Rosario Lounge, Orcas Island, WA

Stars: 4.5
Date visited: January 25, 2014
Address: 1400 Rosario Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245

 Surprisingly low-key for its resort location and equally surprising are the reasonable prices. Very impressive bottle selection with knowledgeable and friendly beer-geeky staff. Great way to celebrate an engagement!

Island Hoppin' Brewery - Orcas Island, WA

Stars: 3
Date visited: January 24, 2014
Address: 33 Hope Lane Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245

Clean, fun, and packed with people (thought it only takes a dozen or so people to pack it!). On the wall sits a nice shelf of personalized mugs for regulars. Peanuts on the floor (and peanuts are free). Seems to be a community hangout that a lot of locals frequent. And although we didn’t take advantage of it, there’s a small number of seats located in the actual brewery, as opposed to the tap room. A nice little collection of brewery-provided board games could make for a really enjoyable evening with a small group of friends. Great prices, 4.50/pint. Northwest-style snacks.

Yellow Island Belgian Pale
Elwha Rock IPA

Island Hoppin' Yellow Island Belgian Pale

Island Hoppin' Brewery, Orcas Island, WA – Yellow Island Belgian Pale

Stars: 2.5 
Date sampled: January 24, 2014
Format: Pint on tap
Where I found it: Island Hoppin' Brewery (Review)

This beer is darker and maltier than you’d expect from a Belgian pale. Tastes like a watered-down tripel or amber and the enjoyment declined over the course of the glass. A challenge to describe…probably wouldn’t get it again, but glad we’d tried it. We definitely know a few people who would enjoy this beer!!

Island Hoppin' Elwha Rock IPA

Island Hoppin' Brewery, Orcas Island, WA – Elwha Rock IPA

Stars: 4.5 
Date sampled: January 24, 2014
Format: Pint on tap
Where I found it: Island Hoppin' Brewery (Review)

Not for the faint of heart. Hoppy nose! Hoppy flavor! Super-hoppy bitter!  Great malt balance. Medium mouthfeel. Incredibly aromatic nose. Lingers for days. Beautiful bronze color with great clarity. It’s a hop bomb that is dropped with precision.