Seth Gilligan
I mentioned in an earlier article that the encounters or sights along the way enhance my commute (AKA bike ride). You are probably well aware of Seattle’s plethora of bike trail attractions. From the scenery and the sculpture park of the Elliot Bay trail to the beach ambiance of Alki. All of these trails offer their own special view of the city and region. but have you found Gilligan’s?
Since the Burke Gilman Trail was extended beyond 3rd Ave NW, the City has enhanced its usability for leisure, commuting and errand running (or bicycling, in this case). The trail traffic of bicycling-families, strolling walkers as well as commuters is continuous. I enjoy it as a change of pace between Fremont or even the University District and Magnolia via the Ballard Bridge.
There on my way home from the U District one day was Gilligan’s, the best little brewery this side of . . . well, the bike trail. How many times, I had pedaled by the brick-red metal-sided building at 42nd and the bike trail; I can’t even hazard a guess. But hidden within inconspicuously behind a closed garage door were vats and hoses and brewing tank.
Seth Gilligan, brew master, and partners concoct some mighty tasty brews. You can sample what is currently available and that just might be their chamomile, a pale ale or a stout. I ‘m an avid taster, but last fall, I had to take home a growler of the pumpkin. If you want to take some home, I suggest that you bring your own growler or reserve one because they could run out before you get there. This is a “nano” brewery, I learned recently. According to King 5 News, many nano breweries produce less than a hundred barrels a year. In Seattle, that could go pretty fast.
Seth assured me that the garage door will be open on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings.
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