Peaks and Pints Welcomes Chuckanut to the Rescue

Dark times, indeed. Peaks & Pints has summoned Chuckanut Brewery to lighten the mood. We’re asking the Skagit Valley, Washington brewery to brighten November 2024. That’s right; Peaks & Pints will tap award-winning Chuckanut lagers at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, for a break from the malty richness, fuller bodies, and flavors of roasty goodness. Chuckanut co-owner Mari Kemper will be in the house with lagers, giveaways, and her trademark charm.

In 1984, chemical engineer and homebrewer Will Kemper and his culinary crackerjack wife Mari left Boulder, Colorado, and opened Thomas Kemper brewery on Bainbridge Island, Washington, then quickly moved it to Poulsbo. In 1992, Thomas Kemper merged with Hart Brewing, which went on to be Pyramid Breweries. The Kempers signed a non-compete and left to become consultants with East Coast and international breweries. The Kempers took their non-compete and helped build the craft beer scene in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington DC, Mexico, and Turkey.

After a bunch of traveling, they moved to Bellingham where they opened Chuckanut Brewery in 2008 — a convergence of technical and engineering concepts developed from more than two decades of professional involvement with craft brewing both home and abroad. They hired Josh Pfriem as their head brewer, and later Kevin Davey grabbed the head brewer paddle. In late 2016, Chuckanut a new 40-barrel production facility, Chuckanut South Nut, in Burlington. They closed Bellingham in mid-October 2021.

Tune-in to Grit & Grain Podcast Episodes 50 and 51 to hear Mari and Will Kemper fill in the blanks with their accomplishments and amazing stories on their journey to open Chuckanut Brewery in 2008, and then, head to Peaks & Pints to drink Pilsner, Helles, West Coast Pilsner, and other lighter Chuckanut beers.

PEAKS AND PINTS WELCOMES CHUCKNUT TO THE RESCUE, 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3816 N. 26th St., Basecamp Proctor, Tacoma, no cover

LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory