About Port Townsend Brewing Co

The original Port Townsend Brewing Company was one of the largest and longest operating breweries of its time.

It was capitalized at $25,000 and established September 5, 1905, by George Watkins, Michael Hartman and N.W. O'Rear. Ernest Studerus, a well-known citizen at the time, served as brewmaster. The site of the old brewery was on the west side of Monroe Street between Water and Washington Street which now houses the Athletic Club.

June 9, 1906, the first beer was tapped.

The local newspaper, The Leader, had these words to say: "Port Townsend beer drinkers will be given an opportunity today to test the product of the new Port Townsend company's product the brew that might make the city famous." Their prediction was correct, and the company became very successful. Not only did they provide beer to every local saloon, but they also shipped to other areas around Puget Sound.

Unfortunately for the brewery, Washington voters passed the prohibition initiative in the fall of 1914. The law began in January of 1916. Port Townsend Brewing Company continued with a line of non-alcoholic beverages but closed a short time later.

When we opened the doors in 1997 we offered only two beers to customers, the Port Townsend Pale Ale and The Port Townsend Brown Porter.

Since that time we have grown to brew over 10 ales. With the help of brewing consultant Vince Cottone (Sound Brewing Systems Inc.), Master of Malting and Brewing Sciences, Jim Pryor (Victoria B.C., Canada), professional brewers, Bill Pearson and Barry Ladell the brewery got off the ground. Without them we would not be here today!

In 2003 we went from bottling just two of our beers to all 10. We replaced our original 7 Bbl system with a new 15 Bbl system, we bought four more conditioning tanks, and expanded our beer garden to include a bandstand, lots more seating, and outdoor heating.

We have also evolved into being major sponsors for many events in Port Townsend. The largest event, The Wooden Boat Festival is held the 2nd weekend in September and provides one of the largest shows of wooden boats in the country. Centrum Arts Blues Festival held in August, The Port Townsend Film Festival in September and The Kinetic Sculpture Race in October. (See our Events Page for more details.)

Please join us at the brewery in our cozy tasting room for a few pints and a few laughs, and in the summertime enjoy many wonderful concerts in the beer garden.