Local microbrews are on tap at the Bellevue Brewing Company, which opened for business this week.
After two years of development, the taproom and brew house are open for business at 1820 130th AVE NE #2, Bellevue.
Bellevue Brewing Company's 12,000 square foot space includes the brew house that accommodates 20 barrels and a 5,000 square foot, family-friendly taproom with private rooms, a bar, video monitors, a projection screen and free wi-fi.
Along with its four flagship beers and rotating seasonal offerings, the Bellevue Brewing Company will offer other locally produced microbrews and wine, said one of its founders, John Robertson.
"We're developing great relationships with other brewers and supporting the craft and industry as a whole," Robertson said. "It's really pretty collegial."
He and head brewer Tony Powell said the fledgling brewery has received plenty of help and support from other Northwest microbreweries, including breweries Hale's Ales and Hopworks Urban Brewing in Seattle, 7 Seas in Gig Harbor, Kulshan Brewing in Bellingham, Black Raven in Redmond, Gigantic in Portland and Triple Horn in Woodinville.
Bellevue Brewing company has its own Northwest pedigree. The microbrewery was founded by Scott Hansen, founder of the locally produced and German-beer inspired Leavenworth Biers, and Robertson, a Bellevue commercial real estate developer who has a passion for beer.
They enlisted on head brewer Powell, who held the same position at microbrew Fish Brewing Company in Olympia, and who has been brewing beer on his own and professionally since 2004.
Powell said the four flagship beers always on tap will be an ESB, an oatmeal stout, an American-style IPA and a Scotch ale. Two seasonal offerings will be available at any given time, Robertson added.
Its brew house will also be open to the public with seating, when it's safe for the public to be back there, so the public can share the passion for beer, Robertson said. When the brew house is closed to patrons, the beer-loving public still can see through the roll-up door to see where and how their beer is produced, he said.
The taproom will also offer upscale traditional pub food, with vegetarian offerings and ice cream made with its own stout.
The company already is making plans for a second location in Bellevue's Spring District, Robertson said.
For information on hours, check out the brewery's Facebook page.
