AMBASSADOR WINES OF WASHINGTON 2019 ESTATE ENVOY RED BLEND Several months ago, I was treated to a wine dinner experience at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar at Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac. The visiting winery was Ambassador Wines of Washington, a Woodinville-based boutique winery proud to be “one of the few 100% estate-grown wineries in the state.” They grow their fruit in Red Mountain AVA, a Washington wine region known for its high-quality red grapes, and which Ambassador lauds for the “richness,…
The New Year is all about rebirth, fresh starts, and setting attainable goals. The key word there is “attainable.” Vision-boarding is all well and good, but every successful plan has a first step and a finish line. If one of your resolutions this year is…
Kelsey Albro Itämeri of itä wines itawinery.com What are your main goals when it comes to itä, and how would you describe the style of wine you make? At itä wines, I focus entirely on grapes from the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, up in the foothills of the Blue Mountains— basically from as close to my folks’ property as I can get!…
I had the tremendous honor of judging Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation’s 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Wine Competition (formerly Bellingham Northwest Wine Competition) this past July in its new location: Walla Walla. The weather was warm and welcoming as I arrived to judge an astounding 557 wines over four days among reputable palates of winemakers and industry professionals. Palate fatigue is real;…
When selected with care, drink pairings have the potential to exchange and extend the flavors of an already-delicious meal.
The Black Cat
Matthew’s Honest Cocktails
If liquors are the backbone of the cocktail world, then liqueurs could be thought of as their sweeter, more playful sibling. Unlike standard liquor, these spirits are high in sugar and often (but not always!) lower in alcohol content as a result. Better yet, the options for flavorings and infusions are practically unlimited– you’ll find liqueurs made with everything from fruit to herbs, nuts,…
Madrone Cellars
Mixing Tin
Slough Food
Time & Materials Taphouse
Chuckanut Bay Distillery Expansion
The Mixing Tin May 2022
Mixing Tin April 2022
Your Tasting Experience Means Everything
Eagle Haven Winery
The Mixing Tin
Welcome Road Winery
If you need an antidote to the winter blues, the Jade Maiden is just what the doctor ordered.
The holiday season means it’s time for special gatherings with family and friends, so why not celebrate with an extra-special bottle (or two) of wine? Variety is the key, and Washington and Oregon wineries have you covered with an incredible range of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines that are perfect for the holidays.
Infused spirits are the best kind of holiday gift: Simple, homemade, and delicious. You can whip them up in batches for everyone on your Christmas list, but we wouldn’t blame you if you kept a jar (or two) as a present to yourself as well. Best of all, they couldn’t be easier to put together. All you need are Mason jars, ingredients of choice, and a little bit of patience.
When I think of holiday punches, there is a lot to choose from. Traditional Moscow mules are simple and fun, while fruit-based rum and gin punches are also popular. Other options for Thanksgiving and the…
The 2021 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival Judged Competition was one for the record books. It featured a record number of entries, participating wineries, and Gold and Double Gold medalists. It was also capped with a pleasant surprise: the Best in Show…
A Year in Cocktails
Created and operated by Amber Watts and Ron Extract, Garden Path Fermentation (GPF) is located in Burlington near the Skagit Regional Airport.
A Look at 5 Whatcom Wineries
There’s a new coffee shop/wine bar in town. Black Fern is located in the Granary Building, in easy reach of downtown, Waypoint Park, and the new Wednesday Bellingham Farmers Market.
Find your perfect wine pairing for an end of summer BBQ
Locus Concrete Jungle Ingredients: Stout, Irish cream, cold brew, heavy cream $11 In honor of National Coffee Month — I know, there’s a month for everything, but everyone loves coffee so why not embrace it? — we’re highlighting this creamy coffee concoction from Locus in…
Temple Bar
Snowy River Cocktail Co.
Wit Cellars’ award-winning wines are flavorful, thoughtfully crafted, and deserve to be on your ‘must-try’ list.
According to Storia Cucina’s beverage director, Matthew Boudousquie, this drink is like if a gin and tonic got a PhD.
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Lavender Fields Forever Ingredients Empress gin Giffard creme de mure house-made lavender syrup organic lemon egg white butterfly pea blossom garnish…
Mount Vernon Gets a New Brewery
Storia Cucina Bishop Ingredients: mastika mezcal creme de cassis green chartreuse $11 This drink may look fruity, but don’t let the rosy color fool you. The mezcal creates a smoke-forward elixir layered with complex flavors. One such flavor is the mastika, which gets its name from mastic, a piney resin that imbues the liquor with an evergreen taste. The drink’s dark red color comes in part from the creme de cassis, a sweet French liquor made from blackcurrants. The final ingredient,…
Lorikeet
Tucked away on a hillside about 15 miles west of the Tri-Cities, the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of Washington’s most prominent wine grape growing regions.
Otherlands Beer
The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate the season with a warm winter cocktail.
Wine preservers keep your wine fresher, longer; decanters aerate it for better taste
This issue’s Mixing Tin is the Bosco Fresco from Storia Cucina. With hints of rosemary, honey, and cranberry, this cocktail is like Thanksgiving in a glass! Keep the holidays with you all year long with this drink.
Artivem Mead Co., located in the Granary Building on Bellingham’s waterfront, is the newest addition to the North Sound’s beverage scene.
Take your taste buds on a tour of the state with these select Washington wines.
Find the perfect pairing without sacrificing sweetness.
A closer look at Bellingham’s budding cider scene
This month’s Mixing Tin is A Stone in the Woods from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar.
Mount Vernon’s Newest, Oldest-Feeling Bar
Looking to drink healthier? Go Nude with Nude Beverages.
Skylark’s Hidden Cafe Katie’s Killer Mimosa Ingredients: Fresh muddled orange orange vodka peach schnapps pineapple juice orange juice champagne $9 This delightful cocktail, named after a former employee, is the perfect addition to a Sunday brunch. While it may just taste like orange juice at first sip, don’t let it fool you — it packs a tropical twist. Splashes of…
This edition’s Mixing Tin is the Aviation from L&L Libations, an elegant classic cocktail with a floral twist.
April’s Mixing Tin is the L’italienne from Gainsbarre, a classy wine-and-champagne-based cocktail that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Terramar Brewing, which opened in Edison this past summer, is the area’s newest brewery, pizzeria, and soon-to-be distillery.
Bring on the Riesling! Pacific Rim Winery offers a variety of choices to meet every taste preference and budget, no matter the wine or the season.
Thousand Acre Cider House expands Bellingham’s cider scene. Read more about its owners as well as more about what makes this cider so awesome.
CAN you handle this new drink trend? Many of the season’s winning wines are coming in a can! Find your local favorites and see how these beverages stack up.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Perfect Pear Martini from Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse—a fall cocktail reminiscent of the most perfectly ripe Bartlett Pear.
Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, is here to help you prep your holiday wish list—for beer that is—with his guide to the best beers in the U.S.
How Bellingham rock star, Tim “Herb” Alexander—the celebrated drummer for the alt-rock band Primus—came to co-own Herb’s Cider with his wife, Shama.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil shares the importance of tasting, not drinking, when wine judging—sniffing, swirling, and sipping your way to the best wine.
For this month’s Mixing Tin we indulged in the Hogwarts House Cocktails offered at Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub—Which house are you?
Stemma Brewing Company, owned by Jason and Kim Harper, has officially joined the Bellingham brewery scene—opening a taproom at 2039 Moore Street in June.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Bramble from Swim Club Wet Bar—a rich, spiced cocktail to defend against the early fall chill.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil talks tasty white wines for the warmer summer months, with a wide range of flavors, styles, and sweetness levels.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Summertime Blue from Fireside Martini & Wine Bar—a refresher that changes from sapphire blue to fuchsia in seconds.
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Salish Sea Daiquiri from Saltine—a fruity twist on the original Cuban cocktail recipe.
Farmstrong Brewing Co. in Mount Vernon is making use of local grain—All of their beers contain some percentage of barley that was grown and malted locally.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil gives readers the inside scoop on Pinot Noir: common perceptions, best practices, and some budget-friendly recommendations.
This month’s Mixing Tin is Strawberry Fizz from Valley Shine Distillery. The perfect cocktail to leave winter behind and get in that summertime mood.
Why are IPAS so popular? Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, tells all about the history and variety behind brewing IPAS.
This month’s Mixing Tin is El Beso de Virginia from Northwater. This tequila-based drink is not a margarita, but a delicious way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Woodinville Wine Country is being put on the map as a true destination location. Wine lovers will find a large selection of wineries and restaurants to try.
This month’s Mixing Tin features The Temple Vesper from The Temple Bar in Bellingham. Try pairing this cocktail with the “Everything Plate.”
Dan Radil brings you a guide to non-traditional drinks to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. Try something bubbly, pink, or cool and crisp for a change.
This month’s Mixing Tin features True Love by Pink, an exotic cocktail using lychee made by Studio B. The perfect romantic drink for Valentine’s Day.
Neal Tognazzini reminds us not to forget about dark beers during these long, dark winter months. Selections from Wander Brewing Co. are among the favorites.
These two wine bars on Whidbey Island are ideal for tasting: The Terrace Wine Bar and Bistro in Oak Harbor and Vail Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Coupeville.
How are you going to wash your traditional starch-and-fat lover’s delight of a meal down this Thanksgiving? The answer: Saison.
Cocktail consultant Mike Rothmeyer has developed three versions of the classic Mai Tai for The Union Tavern in Anacortes.
Dan Radil gives an inside look into the current downturn of Whatcom County Wineries and which wineries were distinguished at the Northwest Wine Festival.
Both beer and wine have a wide variety of flavors perfect for the season. Summer is the ideal time for a cold beer, flavorful white, or bold red.
Only the most radical (and misguided) beer snob would insist on a glass for every beer-drinking occasion. Smart drinking requires an appreciation of context.
Maple and brown sugar? These flavors were made for each other, we all know that. But if you thought they existed only in your morning oatmeal, think again.
Western Washington wine lovers in search of a wine-related getaway should look no further than the eastern side of the state. The Tri-Cities and Prosser areas boast plentiful sunshine, a dry climate year-round, and scores of wineries that feature some of the best food and wine…
Heeeere’s Johnny! (With Your Cocktail) Are you ready to be transported to an island oasis? Take one step into Red Rum, the new tiki bar in downtown Bellingham, and you’re greeted with bamboo huts, tiki torches, and no visible windows hinting at what the outside world holds. You can’t tell day from night, only that this may be paradise. Red Rum opened in mid-March under the ownership of Aaron Roeder,…
Most of the watering holes in Bellingham glow with youthful exuberance and do-it-yourself charm. This is one of the things I love about the breweries in town: their unpretentiousness…
This drink was named after the tale of the Five Joaquins. The Five Joaquins were, well, five guys named Joaquin. Between 1850 and…
When you walk into The Blue Abode Bar in Barkley Village, it feels like you are home —even though it’s new to the neighborhood. A cozy spot for cocktails, it has a wood bar, tables are accented with blue paint, and chairs and blue lights line the walls. On each table, empty spirit bottles with twinkle lights on the inside provide a DIY home decor feel. The Brandied Cherry Collins is exciting to the eyes. Its…
From Spring, Lager Awaits Its Day The older I get, the more I appreciate the seasons. Our lives are always emerging from somewhere, always headed somewhere. We always have something to remember and something to anticipate. And it all goes in a circle, so that we can…
Redlight- Pina Mas Macho If you’re looking for a tropical treat to steal you away from the cold Bellingham weather, look no further than the Pina Mas Macho drink from the Redlight bar. Rum, infused with guava to give it a sweet exotic, flavor and basil to freshen it. With an ounce of pineapple juice and a splash of coconut milk you might forget that you truly are…
EAT Restaurant and Bar The Mon Dieu (My god) Ingredients: Captain Morgan’s rum, maple, lime, topped with BelleWood Acres Cider, $11 Tucked on the corner of East Chestnut and Cornwall in downtown Bellingham, EAT Restaurant and Bar is surprisingly upscale for its unassuming location. The cuisine is modern French with a strong emphasis on keeping the menu local and seasonal. For those looking for an elegant spot to grab a happy hour beverage after work, EAT delivers….
The explosion of wineries in the Walla Walla Valley mirrors the impressive growth of wineries in Washington state. How impressive? Consider this: According to the Washington Wine Commission, there were 163 wineries…
Bank on Blaine’s Rich New Wine Bar The Vault Wine Bar, in Blaine, is a restaurant in a unique venue: a former bank building. Teller cages and desks have been replaced with a sleek marble bar top and custom made tables. One wouldn’t exaggerate to say that no expense was spared to create this chic urban bistro. Floor-to-ceiling windows…
Sangria in the Rain INGREDIENTS Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Rene Barbier Catalunya Red Blend, lime, orange, pineapple, Sierra Mist, $8 Perhaps the most appealing part of choosing The Black…
What would happen to the wine industry in the United States if, by some crazy chance, Washington, Oregon, and California were hit by a devastating plague that wiped out every vineyard in the three-state area? Would it be the “end of the world,” so to speak, for domestic wine drinkers? Without a doubt, the answer to that highly unlikely scenario is a resounding “yes.” Certainly, California is far and away the biggest producer of premium wines in the…
Mambo Italiano Mambo Rosemary Margarita Mambo Italiano’s bar sits above the regular dining seating in the front of the café. Up the stairs…
Have you been ignoring red wines altogether during the summer months? Then it’s time to reconsider. Yes, a chilled white…
The Illuminati INGREDIENTS: Jameson, Elderflower liqueur, Drambuie, Genepy des Alpes, Angostura bitters, orange flower water, lemon peel garnish. Served on ice. $11 This month’s cocktail will have you raving like Alex Jones. With the number of sweet cocktails out there today, it can be easy to overlook a drink like the Illuminati, which…
As little as 20 years ago, rosé wines from Washington wineries were, more often than not, likely to be a novelty instead of a tasting room standard. But since that time, rosés have really caught on, almost to the point that they’ve practically become fashionable among Washington winemakers and consumers alike. Can rosés continue to grow in popularity and shake off the stigma of their decades-old, cloyingly sweet predecessors? That remains…
Celebrate fickle season with a versatile wine menu There’s an old saying around the Pacific Northwest this time of year: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” April is one of those crazy, capricious months where the calendar says…
Cosmos Bistro and Portteus Winery On March 4, a sold-out crowd at Cosmos Bistro experienced a range of wines from Portteus Winery, paired with out-of-this-world small plates created by Cosmos owner Cinnamon Berg, during Bellingham Alive magazine’s Spring Sips of the Season. Dan “The Wine Guy” Radil explained to attendees…
One of the many great things about living in Bellingham and the Whatcom County area is the “small-town feel” the region carries despite its close proximity to two major metropolitan areas. With Vancouver, B.C. to the north and Seattle to the south, Bellinghamsters have…
During Prohibition, Ben Lazowski’s grandfather worked as a bootlegger for infamous gangster Al Capone. Young Ben grew up hearing stories of his grandfather’s adventures (with certainly a few misadventures) and exploring secret passageways in this grandfather’s Chicago home. It’s ironic that years of alcohol prohibition could spark a fascination with the stuff decades later. Ben teamed up with his wife Stacey to begin distilling as a hobby in…
Like a fine bottle of sparkling wine, Treveri Cellars, located just east of Yakima, has burst onto the Washington wine scene with style, character, and an understated air of elegance that have made it a Champagne-inspired favorite of many area wine enthusiasts who enjoy bubbles…
With the holidays a distant memory in the rearview mirror, it’s time to focus on a new year, new beginnings, and, unfortunately for many of us, a fresh new set of credit card…
The fall and harvest season is upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and big, indoor feasts will soon be the order of the day. Trying to pull off a near-flawless menu, especially while coping with family…
Ingredients: Dry County Small Batch Apple Pie Liquor, Fresh Lemon and Orange Juice, Maple Syrup, All Spice | $10 This time of year it’s hard to resist the enticements of Edmonds’ Epulo Bistro on a cold, wet evening….
This beautiful bar with dark wood tones and exposed brick is the perfect place to cozy up with a friend and a perfectly balanced cocktail and enjoy the State Street life passing outside the large, antique windows. Gallery-appropriate artwork and a casual-yet-distinctive atmosphere make Redlight special. Chic enough to be at home in Paris or Berlin— and yet so essentially Bellingham— this fine place makes some of the very best cocktails in town. The red book by the glassed-in seating nook is a…
Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss Ingredients: Läka Gin, maraschino, lemon juice, créme de violette, soda | $11 In December 2015, Distiller and Sommelier Erik Liedholm and Chef John Howie opened Wildwood Spirits Co. adjacent to the Beardslee Public House, which they co-own. You can find Wildwood’s craft spirits served at the brewpub and starring in specialty cocktails like The Abyss, a twist on the classic cocktail, The Aviation. Served in…
The Loft at Latitude Forty-Eight Five’s Strawberry Gin Fizz Ingredients: Gin, strawberry puree, soda water, lemon juice | $6 A sunny summer afternoon calls for two things: a seat with a view and a cold drink. The Loft at latitude Forty Eight Five delivers on both accounts. With indoor seating encompassed with large windows and a wrap around deck outside, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. After taking a seat enjoy the sounds of the seagulls, views of…
Remember the “good old days” of outdoor barbequing? Assemble a stack of charcoal briquettes in the grill, saturate them with…
On a perfect Fairhaven Saturday, a group of cyclists walked into Stones Throw Brewery. It was only noon, but the taproom was abuzz with activity. Owner Tony Luciano reached above the bar to pull a handle, TOOOOT TOOOT! The cyclists cheered at the sound, an old train whistle that someone gave Luciano. A passion for beer and outdoor fun inspired owners and WWU alumni Tony Luciano and Jack Pflueger to…
Bluewater Organic Distilling’s The Salish Sea Ingredients: Bluewater Vodka, housemade elderflower, lime juice, simple syrup, cardamom bitters, basil leaf | $11 Bluewater Organic Distilling’s tasting…
next time your work week gets the best of you, head to the Lighthouse and try the DiSarrono Sour.
You see it all the time when sifting through the wine section in search of the perfect bottle to serve with tonight’s meal: “body style.” But what does it mean?
The Woodin Sidecar served up at The Hollywood Tavern — an historic tavern adjacent to Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s production facility and tasting room — is a fantastic cocktail to sip this winter.
Located in Woodinville’s Hollywood District on a curved stretch of road in view of the iconic, tree-lined driveway to Chateau Ste. Michelle’s estate and across the street from the geometric concrete and slatted-wood walls of Novelty Hill – Januik Winery’s tasting room and production facilities, is a well-loved local treasure: The Hollywood Tavern. The Hollywood Tavern is an ideal addition to your…
Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and…
Siberia is, by extremes, a far cry from Whatcom County. It’s a chin-scratcher that a Siberian winemaker by way of Armenia would settle down in this part of…
Riddled with many wonderful wineries, Walla Walla is one of those places where one couldn’t swing a cat without hitting an award-winning wine maker. Annette Bergevin, co-owner of Bergevin Lane Vineyards, is one of those winemakers.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery owners Matt Howell and Kelly Andrews aim to make the highest quality spirits using as many regional ingredients as possible. So far, the pair have created a gluten-free potato vodka and a wheat vodka. Soon, their gin and coffee liqueur will hit the shelves of stores and nearby bars. The potato vodka, made exclusively of Skagit Valley Yukon Gold potatoes, won the Double Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition….
Regular I-5 commuters through Mount Vernon have likely seen the “Winery Coming Soon” sign along the northbound highway. It was an attention grabber for years, promising the imminent…
Samson Estates is nestled among the berry farms and pastures of rural Whatcom County, with the Mount Baker foothills in the distance. The tasting room staff is very friendly, and Samson’s wines are definitely worth the drive. As with most local vineyards, they source for their…
1. Syncline | $19 The winemaker’s tasting notes describe the 2011 Syncline rosé: “Our creation of this wine is in direct response to our love of crisp, dry Rosé. The color is a striking pale rose with aromas of strawberry, stone fruit and melon. Each grape lends…
Washington Wine Country—it’s a descriptor that has become as much a part of our state as apples, evergreens and rain. Although we might not have joined the…
A mecca for hard-to-find Washington wines! The Shop Compass Wines opened its door 11 years ago on Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. The owners have…
Virginie Bourgue completed her migration to Port Townsend, Washington in 2010. In June of this year, she celebrated the opening of Lullaby Winery tasting room. This seaside community reminded her of her old stomping grounds in the South of France. “Everything is in place here, balanced: Port Townsend reminds me of my childhood home,” she said. Her appreciation of the partnership between food and wine provides context to these fabulous European style…
The team at Poppe’s 360 have always been known for their extensive martini list, making Poppe’s a favorite among area cocktailistas. But what had been a reliable…
Ten strangers met on a warm summer evening in Bellingham, WA for a night of wine, beer and cocktail pairings at The Real McCoy, which is owned and operated by in-house mixologist, Brandon Wickland. Oh sure, it would have been easier for one person to write all the comparisons, organize all the details and forego the planning. But this cozy roundtable had a great discussion…
1. North Fork Brewery 6186 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming northforkbrewery.com The home of the Beer Shrine, North Fork was established in 1997…
Established in 1996, San Juan Vineyards is a Puget Sound American Viticultural Area winery destination for locals and tourists alike. The wine room, a renovated…
Mead, also known as honey wine, is said to have been the first alcoholic beverage, coming before both wine and beer. Originating in Northern China and Dating back to 7000 BC, this beverage has been part of cultures all over the world. Many say mead was the nectar of the gods on Mount Olympus. Though we probably wish we could all be Athena, goddess of…
Meet the men and women behind the craft of wine making at six Washington wineries…
