Stemma Brewing celebrated its three-year anniversary the last weekend of June with a handful of releases. Movin’ to the Country is a thick, fruity smoothie sour brewed in collaboration with Vice Beer of Vancouver, Washington. Dill With It, a hard pickle seltzer, is made with pickle juice from Jack’s BBQ (they only produced one keg, so it might already be gone). Limited-edition anniversary glassware and cans of triple-hopped Stemma IPA were also released.
Stemma arrived on the Bellingham beer scene in 2019. The family-run, kid- and pet-friendly brewery (I’ve spotted as many cats there as dogs over the years) started strong with slick marketing, an attractive space and dialed-in beers. They’ve continued confidently in that direction ever since.
On one hand, I can’t believe Stemma has been around for three years already. On the other, it seems as if they’ve always been a part of the community. As parents themselves, owners Jason and Kim Harper intentionally created a family-friendly space when planning and building their business. And they’ve succeeded — my nieces love going to the “cat brewery,” where they can enjoy loaded nachos from the onsite Ah! Chihuahua taco truck and dinosaur-topped waffles from Sweet As Waffles.
Of course, this being a brewery, there’s plenty for the adults to enjoy, too. Stemma’s wide-ranging tap list offers everything from pilsner and hazy IPAs to weird one-offs (like that pickle seltzer). They’ve also acquired a new slushie machine, so expect more cool slushie specials this summer.
Stemma’s wasn’t the only Bellingham brewery birthday at the end of June. Otherlands Beer commemorated its two-year anniversary with the release of Songs of Courtship, a summer festbier lager. Otherlands also collaborated with Wander Brewing on Terre Du Soleil, a foeder-aged saison. Both beers are available in bottles.
Otherlands opened in June 2020, against all COVID-caused odds. Like existing businesses in town, they adapted quickly to ever-changing regulations, adding outdoor seating to keep the doors open. It wasn’t always part of the plan, but sitting in Otherlands’ wildflower-strewn beer garden today is a delight.
I was there for the soft opening, the grand opening and on many an occasion since. I’ve watched owners Ben Howe and Karolina Lobrow roll with the punches, building their business and tackling each challenge with thoughtful perseverance. They joke that “somehow, after two years, we’re still around.” But it comes as no surprise to those of us who’ve been following along. After just two years, Otherlands has become one of the most sought-after breweries in Bellingham.
Many folks come for the food, and rightly so. Otherlands’ European-inspired, vegetarian-friendly menu is a welcome departure from traditional pub grub. I recommend going for a meal even if you’re not a big beer drinker. Start with the latkes and pierogies (an order of each is enough to stuff two diners) and come back for the beet Reuben sandwich, street frites and seasonal salads.
While the food is exceptional, Otherlands’ beer is truly outstanding. Ben’s brews have turned this former IPA guy into a full-fledged saison sipper (I still like IPAs, but now prefer subtler brews). The brewery’s rustic saisons and lagers are generally low-alcohol, highly drinkable and well-fit for food pairing. Even if you don’t think you like lagers (I didn’t), try one. And then another. I bet you’ll find something to come back for.
On another note, have you been to Banter After Hours yet? Housed in the former Saltine space on Prospect Street, it serves top-notch, vegetarian-friendly fare alongside cocktails, local beer and wine. Happy hour (4–6 p.m. daily) is excellent, with $8 classic cocktails, $4 pints and food specials. If you’re looking for a Temple Bar happy hour replacement, this is it. Banter also operates a breakfast/lunch café on Commercial Street and plans to open a third location in Fairhaven.
Coming attractions
• Ponderosa Beer and Books will open Saturday, July 2. Head down to the new taproom at 1225 Roeder Ave. to peruse its curated selection of draft beer, bottles and cans, and beverage-focused books.
• Bellingham’s Fourth of July Festival has a new home on the downtown waterfront this year. Previously held at Zuanich Point Park, the 2022 celebration will take place at Kulshan’s Trackside beer garden. Sip Bellingham-brewed beer while watching live music from 4–10 p.m., followed by the fireworks show.
• Northwest Tune-Up Festival takes place July 8–10 at Bellingham’s downtown waterfront. The bike, music and beer festival will feature 24 regional breweries and cideries. Tickets ($75 for single-day pass; $150 for three-day pass) are available online.
• The summer edition of Bellingham Tap Trail is out now. Featuring 38 breweries and tap houses, the map and passport now include north Whatcom County businesses like Atwood Farm Brewery, plus Skagit breweries like Chuckanut, Garden Path and Terramar. Earn stamps at participating locations to trade for fun prizes (bottle openers, leather coasters, patches, etc.).
Brandon Fralic’s Drink Cascadia column runs every other Wednesday. Reach him at drinkcascadia@gmail.com.
