Despite three brewery giants participating, no one from Ballard won in the Phinney Neighborhood Association 25th Annual Winter Beer Taste.

Hale's Ales, Hilliard's Beer and Reuben's Brews all participated in the competition. Hale's brought their Wee Heavy Winter Ale, Hilliard's submitted their Murdered Out Stout and Sour Saison, and Reuben's went the IPA route with their Roasted Rye IPA and Imperial IPA.

Two neighboring breweries were able to score: from Greenwood, the Naked House Brewery was able to take home second with their Kentucky Dude, and Bluebird Brewery (a very recent extension of Bluebird Microcreamery in Greenwood, which opens Thursday) won third with their Theo's Chocolate Stout. Snoqualmie Brewing got first with their Wildcat IPA.

Despite Ballard's losses, it still turned out to be a fun event. Adam Robbings of Reuben's Brews writes:

"It was a fun night! Lots of people! We had a number of people who saved their last tickets for us, which was nice. And we met a lot of new people, and my voice had virtually disappeared by the end!!!"

Need a winter warmer? Support our local breweries and grab a drink.

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