, but often times there is a shortage of beer that’s born from it. 

Luckily, this isn’t always the case.

We give you full permission to fall in love with these five beers – all experimental, creative and distinct in their own rights. Though these might seem like something you’d find on tap if only for a moment, these breweries are letting us sip on these year-round.

Four Ginger IPA from Beardslee Public House

Beardslee Public House has thrown in four types of ginger — fresh, pickled, candied and Thai – to tickle your taste buds in this India Pale Ale. Though the ginger notes are powerful, the last bites of the beer snap back to a strong, traditional hop aftertaste. Say goodbye to the citrusy IPA you once had reached for, because this just might take its place. Find it on tap at the Beardslee Public House taproom in Bothell.

Poydras Porter from Geaux Brewing

If you’ve been mourning the empty kegs of any dark, barrel-aged beer this season, this porter is calling your name. American French oak is thrown into the mix with this porter throughout the brewing process, to give you oak notes that are perfect complements to the caramel and vanilla flavors of a more traditional porter. Imagine a barrel-aged beer without overpowering whiskey flavor, and this is the sweet spot. Drink this in Geaux Brewing’s New Orleans-themed taproom in Bellevue for the full effect. 

Pogo Duck India Session Ale from Counterbalance Brewing Company

It’s not often that you see an India Session Ale on tap year-round. This beer is about half the alcohol by volume of a traditional India Pale Ale, but it still manages to embrace a strong hop flavor and the light, citrusy body of the IPAs that we love. Head to Counterbalance, in Georgetown, to have one or two – thanks to that lower ABV – of these for yourself.

Shrouded Summit Witbier from Ghostfish Brewing Company

Ghostfish Brewing Company in SoDo is experimental in and of itself: it’s a completely gluten-free brewery. How it made a Belgian-style beer this magnificent, without key ingredients of wheat and barley, is one of life’s true mysteries. Though these key ingredients are left out of the mix, this is one of the best Belgians in all of Seattle. Start with a pint or two at Ghostfish, and pick up a 4-pack later on.   

Coco Jones Coconut Porter from Black Raven Brewing Company

If you’re sipping on a beer that’s snatched up a World Beer Cup Gold Medal, odds are that it’s going to be great. This brew gives you everything you want out of a porter – a heavy malt base with nutty, coffee notes – while also surprising you with mouthwatering coconut flavor thanks to the toasted coconuts that weasel their way into the recipe. Lucky for us, this boundary-pushing porter is available year-round on tap at Black Raven in Redmond, and also in kegs, bottles and growlers.